On May 1, 2026, the guest speaker at our club was Justine Richardson, Director of the 400-acre Arboretum at the University of Guelph. Justine provided an informative update on how this Guelph Treasure continues to grow, improve and delight all who visit. Part of its rich history includes the “Rotary Tree Grove” described below, and the invitation for Rotarians to consider expanding Rotary's imprint at this beautiful location. Watch this short VIDEO about our amazing Arboretum, and see the WEBSITE here.
The Guelph Arboretum is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Ontario with the highest Level 4 accreditation and was first to obtain this top ranking in Canada.
Here is a Rotary story that was published on our website back in 2022 …
The Rotary Tree Grove at Guelph's Arboretum is a collection of over 130 trees comprising 33 varieties, chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons. Planted to reflect Rotary's "Avenues of Service" it is well worth taking a walk in the park! Today, the beautiful trees remain but the original wood signs for different aspect of Rotary no longer exist after their quality deteriorated over many years.
While the trees are bigger and more beautiful than ever, the walking trails around them need some improvement. The general area of the Rotary Tree Grow is now used for disc golf, bringing many enthusiasts out to enjoy the environment.
This Rotary Tree Grove was established in 1980 to commemorate Rotary International’s 75th Anniversary and the Rotary Club of Guelph’s 60th Anniversary.
It used to be an annual event for RCOG club members to visit the Rotary Tree Grove and provide maintenence by cutting grass, removing weeds and debris. Jim Anderson was the lead and funds were budgeted in the Environment Committee each year. Funds were paid to the University of Guelph for annual maintenance.
The purpose of the Rotary Tree Grove collection is to display tree species used for urban planting. Trees play a vital role in the urban environment where all too often the reality is asphalt and concrete. The most important benefit provided by trees (other than their beauty) is climate moderation. Trees reduce wind speed and cool the air by transpiring water from their leaves. Trees prevent dark surfaces (asphalt and rooftops) from storing heat in the summer. Trees also shield us from UV sunlight. A large tree can provide the cooling equivalent of five room size air conditioners. Up to 25% of your property’s value is related to trees.
Rotary Tree Grove, named after Roy Hammond
Roy was a life-long resident of Guelph, Ontario, and one of its most active, vocal and involved citizens. As one of the founders of Hammond Manufacturing, he worked tirelessly to make the company a success. In his long, productive life, he led by example with an ethic of hard work and stewardship. He was a strong moral presence in everything he did. He was a generous contributor as well as an enthusiastic fund-raiser for many charities and organizations. In retirement, he continued active involvement into his nineties with the Rotary Club of Guelph, the Guelph-Wellington Men's Club and The Arboretum, University of Guelph. Roy passed away on June 3, 1999, in his 92nd year.
The layout map of this Rotary Tree Grove was designed to include Rotary names such as:
Paul Harris Circle
W.D. Wood Circle
Avenue of Club Service
Avenue of International Service
Avenue of Community Service
Avenue of Vocational Service
Friendship Place
The Rotary Tree Grove now hosts disc golf
Justine Richardson, Director of the Guelph Arboretum
