Dedicated partner, Professor Ann Sherif, has shared an exciting update about signage for the wisteria at Kendal at Oberlin:

On April 16 2025, Oberlin College faculty and students met with residents and staff at Kendal at Oberlin and the John Bartram Arboretum at Kendal to discuss signage for the Green Legacy wisteria at Kendal. Oberlin students Kana Sakamoto, Kisa Biely, and Bennett Elder, along with Kendal resident and Emeritus Professor of Botany David Benzing, provided background on Green Legacy, ANT Hiroshima, and Oberlin College's relationship. Horticulturist and Grounds Manager Rachel Duncan lead the discussion with Kendal residents about  placement of the sign and content. Kendal resident Diana Roose discussed her experiences as a journalist and writer in Hiroshima, where she collaborated with Watanabe Tomoko. Thanks to Diana's introductions, Oberlin and Kendal are now GLH's institutional partners.

(Group Photo standing left to right: John Elder, Bennett Elder, Anne Elder, Diana Roose, David Benzing)

(Group Photo kneeling left to right: Ann Sherif, Kana Sakamoto, Kisa Biely, Rachel Duncan)

(Pictured left to right in last photo: Kana Sakamoto, David Benzing, Diana Roose, Kisa Biely)

GLH is happy to welcome Kendal at Oberlin, a retirement community near Oberlin College, as a new partner. Their wisteria was cultivated by retired professor Dr. David Benzing since the spring of 2019, from a cutting of the wisteria in Oberlin College's Science Building courtyard. Horticulturist and focal point for GLH Rachel Duncan anticipates its inaugural bloom in a year or two. Winter photos taken in mid-January attest to the tree's hardiness. The plant is part of The John Bartram Arboretum collection (Kendal at Oberlin’s arboretum) with accession #1569.