Using the Arboretum

Posted on 06 Feb 2013 @ 5:01am by
Edited on 06 Feb 2013 @ 5:05am

NOTICE

Sent to all personnel and posted in public areas, and displayed on arboretum doors.

The arboretum is a place for us all to enjoy. It is a place to spend time alone, be social, or exercise. One of the few places accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the arboretum welcomes everyone all the time. The arboretum, however, is also a place of scientific work and tedious experimental research. Most of us forget, by no fault of our own, that a very select few of our crewmates make this wonderful place possible. Without their dedication and tireless work, the arboretum in its current form would not exist.

Which brings us to the subject of this notice; over the past several days, the the arboretum has been the victim of negligence. Although originality is encouraged over regurgitation, the old adage "the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" rings no more true than now.

Garbage has been left on and under benches near the ponds, which is unacceptable. Fruit cores, skins, peels, and pits have also been found in bushes, thickets, and flowerbeds. While, yes, these are entirely organic and biodegrade, unmitigated rot influences soil composition and nutriment. All life in the arboretum is meticulously monitored and planned. Everything in the arboretum has a studied function, and these seemingly harmless actions can be disastrous. Yesterday, a half-eaten pear tossed into the trees ruined Dr. Zimm's cypripediums by knocking off several petals and breaking the stem of two.

Garbage has attracted our family of ducks. The ducks are never to be fed under any circumstances, unless approved by an on-duty science officer assigned to the arboretum. The arboretum has no trash cans or reclamators by design. Installation of trash cans would lure our insects and animals, and would demand needless maintenance by our staff. Reclamators would ruin our aesthetic. The request is simple: if you bring food into the arboretum, take it with you when leaving.

If you have a pet, we encourage that you bring it for a run. But be mindful of what it is doing. Do not pick up sticks found in thickets or, worse, break one off a tree; bring one with you and take it when you leave. If your pet uses the bathroom, bag the waste as soon as possible and take it with you. Do not allow your pet to dig in the grass or swim in the ponds, and do not let it chase or intimidate the animals that live in the arboretum. Do not allow your pet to swim in the ponds or streams without permission from an on-duty science officer assigned to the arboretum.

Sitting by the water is a pleasant experience. It can even be romantic. Resist the temptation to throw rocks in the water. This includes skipping rocks. It also includes sticks. And, of course, refuse. If your date has any sense, he or she will not be impressed by your disregard for the peace of our aquatic life. The ponds are home to several species of fish and amphibians, as well as delicate aquatic plants, who do not appreciate rocks falling from the sky. Some critters like to bury themselves in the silt at the bottom and tolerating such behaviour would put them at risk of being killed or serious injury. Prohibiting pets from swimming means that you are prohibited from swimming too. Or wading. Do not go in the water.

When walking on the grass, be mindful of your steps. Try not to kick up the turf or bore any holes. It is recommended, but not required if you can walk without destroying, that you take off your shoes. You will like tickle of grass on your soles. Do not pick flowers without permission - somebody is growing and studying them. Do not swat at insects, either, crush beetles, or kill anything - they too are being studied. They are also part of an ecosystem that feeds a dozen other animals. Be aware that all of our insects are perfectly harmless. And, do not climb trees without asking. If you do and you break your arm, it is well-deserved.

The science offices at the top of the hill are for staff only. Some people have been frequenting the staff toilets and using the staff replicator found in the lounge. Use the bathroom before visiting the arboretum and bring your own food with you. Think of it as going for a picnic, which is encouraged. Do not use the bathroom in the arboretum thinking no one will notice, even if you're behind the bushes. We will.

If these easy-to-follow rules are too difficult, then go to the holodeck. The Science department reserves the right to ban anyone from visiting should these simple requests go ignored.

Thank you for your cooperation.

- Maenad Panne

Category: In-Character

RSS Feed