Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden facts for kids
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| Founded | 1947 |
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| Founder | State of California and County of Los Angeles |
| Type | Collections-based research and educational institution |
| Focus | Research, education |
| Location |
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Area served
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Southern California |
| Product | Botanical Gardens |
| Owner | County of Los Angeles |
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Key people
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Richard Schulhof (CEO) |
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a huge, beautiful place in Arcadia, California. It covers 127 acres (about 51 hectares) and is like a giant park filled with amazing plants from all over the world! It's also a historical site.
You can visit the Arboretum every day, except on Christmas Day. It's located right across the street from the Santa Anita Park horse racetrack and the Westfield Santa Anita shopping mall.
Contents
History of the Arboretum
The Arboretum is built on a part of what was once called the Rancho Santa Anita. This area was special because it had a lot of underground water. There were natural springs and ponds, and one of them, Baldwin Lake, is still there today.
A very long time ago, this area was important to Native Americans. The water and animals made it a great place to live year-round. It's believed to be where the Tongva village of Aleupkigna was located.
Early Owners and Development
In 1839, a man named Hugo Reid and his Tongva wife, Victoria, were given the Rancho Santa Anita land. Hugo Reid built an adobe home by the lake in 1839. This home is now a California Historical Landmark. Reid was an educated Scotsman who wrote about the Tongva culture.
Later, in 1875, a famous person named Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin bought the Rancho Santa Anita. He built many of the beautiful buildings and gardens you can still see today. Baldwin was known for creating a showcase estate, including the Oakwood Hotel and the Santa Anita racetrack. He even started a successful winery. He also worked with the Santa Fe Railroad to bring visitors and goods to the ranch.
Founding the Arboretum
The idea for the Arboretum started in 1947. The State of California and Los Angeles County bought 111 acres (about 45 hectares) of land around the Baldwin estate. Their goal was to create a special garden for plants.
By 1949, the first greenhouse was built. In 1951, the first 1,000 trees were planted. Finally, in 1956, the Arboretum opened its doors to the public. More gardens and greenhouses were added in the years that followed, and new projects continue even today.
Exploring the Gardens
The Arboretum's plants are grouped by where they come from in the world. You can find gardens with plants from South America, the Mediterranean region, South Africa, Australia, and Asia and North America.
Other cool displays include the Aquatic Garden, the Demonstration Home Gardens, and the Prehistoric and Jungle Garden. There's also a special collection of palm trees and Bamboo. Sometimes, the gardens even host summer concerts with the Pasadena Symphony and POPS.
The Peafowl
The Arboretum is also home to a large flock of about 200 beautiful peafowl. These birds are descendants of the original peafowl that Lucky Baldwin brought from India a long time ago! Peafowl are now a symbol of the city of Arcadia. You can often see them walking around the Arboretum grounds and even in the neighborhoods nearby.
Baldwin Lake
Baldwin Lake is a major attraction at the Arboretum. It's located near the historic Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn. Many different kinds of waterfowl, like ducks and Canada geese, live on the lake. It's a peaceful spot to watch wildlife.
Santa Anita Depot
In 1970, an old Santa Fe Railway train station, called the Santa Anita Depot, was moved to the Arboretum. This happened when the 210 Foothill Freeway was being built.
The depot was originally built in 1890 to serve Lucky Baldwin and the people of Rancho Santa Anita. Today, the depot is filled with old railroad items and is open for visitors to explore.
Haunted History
Some people say that the Arboretum is a haunted place, especially the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn. Visitors have claimed to see the ghost of Lucky Baldwin or one of his wives. Others have reported hearing strange sounds or smelling odd cooking smells coming from the house. It's a fun and spooky legend that adds to the Arboretum's charm!
How the Arboretum is Managed
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is managed by two main groups: the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation is a non-profit organization. It has a board of trustees and a CEO. The current CEO is Richard Schulhof.
Gallery
Selected garden images of Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
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Plumeria blossoms on Tallac knoll
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Los Angeles County Arboretum, view of fountain
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Near the Australian collection
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Pond view
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Atop the knoll
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Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn
See also
In Spanish: Arboreto y Jardín Botánico del Condado de Los Ángeles para niños
