Delbert Nevin Hunter

Sept. 5, 1910 - Sept. 7, 2003

Delber Hunter had a dream of creating a display of Oregon plants at the south end of an undeveloped parcel at the south end of the roughly 40 acres of Dallas City Park. His vision of showcasing native plants and trees as part of the Dallas City Park came true when a group called Friends of the Delbert Hunter Arboretum formed in 1983 followed by the Dallas City Council naming the Hunter Arboretum Botanic Garden in his honor. The arboretum is located on the Rickreall Creek, once known as La Creole Creek, near a forest area of trails, rhododendrons, a miniature Japanese Garden and secluded picnic tables. Through his efforts over the years the Arboretum draws many visitors to the garden and the community. His inspiration and dedication made the arboretum and he enjoyed keeping up with the Arboretum projects.