The Iowa Arboretum, just a short drive from Ames, is the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll, enjoy the beauty of nature and learn a thing or two about Iowa’s plant life.

The Arboretum, located on 378 acres in the heart of Boone County, contains hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers.

Rae Boyson, the director of the Iowa Arboretum, says its goal is to help Iowans appreciate and better understand plant life. The Arboretum is often called a “Library of Living Plants,” because of the variety of things visitors can experience and learn during their visit.

On the west 40 acres, the “Library Trail” winds through 19 plant collections, allowing visitors to view thousands of trees, shrubs and flowers. Plants with similar uses are grouped together so visitors are able to learn which plants are best adapted to Iowa’s soil and climate, and how to use the plants properly for landscaping and gardening. The plant collections include hostas, herbs, perennials, shrubs, conifers, nut trees, wetland trees, flower trees, a butterfly garden and dwarf conifers. Each plant is labeled with both its common and botanical names.

To the east, 338 acres of timber contain a network of self-guided trails varying in length from one-quarter to one-half mile long. The woodland trails pass by scenic overlooks, deep ravines and meandering streams. Highlighted on the trails are trees, shrubs and wildflowers native to Iowa.

Visitors to the Iowa Arboretum can also enjoy the new Siberian Iris Garden and the Dr. Griffith Buck Rose Gardens. The rose gardens contain more than 80 varieties of roses developed by Buck, an Iowa State rose hybrider. Visitors are also invited to take part in guided tours, educational classes and environmental programs.

The Iowa Arboretum’s 1996 schedule is filled with many special events, informative workshops, plant sales and volunteer activities. The Arboretum is a non-profit, privately-funded facility open to the public every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. Admission is $2 for all visitors over the age of 12.

To find the arboretum, take Highway 17 to Luther, Iowa, then go west on County Road E-57 for 2.5 miles. Continue two miles south on Peach Avenue. For more information, call (515) 795-3216.