Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
The 120-acre Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden is a wildlife reserve which is a beautiful part of Jacksonville, Florida. It is a well-liked vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, with various trails and gardens to explore. The nursery opened its doors in 2004 and has grown into one of the region’s most significant green places.
History
Early in the 1990s, the City of Jacksonville purchased the land to construct a landfill when Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden began to exist. However, a group of concerned residents, spearheaded by Kathleen Brady and Liz Sparks, realized the site’s potential as a natural preserve and started campaigning for it.
Success in their efforts led to the establishment of the Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden in 2004 by the City of Jacksonville, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the St. Johns River Water Management District. A nature center and the Lakeside Trail were part of the conservatory’s initial phase, which was made public in 2008.
Many gardens, each highlighting different plants and trees, may be found at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden. Milkweed, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susan are just a few of the native flora in the Wildflower Garden. With species like monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries frequently sighted, the Butterfly Garden is intended to draw butterflies.
As the name suggests, the Fragrance Garden has a variety of fragrant plants, including citrus trees, rosemary, and lavender. Ferns, hostas, and other plants that do well in the shade can be found in the Shade Garden, a tranquil haven. The Pollinator Garden, which also includes milkweed, goldenrod, and zinnias, is another area with plants that draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Seven pathways that run through the preserve’s many habitats are available at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden, ranging from easy to complex. The wheelchair-accessible Lakeside Trail is a well-liked location for birdwatching and provides views of the nursery’s two ponds.
Since it has rough terrain and steep inclines, the Ravine Trail is a more challenging climb. Views of a deep ravine with foxes, armadillos, raccoons, and other animals, may be seen from there. Along with passing by a creek home to fish, turtles, and frogs, the Jones Creek Trail leads hikers through a pine forest.
The stately live oak trees along the Live Oak Trail are sometimes thought to be more than 200 years old. Wiregrass, longleaf pine, and saw palmetto are among the vegetation found along the Sandhill Trail, which winds through a sand upland ecosystem. Views of Cedar Creek, which flows through the greenhouse and is a haven for numerous fish and turtles, can be had from the Cedar Creek Trail.
The St. Johns River and the nearby marshes can be seen from the challenging Rosemary Ridge Trail, which is a strenuous hike. Due to the rosemary shrubs that line the trail, it is called after them.
Numerous events, such as led hikes, plant sales, and educational lectures, are held throughout the year at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden. The annual Wildflower Festival, which takes place in March, is a well-liked occasion with guided walks, plant sales, and educational exhibits.
Classes on gardening, birdwatching, and wildlife photography are among the educational programs the arboretum provides for adults and children. In addition, the greenhouse organizes educational excursions for nearby schools, giving kids a chance to learn about conservation and ecology.
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden primarily relies on volunteers to keep up the preserve and its gardens. The upkeep of trails, planting, and weeding are just a few of the duties that volunteers can assist with.
Next beautiful place: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens