The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum is in need of some extra help, especially after one of their large shrubs was destroyed this past weekend.
Their Vice President, John Gallis, said they experience vandalism from time to time, but that’s mostly to smaller plants and structures. In this case, they aren’t sure what exactly happened.
He said he left on Saturday around 11 a.m. and on Sunday he identified that a Fourwing saltbush had been completely dug up and destroyed near the entrance of the Arboretum.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can call 806-797-4520 or email [email protected]. More information about what all they do can be found at their website here.
Wallis said a lot of hard work goes into making the arboretum be a green and lush place here in West Texas.
“We go to a lot of trouble to try to provide an environment that is pleasant, that’s attractive to look at, that maybe is something different than you normally see in Lubbock. It’s a lot of physical work. And then the planning that goes into this, it’s not just random,” Wallis said.
The arboretum is home to plants, trees, vines, shrubs and flowers as well as many insects and animals.
“We have over 120 different kinds of trees here,” Wallis said.
Wallis said he believes the arboretum is special to Lubbock. He also added how special it is to him.
“The word oasis might be a bit much, but it is to me,” Wallis said.
To keep it this way, he said they need volunteers. Ever since the pandemic, they haven’t had nearly as many.
“Right now we’re probably operating with two consistent volunteers. Just think that if you had a seven acre backyard,” Wallis said.
It’s events, such as in the case of the plant being dug up and destroyed, that show even more the need for volunteers for the non-profit. Even if they really know what all happened.
“We do experience vandalism, theft on not a regular basis, but certainly several times during the year. But this was something a little new where they dug up an entire plant and destroyed it. The four wing saltbush, which has been growing for many years on the south side of our gazebo,” Wallis said.
With more volunteers, this means the potential to lock the gate at night. Wallis said they’ve had issues with this as they would need someone to lock and unlock the gate everyday, as well as make sure everyone is out of the arboretum.
It would also mean they could continue their mission for years to come.
“What we really need is support from the community of Lubbock for us to continue as we have for the last 60 years,” Wallis said.
