Centennial Celebration Begins

Events and Projects to span 2026-2027 

As we gear up to commemorate the centennial of the State Arboretum of Virginia across 2026-2027, we reflect on our rich history and exciting future. Blandy Experimental Farm was established in 1926 when Graham Blandy bequeathed roughly 700 acres of his land, part of the historic 'Tuleyries' estate, to the University of Virginia. His will specifically designated the land as "Blandy Experimental Farm," intended for training college students in farming methods. 

In 1927, Orland E. White was appointed as the first director of the research station. He had a vision that extended beyond agriculture; he began transforming this space into an arboretum, planting a diverse array of trees and shrubs throughout the property. Thus, while 2026 marks the centennial of the Arboretum as a physical space, 2027 will celebrate the first director’s contributions and the initial plantings that laid the groundwork for what we have today. 

In honor of this significant milestone, The Foundation of the State Arboretum (FOSA) and Blandy will work together to execute an ambitious suite of events, programs, and projects, starting with some special centennial programming. 

Blandy at 100: A century of scientific and community contributions 

Blandy’s Department of Scientific Engagement and FOSA’s Public Programs Committee are thrilled to present a six-part lecture series focused on themes of research, conservation, and community at Blandy over the last 100 years. As a special Centennial initiative, FOSA is sponsoring a camera to livestream each of these programs so that members of the public can watch from home and also offer recordings of the talks for those not able to attend. 

Check out the full lecture series below, and watch the recordings of lectures already presented. Visit our upcoming programs webpage to learn more about the upcoming lectures, and register for the series. Each centennial program is followed by a wine reception and discussion. 

March 15- Spark: From farm to field station   - Blandy Director Dr. Dave Carr and architectural historian and author Maral Kalbian examine how Blandy came to be and how the history of the property impacts what we see on the grounds today.

April 19- Unruly: When nature won’t fit in a box - Blandy’s Curator T’ai Roulston is joined by Ariel Firebaugh and Clare Rodenberg to share stories about trees with identity crises, squirrely research projects, and Blandy’s quirkiest grove (can you guess which one?).

May 17- Quorum: The communities that give rise to scientific discovery 

September 20- Rare: The quest for the uncommon 

October 18- Wild: Managing “natural” spaces in the 21st century 

November 15- Rituals: Passing time at Blandy