10 Questions with… Dan Blanchard, curator of the Living Plant Collections for Oregon State University campus arboretum and a horticulture instructor. He will lead a fall foliage guided tour of OSU's accredited campus arboretum starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, which begins on the MU stairs facing the quad. Register here.
What originally brought you to Oregon State and how long have you been here?
I came to Oregon State in spring 2021 to pursue a master’s degree, which I completed in late summer 2023. Since September 2023, I’ve been the curator of living plant collections for the OSU Campus Arboretum and teach several courses in the Department of Horticulture.
Why was it important to you to pursue official arboretum status for Oregon State’s campus?
Although the arboretum was the focus of my master’s thesis, pursuing official accreditation for Oregon State University’s campus was important to me because it highlights the incredible diversity of our woody plant collection. Achieving arboretum status opens doors to increased networking, research and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. It also signals to local and international communities that we value our campus green spaces, the plants within them, and our commitment to creating a welcoming and safe environment for learning and enjoyment.
What makes you passionate about higher education?
My interest in horticulture was first sparked by a passionate educator during my time at community college. As an instructor now, what I enjoy most is helping students discover what inspires them, whether or not it's within horticulture. I believe it's essential for faculty to not only be passionate about their field but also genuinely committed to sharing knowledge and supporting students' growth as learners and individuals. Hearing about my students’ successes motivates me to continue making a positive impact, just as my own instructors did for me.
When did your love of plants begin?
My love for plants truly began in my early twenties, when I moved into my first apartment and started collecting houseplants, eventually accumulating over 175 plants at one time. Looking back, I realize I’ve always had an affinity for conifers, likely rooted in the elaborate holiday decorating traditions of my childhood, which always featured multiple Christmas trees. At the time, I was completing prerequisites for nursing school and discovered that I genuinely enjoyed nurturing living things. That experience helped me recognize that caring for plants was where my true passion lay.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself who was just starting college?
Everybody's educational journey is different and there's no universal playbook that says your value is determined by reaching a particular goal by a set time or age. The most important thing is to believe in yourself, chase your dreams and know that you will achieve your goals despite the obstacles you face.
How does the OSU campus stand out from other Oregon campuses in terms of its plant collection?
Oregon State’s plant collection features species from around the world, including commonly used landscape plants that reflect Oregon, which has the third-largest nursery industry in the country. It includes cultivars bred and introduced by OSU faculty and student researchers, as well as trial plantings that support adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Native plants of the Pacific Northwest and Willamette Valley are also prominently displayed across campus and specifically at the walk across the Oregon garden on the west side of Cordley Hall. OSU’s collection is maintained by a dedicated and passionate team of 14 staff members from Facilities Services-Landscape and University Housing and Dining Landscape Services. Notably, OSU is currently the only accredited college or university arboretum in Oregon.
What was your favorite course in college?
Landscape Plant Materials, taught by my mentor Kevin Parris at Spartanburg Community College, was the first plant identification class I ever took. This class is what ignited my passion for woody plants. Parris, along with other instructors at SCC, inspired me to pursue a career in education and sparked my dream of teaching plant identification.
Do you have a favorite tree or a favorite section of campus that you return to and why?
I have a particular fondness for the Dearborn-Shepard courtyard (hidden east of Memorial Place between Monroe and Campus Way) because of the rare plants that can be found within this space. One of my favorites, a bunya pine, was recently added to the Dearborn–Shepard courtyard collection. Donated in 2024 by a community member who grew it from seed, this rare tree is native to Queensland, Australia. I recently learned that a bunya pine once grew in Cordley courtyard in the early 80s but succumbed to an especially harsh winter. OSUs recent acquisition of a new bunya pine demonstrates our commitment to cultivating and preserving the unique species that can be found on campus throughout its history. My favorite fact about the bunya pine is that this tree can produce a 22-pound cone … hence why it's not close to the sidewalk.
When you lead campus tours, what are some things that surprise or delight participants about the plants here?
During the OSU Campus Arboretum tours, there are many plants and historical facts about campus that people find particularly interesting. Some of these include:
- The giant sequoias in the MU quad will be celebrating their 100th birthday in 2026. Keep an eye out for the 100th birthday celebration announcement on our website and Instagram OSUcampusarboretum.
- The oldest tree on campus, an Oregon white oak, predates the Declaration of Independence by over 100 years. It can be found at Magruder hall.
- The first 35 acres of the OSU campus, today's lower campus, was designed and planted by George Coote, a friend of and gardener who assisted Charles Darwin in maintaining his personal greenhouses.
Consider requesting a tour by visiting our website to learn even more about our campus.
What is your favorite non-academic pursuit or passion?
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three dogs, hiking, visiting botanic gardens and arboreta, gardening, cooking, reading, bicycling, doing puzzles, attending concerts and occasionally tackling home improvement projects. I also love collecting and adding cones of coniferous species to my personal collection.
