Learn about prairies, trains at Taltree Arboretum

Described locally as a hidden treasure, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens in Valparaiso, Ind., hopes to become better known with two new family-friendly exhibits. The arboretum unveiled its new Railway Garden in April and will open its new Children’s Adventure Garden Sept. 1.

“First and foremost [the goal] was to increase our offerings so there was enough for families … to come and have a day trip and get away from it all — to come out to a beautiful 360acre site [with] five miles of hiking trails,” said Alexis R. Faust, Taltree CEO and president.

Both gardens are models for sustainability and recycling.

The children’s garden was created largely from materials left over from the creation of other gardens along with fallen trees from the arboretum.

“It’s a lesson in recycling,” Faust said.

It features houses made of sunflowers, passageways formed by willow branches, a tool shed with a roof made of plants, a flock of chickens in a colorful coop, worm composting, statues made by local artists, two play areas with “loose” play parts, a sand and water play area, and an Alphabet Prairie Walk, which Faust calls “really cool.”

Taltree is home to 37 acres of prairie, but visitors can’t wander it. The staff built a miniature prairie in the children’s garden, choosing 26 plants to match the letters of the alphabet. Each plant is labeled and connected