Sacred Places
Brenton Arboretum
Trees placed to block the buildings out.
WHERE
Dallas Center, IA
PARTNER INSTITUTION
Brenton Arboretum
Visit
Where it is
25141 260th St, Dallas Center, IA 50063
What happens here
The arboretum centres its focus on celebrating trees and encouraging visitors to learn about and care for them, holding over 2,500 different trees and shrubs representing 500 different taxa.
HOW IT CAME TO BE
The trees do the screening.
01
The Need
An arboretum dedicated to peace, quiet, and solitude has to keep the outside world out of view.
02
The Vision
Trees are strategically placed throughout the arboretum, blocking any view that would be clogged with outside distractions such as buildings or construction. The planting is the architecture.
03
The Transformation
Over 2,500 trees and shrubs across 500 taxa are on display. A new Meditation Trail is planned through the existing conifer and crabapple orchards, accessible to all and specifically dedicated to encouraging self-reflection and meditation.
WHO TENDS IT
Dennis Kelly
Firesoul, Brenton Arboretum
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HEAR FROM THE VISITORS
From the Little Yellow Journal
Saw a t-rex today in the labyrinth. Here is a photo. Mom doesn't believe me.
– Jacob
