Arboretum History
Arboretum History
A family of five walks towards the camera along a wooden boardwalk. Behind a row of trees a wooden building can be seen in the background.

Founding Director R.J. Hilton

Header image: A family walking through Victoria Woods, 1983

Robert James Hilton

R.J. Hilton stands to the left of a Amelanchier tree. He is holding pruning shears in his right hand and is smiling at the camera.

R.J. Hilton next to a Amelanchier tree in Nova Scotia, 1988.

Robert James Hilton, also known as R.J. Hilton, was a professor at the University of Guelph in the 1960s and 70s. Hilton was a prominent member in the Ontario Agricultural College, holding the position as the Head of the Horticulture department.

When the Ontario Agricultural College grew from a college to a university with the establishment of the University of Guelph, Hilton proposed the creation of an arboretum. From then on, Hilton became a prominent figure in the creation of the university’s Arboretum. In fact, he was the Secretary of the Presidential Arboretum Planning Committee, actively participating in creation of the academic brief and master plan for the formation of The Arboretum.

In 1970, Robert James Hilton was named the first Director of the Arboretum because of his extensive knowledge of and experience in Horticulture, his proven leadership in the development of Horticulture in the O.A.C., and his profile with the horticultural societies in the province. When he first took office, Hilton’s workroom was in a converted hen house adjacent to the Harrison Barn (later replaced with the Arboretum Service Centre/R.J. Hilton Centre).

Hilton devotedly sought to expand The Arboretum’s collections during his time as Director. Once, Hilton submitted over 6,000 woody plant specimens to The Arboretum’s Herbarium after being on sabbatical for 5 months in the Atlantic provinces. His dedication and generosity led to the growth of our plant collections.

Today, his legacy lives on with the dedication of the R. J. Hilton Centre.

The land where The Arboretum now grows has been home to plants and animals for thousands of years. It was home to Indigenous peoples before settlers arrived. We recognize the Dish with One Spoon territory, the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Between the Lakes Treaty 3 lands on which the University of Guelph and The Arboretum now sit. We are honoured to work on and care for this land.