LETTERS FROM LOCKERLY: Happy New Year!

Published 10:01 am Wednesday, February 5, 2025

I wanted to take a minute to share with you one of the most unique properties within Baldwin County and Lake Country communities.
Lockerly Arboretum has been a wonderful community resource over the past 60-plus years. Many local children have attended outdoor education, field trips and most recently, Lockerly in Lights holiday events. Garden club organizations have utilized the grounds and historic Rose Hill for meetings and events. Many families have regularly enjoyed Walking Wednesdays, kids fishing outings, as well as impromptu walks through the gardens.
I was first introduced to the property almost 25 years ago for a friend’s wedding. At the time many of the displays were in need of some serious TLC. Rose Hill was closed to visitors, but there was something magical here. It was another 15 years before I returned and almost didn’t recognize the property. This time the grounds were in much better shape and Rose Hill was now open and inviting guests to tour the majestic centerpiece of the property. Fast forward to today and the plant collections and offerings here rival some of the most established public gardens in the country.
When I was asked to join the board I had no idea what it took to run a nonprofit public garden. I quickly learned that our community is vital to the success of the organization through our dedicated staff, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and most importantly you. I am excited to be taking the helm as board president this year and excited to share some of the goals for our future.
The last three years witnessed exponential growth and re-investment into the property. Significant capital projects like a new entrance, parking lot, handicap accessibility, paved trails, signage, bridges, holiday events and art exhibits have all been accomplished through the generosity of the community. Our plans for the next several years include refurbishing our greenhouses, eradicating invasive plant species, planning for outdoor event spaces, and expanding our educational programming. I hope you are a part of that process and can help in our growth.
Every time I return to Lockerly, I witness something new and wonderful taking place. I encourage you to come visit and see what has changed since your last visit. If you have never visited before please contact us so we can welcome you with a tour. I promise you will find something on the 51 acres of beauty to make you want to come back again and again.
One of the tenets of the Arboretum set forth by our founder was to allow free access to any visitors who want to visit the grounds. There is a fee to tour Rose Hill with all proceeds going into preserving this treasured piece of history.
Hopefully getting out and about within your community is one of your New Year’s resolutions. If not, come anyway to see what Lockerly has to offer. I hope to see you soon and look forward to sharing the magic I felt years ago with your family.

—Joe Sama is a Lockerly board member.