Among the listings of major functions of the future arboretum was included “....to to provide the university and the community with a resource for environmental, horticultural and historical education.” Throughout the years that goal has been pursued diligently. Because of the significance of the Arboretum as an educational institution the importance of education to the City of Fullerton should be understood. In 2004 it is known as “the education city” because of the presence of the state university; the 1913 junior college, now Fullerton Community College, the oldest continuously operated two-year College in California; the elementary and high schools as well as the privately operated Southern California College of Optometry, Western State College of Law and Hope International University.

In historical terms, education was one of the first priorities of Fullerton city pioneers with men such as William Starbuck, Alex McDermott and B.F. Porter pushing for establishment of a high school in 1893. Elementary schools have been operating since 1888. The community college has educated thousands of local and even out-of-state youth but it was always necessary to pursue college degrees elsewhere. The post-war growth of the local population led to the establishment of a state institution first called Orange State College, eventually California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).

The new college was located on the former Hetebrink and Gilman Properties. In 1971, after dead and declining orange trees were cleared, the Orange State College buildings were constructed or relocated if not constructed on-site. Various professors saw the value of preserving part of a proposed parking lot as an agricultural preserve. Prominent among these were Franz Dolp, Eugene Jones and Miles McCarthy, acting University President.

Biology Professor David Walkington directed the Arboretum from 1985 until his death in 1992. Dr. Walkington’s vision and enthusiasm inspired efforts that transformed the Arboretum from “work in progress” to reality. Under his leadership, two advisory boards were active in assisting with the Arboretum. The first was the Arboretum Advisory Board consisting of local nurserymen, landscape architects, Friends officers and others who held quarterly inspections of the grounds and identified problems.

The second was an educational advisory group created to help carry out the mission of community education. This group consisted of representatives of school districts, high schools and private educators. On result was the agreement with Science Adventures to hold children’s programs during summer. In due course, the Arboretum developed its own educational staff under the leadership of Dr. LeNelle Cittadin. Dr. Walkington deserves credit for increased understanding in the community of groups including People over Pollution, the first environmental awareness entity in Fullerton; the Fullerton Museum Center and the education structure of the City, new citywide interest developed.

Starting in 1990, Saturday garden education programs have been held for the public. First were specialties such as roses or fruit tree care, and a few years later a full-fledged series of workshops on nearly all aspects of home gardening began. It was recognized that many people would prefer specialized classes offered in short training sessions. These series have attracted hundreds of visitors to the Arboretum. Many of the public educational activities are provided at an open bleachers area with seating donated by the Rotary Club of Fullerton South.

Each year all third grade students in the Fullerton schools come to the Arboretum for tours of the grounds and Heritage House as part of their study of local history. Regular community adult and family garden tours led by Nature Guides are another educational aspect of the Arboretum docents.

Many events sponsored by the Friends have educational aspects with programs on art, local history and gardening. The Children’s Garden was constructed in the mid-nineties to encourage children’s interest in gardening. Programs include the Pumpkin Patch, Rainbow Garden and Saturday Children’s Gardening Program for 3 to 12-year-olds.

The education program expanded significantly in 1997 as it passed from the Friends to the jurisdiction of the Arboretum. Saturday gardening classes for adults are offered almost every weekend including Home Composting classes jointly sponsored with cities of North Orange County which received the first of two “Orange County Trash Bash Awards” for excellence in 2000 and 2001. Welcome grants have been received from Boeing Employees and from Disneyland for outstanding educational and environmental programs.