While the crisp November air does not usually conjure up images of flowers and trees, about 350 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Penn State's arboretum this afternoon.

The arboretum is part of a larger initiative to enhance the natural beauty of Penn State's campus and create a memorable and meaningful landscape, Penn State President Graham Spanier said at the ceremony.

The ceremony, held at the proposed arboretum site north of Park Avenue between Bigler and Shortlidge Roads, featured remarks from Spanier as well as Board of Trustees Chairman James Broadhurst, Kim Steiner, arboretum director, and Robert Steele, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.

"[The arboretum] will further Penn State's efforts in stewardship and conservation in the region," Spanier said.

Today's ceremony launched the construction of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, which will occupy nearly 58 of the arboretum's 370 acres. Phase I of the arboretum, projected to open in 2009, will include an overlook pavilion, an event lawn and initial plantings in the Rose and Fragrance Garden and the Demonstration Gardens.

Check Monday's Daily Collegian for the full story.