RCL Blog- The Arboretum

img_4083The Arboretum is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful spots on campus. While wandering around, I felt a sense of peace. This spot can be used to foster civic interaction and exploration. Students of Penn State as well as citizens of State College can come and witness the beauty of the Arboretum. img_4084Within it is a child’s area, called Childhood’s Gate. In my opinion, this area truly brings about a way to foster civic interaction. Kids of all ages come with their parents to play and gaze at the sights that lie before them. When you first walk in, there is a green sign which describes the area. One line stood out to me. “Be inspired to become a steward of our world to every generation”. img_4085Be one who keeps order and peace within our world. This statement can help to inspire kids to make a difference in the world we live in and to be who they were made to be.

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As you enter Childhood’s Gate there is a glass “house” which contained boxes of snake skin, birds eggs, etc., in which you could touch and feel for yourself. A sign outside of this read that vegetables and herbs grown at the Children’s garden are donated to the College Food Bank. This is another way in which the Arboretum fosters civic involvement- by helping those around them and inspiring other kids to donate and help. Also in this area is a “cave” in which kids can play in and and statue of a giant caterpillar for people to take pictures on or with.

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The Arboretum helps define our identity as a University Campus by giving us a place in which we can remember and encourage people to come and visit from all over. The arboretum also allows Penn State Alumni to hold their weddings here. This allows Penn Staters to gather together and celebrate one of the best days of their lives together. Everyone on campus knows what the Arboretum is and the beauty that comes with it.

Representations and understandings of nature can contribute to civic life. It does so by bringing together a community of people to a common place. Each person may be different and the community will consist of a large range of ages, but everyone is brought to the same place for the same reason- to admire nature’s beauty. Although very different, each person witnesses the same thing and everyone gets a sense of peace when gazing at the sights which lie before them.

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