Barbecue Area Then
Barbecue area and stream bridge in 1935. Note the train trestle in the upper left.
About Glen Arboretum
The Glen was dedicated in 1936 to provide an educational experience for students in the Baltimore region. Most students and faculty now know the Glen Arboretum to be the 10 acres of woods located at the center of the Towson University campus.
Here are a few things many people don’t know about the Glen Arboretum:
- Many of the structures of the Glen — the pavilion, the caretaker’s cottage, the trails and walkways—were first created in 1933 through a Works Progress Administration grant.
- Following its 1936 dedication, the Glen became central to campus social life, including May Day celebrations.
- In the 1960s, a series of open air theatrical performances were produced in the Glen by the Glen Players.
Construction in the Glen
As we continue to make improvements and exciting renovations to the Towson University campus please be aware that access to the Glen Arboretum behind Smith Hall will be unavailable.
A University Resource
Throughout the 1970s the Glen was a valuable resource for classes in biology and geology. Thanks to efforts by members of the Department of Biological Sciences and an outside consulting firm, a master plan for the Glen was established. This plan mapped out sections of the Glen to represent various regions of Maryland vegetation. The plan also categorized the historical elements of the Glen.
The Challenge Course
In 2006 the university provided funds for the construction of a Challenge Course, operated by Campus Recreation Services. The Challenge Course is a series of experiential learning-based programs designed for all age groups of varying physical abilities.
Image Gallery
View a gallery of historic and contemporary images of the Glen Arboretum.
Barbecue Area Now
The current view of the bridge and barbecue at the west end of the Glen Arboretum.
The Pavilion Then
The staircase leading to the pavilion — near the Smith Hall entrance — after completion in 1935.
The Pavilion Now
The staircase leading to the pavilion — near the Smith Hall entrance — presently.
Student Workers Then
Student workers in the Glen Arboretum in the 1940s or 1950s.
Student Worker Now
A modern day student worker in the Glen Arboretum.
The Challenge Course
Challenge Course obstacle operated by Campus Recreation Services.
The Glen Arboretum
Aerial view of the Glen Arboretum from the southeast.
The Glen Arboretum Board of Directors
In 2012 the Glen Arboretum Board of Directors was established by Towson University to oversee development of the Glen.
- Donna Anderson, Manager of Landscape Services, Operations and Maintenance
- Grace Andrews-Becker, Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures; Campus Recreation Services
- Vanessa Beauchamp, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
- Geannine Callaghan, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Foundation Relations
- John LaPolla, Biological Sciences
- Jack Obermaier, Fisher College of Science and Mathematics
- Patricia Watson, Campus Planning and Sustainability Manager; Facilities Management, Planning
Preserving the Glen Arboretum
Preservation of the Glen Arboretum owes a lot to the late Don Windler, a TU biology professor. He convinced the University Foundation to establish a fund for the Arboretum, which has grown in value with donations.