CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 8, 2025 – The Wyoming State Archives speaker series will feature a presentation by Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Horticulturist Jessica Friis on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. Attendees will learn about the fascinating history of the High Plains Arboretum and research station, where plants from around the world were studied to find varieties suitable for Cheyenne's challenging climate. Friis will share the site's history, current developments, and future plans.

 

The event will be held at the State Museum Classroom, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. Those unable to attend in person can register for online participation through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693. Virtual and in-person attendees can ask questions and engage with the presenter. This event is free and open to the public.

 

Friis, a Cheyenne native, has long admired the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. While studying at Laramie County Community College (LCCC), she chose to pursue horticulture, drawn to working outdoors during summer months and caring for plants in greenhouses during Wyoming's long winters. After earning a degree in Landscape Management from Brigham Young University, she began at the Gardens in 2009 as a summer intern. She worked for three years as the horticulturist for the newly opened Paul Smith Children's Village. Following eight years away as her husband pursued career training, she returned to her previous position in fall 2020. Friis' professional passions include annual production at the Children's Village and the research, care, and propagation of historic trees and shrubs at the High Plains Arboretum. She is a certified arborist who has published a book on the arboretum's history.

 

The Wyoming State Archives (WSA) Speaker Series hosts presentations at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming events include Superintendent Joe Ellis discussing South Pass on June 12 and State Museum Curator of Education Jeremy Thornbrugh presenting on mountain men on July 10. For a complete Wyoming State Archives events list, visit the events calendar at wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/about-archives/events. A recording of this talk will be available on the WSA YouTube channel the week following the presentation.

 

The WSA collects, manages, and preserves state public records with long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document our state's history and Wyoming Government offices' activities. The WSA also collects non-government records contributing to understanding the state's history.

 

For more information or special assistance, please contact Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call the WSA at 307-777-7826. The Wyoming State Archives is accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.