In April of 1990; Dean Donal Myer of the School of Sciences announced plans for creation of a campus arboretum. First suggested by environmental sciences professor Frank Kulfinski, the anticipated site for the arboretum would be located north of the Tower Lake recreation area parking lot. Following the subsequent death of Myer on August 6, the trustees named the arboretum in his honor. Dr. Kulfinski served as the first director of the arboretum. Source: http://www.siue.edu/lovejoylibrary/archives/timeline.shtml
In 1998; following a fundraising campaign for several projects including a new sign and a bridge over the north pond; the Donal G. Myer Arboretum was rededicated. During the following years, the tree collection was expanded and the arboretum was used as an educational and recreational resource by faculty, staff, and students.
In 2003; Dr. Peter Raven, President of the Missouri Botanical Garden, asked SIUE alum Ralph Korte to chair the Metro-east Outreach Advisory Committee a committee. The committee, comprised of metro-east business and community leaders, was charged with enhancing Missouri Botanical Garden’s visibility in Illinois. They created the Signature Garden concept. The Donal Myer Arboretum was selected as a Signature Garden site.
In 2004; a landscape architecture firm was engaged to lead the development of a new master plan for the arboretum. During the master planning process it became apparent this new plan was more similar to a public botanical garden than a traditional arboretum. The master planning team, which consisted of SIUE Foundation staff, SIUE Faculty, Staff, and Administration, and metro-east community members, decided that the Myer Arboretum would become a piece of a larger garden, The Gardens at SIUE.
In 2005; SIUE hired the first full time director of The Gardens at SIUE.
In 2006; The Gardens hosted its first Arbor Day event attended by thirty volunteers. In May, Garden and SIUE supporter, Rita Hardy donated five wind sculptures to create The Hardy Family Wind Forest. This donation was dedicated in September at a “Garden Party” in The Gardens at SIUE. Over 200 guests enjoyed an afternoon in The Garden and listened to comments about the value of plant and gardens from Dr. Peter Raven, President of Missouri Botanical Garden and Dr. Vaughn Vandegrift, Chancellor of SIUE.
In 2007; The Gardens master plan was completed and The Friends of The Gardens at SIUE was formed. The Annual Arbor Day event drew fifty-nine volunteers and thirty visitors. Volunteers removed invasive species, planted trees, and educated visitors on the value of trees.