Arboretum at Fresno State
California State University, Fresno campus gained official arboretum status in the spring of 1979. An arboretum is a place where plants, especially trees and shrubs, are grown for exhibition and study. It is a living collection of woody plants in a park like setting or an oasis in the urban "sea." It is also the sum of many different examples of landscaping. For our campus an arboretum is: the peaceful serenity of stately conifers and grass that defines the Peace Garden; the individual trees on the Maple Mall that are memorials to the American submarines and their crews lost at sea; the small Shade Garden near the Memorial Fountain; the Allen Lew Memorial Grove near the Thomas Administration Building; the Rose Garden and Iris Garden. It also includes the hidden spots to sit in the shade and relax, entry landscaping, and the Allergy Free demonstration garden behind the Smittcamp Alumni House.
The Arboretum at Fresno State is open to the public and visits are encouraged. A tree guide has been published for some of the thousands of trees on campus. In all, one hundred kinds of trees are identified and, with the guide in hand, a leisurely stroll can become an education in tree life. The guide is free of charge and can be printed from this site by clicking here or a hard copy brochure can be obtained at the Plant Operations office located on campus at 2351 E. Barstow Avenue Fresno, CA 93740.
