History of the Arboretum

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An arboretum is a special garden that features trees and shrubs grown for education and research. It may show examples of rare or unique species or grow native trees. It depends on the purpose chosen for the arboretum.

The 6-acre property located at 470 Waterloo St. in New Hamburg was first used in the 1940s by Waterloo County to test plowing methods and water runoff for area farmers. The Arboretum, only the second in Ontario, saw its first trees planted in 1957 and 1958. It was deeded to Wilmot Township from Waterloo Region 30 years ago, in 1994.

New Hamburg Arboretum timeline

1949

In 1949, the site was chosen by the Ontario Department of Agriculture for the first contour plowing match in Ontario.

Test plots and runoff tanks from 1949 contour plowing match

Separated fields with runoff tanks

1949 to 1957

Ongoing soil demonstration plot for the Soils Department of Ontario Agricultural College (Guelph), the Soil and Crop Improvement Association and Waterloo County. The site was managed by Wilf Schneller, a Baden area farmer who was a visionary and an environmentalist, later recognized in the Waterloo County Hall of Fame.

1957 to 1958

After the project ended, Wilf Schneller and Sandy Forsyth, Agricultural Representative for Waterloo County, suggested an arboretum. Trees were planted, funded by the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests and the Ontario Agricultural College. ongoing soil demonstration plot for the Soils Department of Ontario Agricultural College (Guelph), the Soil and Crop Improvement Association and Waterloo County. The site was managed by Wilf Schneller

1964

On June 10, 1964, The Waterloo County Arboretum was officially opened by the Honourable W.A. Stewart, Minister of Agriculture for Ontario.

Minister Stewart and Professor Taylor from the Ontario Agricultural College at opening ceremony

Two men standing in grass field with newly planted trees

Aerial view from 1966 with Arboretum highlighted:

1966 airphoto of New Hamburg with arboretum highlighted

1973 to 1994

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo replaced Waterloo County and had an Arboretum Advisory Committee that included members of Regional council, including the mayor of Wilmot as well as Wilf Schneller (d. 1987).

In 1994 the Arboretum was deeded to Wilmot Township from Waterloo Region.