Emma and Charles Klehm surrounded by a field of 'Charlies White' Peonies.

Our journey to create a local arboretum and botanic center began with the establishment of the Northern Illinois Botanical Society (NIBS) in April of 1989. Klehm's history goes all the way back to 1910, when the Rockford Nursery was established by landscape architect William Lincoln Taylor on the site that is now home to the arboretum. In 1968, the Klehm family purchased and maintained the land until 1985, when they generously donated it to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District. The vast diversity of our woody plant collection is attributed to the Taylor and Klehm families and 25 years of care and management by Klehm Arboretum's staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Visitor's Center construction 1997

Much has happened in the 25 years since a dedicated group of gardeners and tree lovers formed NIBS, helping it to blossom into the Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden you know today. Capital campaigns raised funds to erect the Visitor Center with offices, gift shop, library, and meeting space. The Clarcor Pavilion and Demonstration Gardens are used for horticultural educational opportunities, the Fountain Garden is busy with weddings and events, and the Nancy Olson Children's Garden is a wonderful place for young families to explore.

Start of 2014 Arbor Dash 5K

Klehm Arboretum isn't done growing yet. As the city transforms the South Main Street corridor with urban renewal and street improvement projects, the arboretum is ideally positioned to welcome visitors and members to enjoy nature's beauty on our unique grounds. With the addition of new events such as the Arbor Dash 5K, the Luminary Walk, and new educational programs like the Neighborhood Naturalists and Young Explorers, we will offer even more opportunities for the Rockford community to enjoy Klehm and engage with nature in 2014.

Clarcor Pavilion est.1994

Your generous gift will be used to support our mission and help Klehm move forward with new projects like renovations to the demonstration garden area and the restoration of a 14 acre old growth Bur Oak grove; a wonderful native landscape of stately giant oaks and delicate woodland wildflowers.

 

Sincerely,

Daniel S. Riggs

Executive Director

 

P.S. Your contribution goes to direct support of the arboretum, gardens and programs!

 

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