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Goethe ArboretumThe Charles M. Goethe Arboretum is located on the north end of the California State University, Sacramento campus, in Sacramento, California. The Goethe (pronounced "Gay-tee") Arboretum was created in 1959, named in honor of Charles Goethe (1875-1966), a philanthropist, conservationist, and founder of the Eugenics Society of Northern California. The arboretum, maintained by the CSUS Foundation (which also administers several sizable funds left by Goethe), began with only 45 trees, and over the years has grown into a three acre botanical garden, with over 600 types of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Though wedged between a huge parking lot and one of the busiest streets in town, the Goethe Arboretum offers a tranquil respite for visitors and students amid the urban jungle of California's State Capitol. The garden, often frequented by lovers attracted by meandering paths and the romantic setting, features heavy shade from many well established trees, a wide variety of plant species from around the world, and air often filled with a rich scent from towering eucalyptus trees. There is a California native plant section, installed in the early 1980's, containing several varieties of manzanita and many other native, drought resistant specimens. Controversy has arisen over the naming of the Goethe Arboretum, because of renewed attention to Goethe's zealous racist activities. Goethe recommended forced sterilizations, funded anti-Asian campaigns, opposed immigration, equated human beings with plants and animals, and praised German scientists attempting to 'purify' the Aryan race. Goethe also praised the Nazis before and after World War II. Derek Hamilton, a CSUS history major, has started a website and an online petition advocating a name change for the Goethe Arboretum, because Goethe was a racist whose views no longer reflect the values of the University. External links
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