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Written by The Perry News
March 18, 2016

The Brenton Arboretum near Dallas Center recently bought a new John Deere Gator with help from a $2,500 grant from the Dallas County Foundation.

The electric-powered Gator is outfitted with extra seats so students with limited mobility can fully participate in the educational experience of field trips that are led by arboretum staff members.

Brenton Arboretum Executive Director Melissa Burdick said the new equipment is a boon to the organization’s outreach programs, and she thanked the Dallas County Foundation for their generosity.

“Our Knee-high Naturalist field trip programs reached more than 1,000 local Iowa school children last year,” Burdick said, “and our goal is to reach as many or more in 2016. This vehicle will ensure that every child has the best possible experience during their visit to the Arboretum.”

The Brenton Arboretum offers free guided field trips to all non-profit schools. To schedule a field trip, contact Education and Outreach Director Beth Wingert at beth@thebrentonarboretum.org or call 515-992-4211.

The Brenton Arboretum is located at 25141 260th St. in Dallas Center. It is free and open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to sunset. Dogs are welcome with a $5 day pass for non-members. For more information visit the Brenton Arboretum website.