Our History

Grant Hartman and his wife Jean moved with their family to Evansville in 1966 for his job at Mead Johnson and bought the property that is now the Arboretum in 1968. They lived in the 1800s-era farmhouse at the end of the property, and the space that is now the Arboretum was pastureland. Upon Grant’s retirement in 1995, he decided that he wanted to fill that pastureland with trees and create an arboretum. With support and guidance from his brothers John, Paul, and Glen, all professionals in the world of plants, his son Brian, and some assistance from Purdue Extension as well, Grant started planning and planting. With the help of summer student staff, Master Gardener volunteers, and other family members, the Arboretum has grown into a truly special place that features the diversity of plants, trees, and shrubs of this region. Grant and Jean, along with other Hartman family members, still live on the property and work to upkeep and share the Arboretum.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a place for people to learn about the diversity of trees, shrubs, and wildlife of Southern Indiana. From oak to redbud trees, wildflowers to butterfly host plants, we maintain a wide variety of species here and share them through our weekly visitor hours, public learning events, and private events and tours.

Our People

Grant Hartman

Arboretum Founder

Grant Hartman dreamed, planned and planted, and continues to maintain the Arboretum. He can almost always be found out in the Arboretum, mulching, weeding, mowing, or hitting a few golf balls. We are so grateful for his vision and leadership that started the Arboretum.

Jean Hartman

Jean is Grant’s wife and can certainly be called the mother of the Arboretum; she nurtures and connects with people and plants. She is often the first face you will see when you visit the Arboretum as she loves to meet visitors.

Brian Hartman

Brian is Grant and Jean’s son and lives on the property with his family as well. He has helped design and plant different areas of the Arboretum, and in his summers off from teaching, he and his children work with the maintenance of the Arboretum.

Kaylynn McCalister

Kaylynn is Grant and Jean’s granddaughter, and she works with events, communication, social media, and other organizational matters with the Arboretum. She was married at the Arboretum in 2019 and often brings her little one, Frank, along with her to work.

Master Gardeners

The Arboretum is lucky to have a dedicated group of Master Gardener volunteers who work with several of our gardens, including the Pollinator Garden, Wildlife Garden, and Stumpery. We are very thankful for their knowledge and hard work.