. Situated in the northern part of campus, the Penn State Arboretum opens up the campus to miles of green grasses greeted by flora of any and every kind. The Business and the Forest Resources buildings look out onto the entrance of the Arboretum, decorated with a rising fountain. In this way, it creates a safe place for stressed out students, a reminder to all that have the opportunity to visit its greens what they’re studying for. To those in the Business building it may be a constant reminder that one day they will earn enough money to give back to their school. To others in the Forest Resources Building, it shows what they are studying to preserve in their communities, appreciation and protection of the environment around us.
The Arboretum creates communities of people from different ages, interests, and majors because each can learn something different from its pathways. During the day, it is used as a way to teach local children new skills and try to get them interested in learning early. This creates a new community of kids who grow up learning through observing and interacting, with a deep-rooted appreciation for the outdoors and adventure. There are many different types of students that spend their free time in the Arboretum, ranging from couples lounging under the shade of the trees to a Business student getting some last minute reading done. These students are all able to share their love for the peacefulness of the Arboretum because it creates an atmosphere that welcomes anyone who has the time to appreciate it.
The Arboretum serves as a focus for civic life through community donations, educating the youth, and creating community service opportunities. Alumnae see the Arboretum as a way to give back to their alma mater in a unique way, that being to maintain an area separate from the hectic lives of students and faculty where they can pause and enjoy the views. There are volunteers who maintain the grounds, creating the idea of civic duty to create a more beautiful park.
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