In 2007, after Guy was invited to speak at Illinois College by biology professor, Dr. Lawrence Zettler, an official partnership was established between the College and Starhill.

Over the past decade, this partnership has grown and developed many benefits for Illinois College students. The property now includes two houses, a field lab, four greenhouses, two ponds, a tree nursery and more.

Today, students from all backgrounds benefit from IC’s connection to the arboretum by participating in a wide range of activities including field trips, tours and volunteer opportunities. Classes from all academic areas from entomology, environmental studies and botany to marketing, English and psychology have made use of the
arboretum. IC athletic teams have used the location as a retreat and team-bonding site. According to Alana Cook McKean ’08, Starhill Forest Arboretum curator, the site also offers endless possibilities for research in the field on a private site that won’t be disturbed. McKean said that the internship program is also very important to the arboretum.

“Interns learn about everything that must be done to keep the arboretum going over the summer,” said McKean. “They learn to use the equipment and experience many hands-on learning opportunities.”

Students also benefit from Guy’s connections throughout the world. He is well known for his work at Starhill and as an author, notably releasing “Native Trees for North American Landscapes” in 2004.

For more information about Starhill Arboretum, visit www.starhillforest.com.