SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
A tree planting ceremony celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Nevada’s first public arboretum, Washoe County’s Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden, will be held on Friday, May 6, 2011 as part of this year’s National Public Gardens Day observance.
The May Arboretum opened in May of 1986 as part of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Construction of the garden was made possible thanks to generous support from the Wilbur May Foundation.
Thanks to continued support from the May Foundation, along with volunteers from the Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society, the arboretum has grown from its original four acres to over 12 acres during the past 25 years.
The garden includes tree groves, wetlands and a variety of specialty gardens with a mission to serve as a year-round educational resource and demonstration garden for a high desert community faced
with some of the most difficult gardening challenges in the continental United States.
What: Wilbur May Arboretum’s Silver Anniversary Tree Planting
When: 11:30 a.m. reception, 12:00 p.m. ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2011
Where: Park in the May Museum parking lot, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra Street, Reno
Cost: Free
Contact: (775) 785-4153
The Washoe County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation during their April 26 meeting in observance of the arboretum’s silver anniversary.
“Public gardens are an oasis of beauty and inspiration within their communities and provide a focal point for promoting environmental awareness, conservation and stewardship,” the proclamation said.
The May Arboretum receives continued support from the Wilbur May Foundation, Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society volunteers and the community at large. For information about gardening workshops, volunteer opportunities and special events, visit www.maycenter.com.
The Wilbur D. May Center is managed by Washoe County’s Department of Regional Parks and Open Space. The Department’s mission is to provide exceptional parks and open space, and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.washoecountyparks.com.
