In our OC Guide Dogs took a field trip to the Fullerton Arboretum. The Arboretum is a fun, free place for all to learn about wildlife conservation and research. Fullerton Arboretum was formerly a citrus orchard that, when abandoned in the early 1970s, became a reservoir for many local weeds. It has taken decades of development to control these plants, most of which can never completely be eradicated.
Much of California and the West are in a prolonged and worsening drought. The Arboretum has taken steps to reduce water use while sustaining the health of their garden collections and achieving their educational mission, such as eliminating grass lawns, using efficient sprinkler heads and drip irrigation, and watering in the evening to reduce evaporation.
A significant portion of Fullerton Arboretum is focused on drought tolerant collections from Mediterranean climate regions, especially those from southern California and the Channel Islands, as well as deserts and dry environments from around the world. This includes the American Southwest, South Africa, Madagascar, Chile, and Australia
The entrance waterfall, stream and two pond system are operated as a recirculated hydrological system. The arboretum also boasts a bee apiary where conservation is key, a tree Arboretum, and a children’s garden. It also has a large pond that attracts local waterfowl and has a nice collection of turtles.
Members enjoyed a hands-on session with the docent, and lunched afterwards at a nearby restaurant.
