Fostering inclusion and connection: The Arboretum's commitment to equity and diversity

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Equity, Access, and Inclusion Committee (EAIC) was recognized by the University of Minnesota Office for Equity and Diversity with an Outstanding Unit Award for Equity and Diversity at an awards breakfast on Thursday.

“[The committee’s] collective systems change work has served to open doors to and foster a culture of inclusion in our unique public garden space,” said Starr Sage, CFANS’ assistant dean for inclusive excellence, and Brian Buhr, CFANS’ dean, in their nomination letter.

An instance of implementing inclusive practices occurred in conjunction with the Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk, an augmented reality art exhibition presenting the work of Marlena Myles, a member of the Spirit Lake Dakota tribe. Before the exhibition's grand opening, the Arb promoted its “Waived Admission for Indigenous Peoples” policy at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi (powwow) to more than 1,500 attendees, as well as at other Indigenous community events, and on the Arb website and social media channels. This initiative made the exhibition more accessible to Indigenous visitors, with a goal of fostering deeper connections between the land, art, and community.

The EAIC has been working towards removing barriers for underserved communities through its Arb Access initiative, which partners with several counties and cities in Minnesota to provide free memberships to qualifying households; more than 1,000 households participate in the program.

The EAIC does work that isn’t as visible to visitors to create a sense of belonging among the 200 staff members and many volunteers. The Arb invited Abra Lee, a prominent horticulturist and author of a book on gardening’s African American “hidden figures,” to present on building collaborative relationships with communities. Arboretum volunteers are able to attend equity and inclusion workshops and learning opportunities, in an effort to create a culture of growth.

As the Arb continues to prioritize diversity and inclusivity, it sets a powerful example for how public spaces can not only celebrate but actively invite and embrace diverse perspectives, creating a more equitable future for all.