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Cars whizzing on Highland Road are faintly audible just beyond the line of trees at the edge of the Hilltop Arboretum.Home to winding paths and quiet spaces, this urban sanctuary is a peaceful escape from daily stresses nestled between neighborhoods and busy streets. And it happens to be part of the University’s campus.The arboretum, donated to the University by former University Post Office worker and nature enthusiast Emory Smith in 1981, is the largest collection of native plants and trees in the Gulf Coast region.In Smith’s book, “Hilltop: My Story,” he calls the arboretum his refuge, which is why he decided to donate the land to the University.”Anyone whose load has become too heavy might walk its paths and feel the healing touch of nature,” he wrote.Bob Dillemuth’s parents were friends with Smith, and he formerly served on Hilltop’s Board of Governors. Dillemuth said the 14-acre plot of land is unique because it’s an unexpected feature in the city, located on Highland Road between Bluebonnet Road and Siegen Lane.”It’s preserving a natural environment in a developing wasteland,” he said. “[Smith] didn’t want it to become a Highland [Road] subdivision.”Toward the front of the arboretum is a small nursery with plants cultivated for public sale. Peggy Davis, executive director of Hilltop Arboretum, said selling plants on the property is a tradition Smith started.”He grew out native trees and plants and would have them available for sale in the community,” she said.Davis said the nursery is a modest fundraising effort for Hilltop, which took in $12,000 last year. Plant prices range from $5 to $20. The arboretum hosts an annual plant sale in October called PlantFest!, which includes plant sales and expert advice to help visitors make their selections.Some of the tree species on the grounds include the American beech, live oak, American buckeye, sassafras, bamboo and various magnolia species — including the unique “Emory Smith” magnolia that grows tall and straight.The University uses the arboretum for instructional purposes across its curricula. The landscape architecture, forestry and construction management programs use Hilltop as an educational resource.The arboretum was given to the University under the management of the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture, which also helps with the arboretum’s upkeep. But Hilltop is almost completely supported through the help of Friends of Hilltop — a non-profit organization that maintains and enhances the arboretum.One concern troubling Hilltop is the debris left over from Hurricane Gustav. Davis said the storm took out 75 trees on the property. While some work has been done to clear the downed trees, others still block pathways and fill ravines.”We’re still not back really,” Davis said. “It was real beautiful before the storm hit. I’m hoping this month we can get the big piles of debris chipped and stored on site.”Davis said Hilltop is trying to plan a cleanup day for volunteers to finish with the debris removal. Cathy Coates, president of Hilltop’s Board of Governors, said the arboretum also promotes environmentally friendly educational programs.”We’re really making a difference in educating the community about planting for a healthier future, and we’re very proud of that,” she said.Coates said the new enclosed educational facility the arboretum is currently raising funds for what would be the University’s first LEED-certified building — certification for environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings. The connection with the University also helps the arboretum with its fundraising and educational purposes, Coates said.”We’re proud to be an LSU property,” she said. “Being a part of the University expands our reach and gives us just a little more strength.”Davis said through events, classes and relaxing strolls, the arboretum hosts about 10,000 visitors annually. But she said it is important to remember one of the main goals of Smith’s Hilltop Arboretum is simply to be enjoyed.”This place is just a great place to come if you just need an opportunity to be in nature,” she said. “It has a spiritual quality about it.”—-Contact Sean Griffin at [email protected]