Arboretum

Welcome to the WJ Elliott Arboretum

Since 1913, growth and change have been an essential part of Lakeland. The WJ Elliott Arboretum is no exception.

The arboretum as it stands now did not exist until 1963. It began as a gift from the Class of 1963. It consisted of a fishpond and rock work to mark the college's 50th anniversary. A few years later, the Class of 1967 added a stylized maple lead Canadian Centennial emblem. In 1969, a green house was constructed to supply bedding plants.

In 1985, it was officially named the WJ Elliott Arboretum. It honours the man who dedicated his time to landscaping the Vermilion campus.

The arboretum received a facelift in 2013 in honour of the college’s centennial. An updated design officially opened in July 2019, which included new plants, trees and shrubs, and a fruit orchard.

There are more changes coming with the refurbushing and expansion of the Bentley building.

WJ Elliot

WJ Elliot was the college's principal from 1924-1937. He is also known for starting Alberta’s first 4-H club and building the Vermilion School of Agriculture's original dorm. An ardent horticulturalist, he improved the school grounds while serving as principal. Many of the unusual plants growing on the Vermilion campus today were planted by him.