EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series looking at what Lake County communities, agencies and school districts experienced in 2024 and what is facing them in 2025. Holden Arboretum witnessed a solar spectacle and nature’s wrath in 2024, a year that also saw it continue to work on new visitor experiences and projects to benefit the environment. The Kirtland-based Arboretum drew 160,000 visitors over the past year, said Edward Moydell, president and CEO of parent organization Holden Forests and Gardens. Those visitors included more than 14,000 students who experienced the center’s academic programs and were “supported by a $15,500 value in scholarship programs for schools,” Moydell said. Other attractions that drew visitors included adult classes and the Corning Library. More than 1,000 guests visited on April 8 to witness the total solar eclipse, he added. The Arboretum also opened roughly 4.5 miles of its new Pierson Valley Trails in 2024. According to a map on the Arboretum’s website, the trails are located west of the Arboretum’s main attractions. They can be accessed through the Woodland Trail, and two large, wooden staircases go down to Pierson Creek. Holden officials said in November that the new trails allow visitors to see more of the Arboretum’s property while preserving the valley’s natural feel. Holden Facilities Director Nico Viola said that parts of the trail system are located on the former Molly Offutt Boardwalk, which was decommissioned this past fall after 40 years. Holden Arboretum aims to offer immersive, natural experience in Pierson Valley Most of the Pierson Valley Trails opened in the fall, and Arboretum officials said that the remaining trails are expected to open by May. The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse is pictured over Corning Lake at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. (Courtesy of Holden Forests and Gardens)The Tree Hugger Trail extends through Holden Arboretum's Pierson Valley, as seen near the bottom of Holden's South Stairs on Nov. 6. Tree Hugger is one of the trails that the Arboretum recently opened in the valley. (Bryson Durst -- The News-Herald)Show Caption1 of 2The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse is pictured over Corning Lake at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. (Courtesy of Holden Forests and Gardens)Expand Storms bring challenges Moydell said that more than 30 trees were knocked down and 115 “significantly damaged” following an Aug. 6 severe storm system that included a tornado and microburst. The damage affected a 91-year-old Norway spruce tree and other trees that were among the Arboretum’s oldest. “We never anticipated the tornado damage, but I’m incredibly proud of how the teams stepped up with unwavering determination and a positive mindset, swiftly getting us back on track,” he said. The Arboretum was closed for a week afterward, Moydell added. Its Canopy Walk sustained damage and was closed until October. “We are fortunate there wasn’t more damage,” he said. “The Arboretum staff is undertaking a long-term recovery effort, which includes assessing whether damaged trees can heal or need removal. Experts are also working to preserve as much of the collection as possible while planning for reforestation and ecological restoration. “We are extremely grateful to the community, who helped us raise $65,000 toward the clean-up efforts,” Moydell added. He also expects weather to be a challenge in 2025. “As a living museum, continued severe weather events and changing weather patterns complicate collections and facility management,” Moydell said. Damage to a tree at Holden Arboretum's beech knoll is pictured after the Aug. 6 storm. (Courtesy of Holden Forests and Gardens) Research and conservation In addition to welcoming visitors, Holden Forests and Gardens also worked to promote research and conservation efforts in 2025. “Our research and conservation teams continue to excel in their prospective fields, producing ground-breaking results because of their passion for a greener future,” Moydell said. Holden Forests and Gardens was awarded $1.8 million from the U.S. Forest Service in early 2024 to launch its Growing Resilient Forests program. Moydell said in a news release that the award was “the most significant grant of its kind” in Holden’s history. He recently added that the funding “will help empower small-scale landowners across the Lake Erie Allegheny Region to create and sustain resilient forests. “This funding created the Working Woods Resource Hub at Holden Arboretum, which will offer landowners technical assistance, locally adapted native trees and climate-smart forest management plans,” he said. The Arboretum has also continued research efforts in other areas, like helping fight beech leaf disease and other diseases that afflict trees. Holden Forests and Gardens Vice President for Science and Conservation David Burke shows an example of leaf banding from the nematodes that cause beech leaf disease. (Bryson Durst -- The News-Herald) 2025 goals Moydell said that the Arboretum aims to focus on its connections with surrounding communities this year. “Thriving communities benefit greatly from the presence of trees and plants, and we aim to be a key partner in enhancing the region’s economic, physical and mental well-being,” he said. “Our goal is to deepen appreciation for the Arboretum as a vital resource for improving quality of life through the power of nature. Once in finance, Kirtland’s Paul Abbey dedicated to cause with Rooted in Trees “We’re committed to fostering collaborations with public and private organizations to expand Northeast Ohio’s capacity to preserve and restore essential tree canopies,” Moydell added. “Additionally, we plan to strengthen innovative partnerships within the regional health, education and cultural sectors to promote overall physical and mental wellness.” He said that goals for 2025 include: • "Engaging with historically underrepresented communities near our campus,” • Creating "more connected and immersive landscapes and guest experiences across Holden Forests and Gardens' campuses," and • Working to "solidify our leadership in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience." “We’ll leverage our living assets to advance plant science, share insights on forest ecology and climate resilience and raise public awareness through outreach,” Moydell added. The Arboretum is planning “something special” for Arbor Day, he said. It will also host the "Forest Forms" exhibit in the spring with “18 unique nature-themed metal sculptures.” “These larger-than-life works (ranging from 5 to 20 feet tall) are the creations of artist Huelani Mei, who runs her own metal fabrication shop in Atlanta,” Moydell said. “This year’s exhibit features a majestic fox family, intricate stacks of flowers, cute bunnies, butterflies, snakes, a peacock and more.” Holden Arboretum is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, while it is also open for members only on Mondays. Admission is free for members, while non-members will need to purchase tickets. The Arboretum's visitor center is located at 9550 Sperry Road in Kirtland.