On Friday, August 19, the Polly Hill Arboretum (PHA) officially celebrated the completion of their new Education Center and Botany Lab. According to a press release, the new building will provide a year-round classroom facility, including a botany laboratory and herbarium. Executive director Tim Boland explains, “This new facility is a huge leap forward for our education and research programming, and the realization of a longstanding vision.” He adds, “It’s rewarding to know that, finally, we’ll have laboratory space and a year-round classroom. We will be reaching more people than ever before, and realizing our mission to a fuller extent.”
The building was made possible by a $500,000 matching grant from the Cedar Tree Foundation (the family foundation of co-founder Dr. David Smith). Gifts from Arboretum members and friends and a $200,000 Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities Grant helped complete the funding.
The Cedar Tree Grant represents a natural extension of the vision of Dr. David Smith. Smith, a pioneering medical researcher, believed in the power of science and individuals to change the world. His belief in Polly’s scientific approach to growing trees led to the opening of the arboretum in 1998. Subsequent growth has been inspired by David’s energetic belief that the arboretum should play a pivotal role in education and conservation on Martha’s Vineyard and beyond. David’s wife, Joan Smith, is an honorary PHA board member, and remains dedicated to his vision.
Building construction began last fall, with Tucker Hubbell of Rising Sun Construction as the primary building contractor. Margaret Curtin and Peter Rodegast were principal designers of the building.
On Friday, Tim Boland, Joan Smith, and Tucker Hubbell shared in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, appropriately cutting the ribbon with garden loppers. Boland thanked everyone for their support, adding, “We have had incredible people supporting and working on this project; everyone involved cares deeply for the Vineyard, the arboretum, and the spirit of the place.”
