Clinton Community College is pleased to announce that the Bickelhaupt Arboretum is entering an exciting new phase of the renovations and enhancements project. The project is designed to create an education and events center that will provide a unique learning environment and a space for community events, ensuring that the vision of founders Bob and Frances Bickelhaupt lives on. The Bickelhaupt Arboretum will be closed to visitors starting December 6.
The Bickelhaupts founded the arboretum in 1970 with a mission to educate and provide a space for the exploration of nature. Their family donated the arboretum to Clinton Community College, one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, in 2014. Planning to maintain the homestead followed, with a floorplan created, successful feasibility study finished and fundraising complete to begin the construction phase of the project. Preliminary work has finished and construction will soon begin. A streambank erosion mitigation project will cause closure of the area around Rock Creek running through the arboretum.
CCC President Dr. Brian Kelly commented, "This brief closure affords us the opportunity to reimagine a treasured local space. We are excited to share the improvements and increased accessibility with the community."
An official ground breaking ceremony will occur in Spring 2025 with completion later in the year. The community will be invited to join the celebrations!
For more information, contact Ann Eisenman at 563-244-7040 or aeisenmanFREEEICC.