 In 1956 the Men's Garden Club of Minneapolis met with the Minnesota State Horticultural Society with the desire to create an arboretum.In 1958 after raising monies from local garden clubs a of land was purchased for the arboretum in the Twin Cities' suburbs; the arboretum was opened in the same year, and Dr. Snyder was its director from its opening until 1976.During his time as director Dr. Snyder helped expand every aspect of the arboretum, from its size, eventually to to its research capabilities and its facilities for visitors.