The High Plains Arboretum was part of the Cheyenne Horticultural Field Station, which was built by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1928 for the testing and cultivation of trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables that could withstand the harsh conditions of Cheyenne's landscape, including early fall frosts, late spring snowstorms, summer hail, major temperature swings, and strong wind. It operated from 1928 until 1974, when the USDA changed the name and purpose to the High Plains Grasslands Research Station. The scope of work conducted at the Arboretum was important in establishing a quality of life on the High Plains as the West was rapidly developing.  Jessica Friis, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Horticulturist, will give a tour of the Arboretum, it’s history and describe the trials in the process of getting it established as a State Historic Site.