From birds to butterflies, the Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum on Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur campus in Jupiter may seem like a sea of trees, but in reality, it is home to a near-endless list of wildlife.
Walking through the Arboretum, one can discover the flourishing plant life of the urban forest, unique ecosystems and diverse bird populations with over 100 documented species. This year marks the Arboretum’s 20th anniversary, but the history of the man-made forest dates back to when it started off as a flat patch of grass.
In 2004, former FAU Vice President Robert J. Huckshorn proposed an Arboretum, a botanical garden with trees and other woody plants, to be built as his retirement gift. According to the Arboretum’s website, Huckshorn thought it would serve as a serene place for the community to escape from the rush of everyday life…