By MIA QUICK
Web Editor
Saint Rose’s assistant professor of biology, Philip Crim, is working to create a community-based botanical garden and arboretum in Onondaga County that will eventually stretch over 250 acres.
The concept of Limeledge Botanical Garden and Arboretum began when Crim’s grandfather passed away and put his farm in an irrevocable trust. He wanted his farm to retain its agricultural integrity even after he passed and his wife, Crim’s grandmother, wanted to create a space for the community. This led to Limeledge’s pursuit of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The minds behind Limeledge would like to transform the property into an environmental education opportunity for central New York (CNY) and introduce the public to varying ecological approaches. “Many of the plants will take several years to really be anything worth showing off, we also have about five miles of trails for hiking, running, and possibly biking through fields, woodlands, over hilltops, through valleys, and beside streams,” said Crim.
Crim is at the head of this project and believes in introducing native trees and plants to the public in order to highlight their importance and their beauty. Nurseries often sell invasive or non-native plants which can become harmful to the native fauna and flora of a region.
There are roughly six board members contributing to this project and many central New York locals that are willing to volunteer. “Many of the organizations I have reached out to are taking a wait-and-see approach to observe how things develop, but overall the interest and excitement levels are quite high locally,” said Crim.
The project began not only as a means of continuing the legacy of Crim’s grandfather, it also served as a means of preserving land in the face of companies attempting to open new mines in central New York. Crim acknowledges that the journey of Limeledge has some challenges it must conquer and believes that starting small and expanding as time progresses is the key to his team’s success.
As Limeledge attempts to get their chartering approval paperwork from the New York State Department of Education, allowing them to be officially registered as a charity, Crim is self-funding the project. Once they receive this confirmation they will be ready to make their official appearance and accept donations. Crim has a list of grants that he is ready to apply for once the charter approval comes in.
New York gardeners may be wondering how Limeledge’s native plants will withstand the constant threat of deer. “…If necessary we can always propagate and fence off limited areas to help struggling plants go about their business by minimizing the deer pressure,” said Crim. Crim states that they are essentially at the mercy of deer but there will be consistent surveillance of uncommon or rare native species.
The team faces many challenges as a budding organization but their location is near an interested and wealthy community in Syracuse and the board members have a passion for human health and wellness through the environment. In addition to this, the 250 acres is much less overwhelming than it seems because 110 acres are managed by a farmer leasing the land and the arboretum takes up roughly ten acres of abandoned farmer hay lots.
“Initially, Limeledge will only be open for a few months a year when I have time to be there and get the ball rolling,” said Crim. Before then, in summer of 2023, the team plans to install a sign and information kiosk that they believe will create awareness and discussion among the community. Crim hopes to mesh some of his teaching at Saint Rose and the concepts at Limeledge and hopefully create summer opportunities for students.
“My time at Saint Rose has really made me reflect on the importance of local institutions in their communities, and central New York has nothing like Limeledge currently,” said Crim. “I want Limeledge to live, grow, and adapt to best suit the community of upstate New York and, in particular, CNY.”
