It's a great New Year for Centenary College.  Its Ed Leuck Arboretum has been awarded a Level II Accreditation through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and the Morton Arboretum. 

Centenary's Arboretum has achieved standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens.  The Ed Leuck Arboretum is one of only five in Louisiana to be listed in the Morton Register.

In a news release, Centenary Warters Chair of Biology says, "I hope this will encourage people to use truly native trees and shrubs and herbaceous plants instead of nursery-stock determined for them by big-box chains."

The Ed Leuck Louisiana Arboretum spans three acres of Centenary's campus and was founded by Leuck in 1984 at the request of Centenary Board of Trustees member Harry Balcom and President Emeritus Donald Webb.  Leuck planted the first trees in 1985 after a redesign of the area.  The collection is now made up of 190 woody native plant species, 14 woody exotic plant species and more than 70 non-woody native plant species.

"I was amazed by the woody plant diversity here," Leuck says.  "When a Centenary trustee wanted to establish a modest arboretum on campus in the early 1980's, I jumped at the chance to collect and  exchange for local flora."

The Arboretum is open to visitors throughout the year.  Year-round education programs, along with hands-on science and outdoor exploration, are offered, as well.

CLICK HERE for more details.

More From News Radio 710 KEEL