Afternoon in the Arboretum
Courtesy of Photo Editor Kate Rodgers
While SUNY Geneseo has plenty of notable locations worth walking to in the area, but not many offer a secluded, quiet place to find some form of a getaway. Many locations nearby can be loud and filled with passing noise, but a quick walk to south side and the Spencer J. Roemer Arboretum can solve this problem.
The land the arboretum sits on was once owned by the Wadsworth family and was eventually bought by the school.
As with practically all of SUNY Geneseo, there are great views to be had in the arboretum and the ability to look out onto the valley.
While there is definitely the noise of traffic when walking or resting in the arboretum, the lack of buildings and streets in sight is a considerable benefit. While this forest is not overly large, what makes it special is the fact that it is used as an outdoor classroom by SUNY Geneseo. By allowing easy access for students, it seems it makes it feel all the more connected to the nature on campus overall.
The trails are well maintained and as a result of the rather small size, it is very difficult to get lost. The gazebo in this area is a nice spot to take a rest or take cover in the event there is rain. While many people may just view this as just another forest, this is a perfect spot to relax if you don’t want to go far from campus, but still want the sensation that you have.
The various benches placed throughout the trails allow for plenty of oppertunities to sit and take in the quiet of nature. While this time of year may result in a lack of leaves on the trees, it results in improved visibility of the valley. When the sun shines it provides a picturesque landscape of both the treetops and the valley floor.
The songs of the birds are frequent and truly are a calming factor. That along with the wind blowing through the trees, provides a quite relaxing atmosphere. With a lack of heavy foot traffic, there is a real sense of almost being completely isolated in a distant forest.
As a whole, the arboretum is a perfect spot to find some form of relaxation. It is a short walk for south side residents and hardly a half-mile journey for those on the north side. With so much offered at Geneseo, it seems this should just be one destination that a student should adventure to, even if it is only one time.
Seeing as a visit to the arboretum is not a lengthy time commitment, this is worth a visit. Just come prepared with boots, as there is quite the accumulation of mud at times, which also may make it slippery. Regardless of an interest in hiking or nature, this small area of campus can and should be appreciated by all students.