The history of the UCSC Arboretum is a tale of vision, energy, hard work and love. Many hands created an arboretum on the choicest site in a region famed for its horticultural potential. Some played large roles, such as the Founding Chancellor of UCSC, Dean McHenry.

But Chancellor McHenry was quick to credit others for their contributions: "The campus owes much to Ansel Adams, the great photographer and conservationist who took an extraordinary interest in the beauties of the Santa Cruz site."

Adams urged recognition of the special quality of the land. McHenry also praised architects Thomas Church and John Wagstaff for helping to shape the aesthetics of the site.