Mount Pisgah Arboretum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Pisgah Arboretum |
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Mount Pisgah Arboretum sign
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| Type | Arboretum |
| Location | near Eugene, Oregon, United States |
| Area | 209-acre (85 ha) |
| Owned by | Friends of Mount Pisgah Arboretum |
| Status | Open to the public |
| Species | 339 |
The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a special outdoor place near Eugene, Oregon in the United States. It's like a big nature park where you can explore and learn about plants and animals. This arboretum covers about 85 hectares (209 acres). It's located inside the larger Howard Buford Recreation Area. The arboretum sits between the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and the slopes of Mount Pisgah.
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About Mount Pisgah Arboretum
An arboretum is a place where many different kinds of trees and plants are grown. It's often used for scientific study and for people to enjoy. The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a non-profit organization. This means it's run by a group that doesn't aim to make money. Instead, they work to protect nature and teach people about it.
History and Mission
The "Friends of Mount Pisgah Arboretum" group was formed in 1973. They started by building trails and bridges. They also worked to remove plants that didn't belong there. In the early days, the arboretum wanted to have plants from all over the world. But over time, their goal changed.
Now, the arboretum focuses on protecting plants that naturally grow in the Pacific Northwest. They also offer programs to teach people about the environment. Plus, they make sure everyone can come and enjoy this beautiful natural space.
What You Can Explore
The arboretum has about 7 miles (11 km) of trails along the river. There are 23 bridges to cross! You can see many different types of natural areas here.
- Riverside Meadows: Open grassy areas near the river.
- Evergreen Forests: Woods filled with trees that stay green all year.
- Oak Savanna: A rare type of land with scattered oak trees and grasses.
- Douglas-fir and Incense-cedar Forests: Forests on the hillsides with these tall trees.
- Water Garden: A special area with plants that grow in or near water.
- Wildflower Meadows: Fields bursting with colorful wildflowers.
- Picnic Area: A shady spot under trees where you can eat.
In 2005, a new building called the White Oak Pavilion was built. It replaced an older shelter.
Amazing Plants and Animals
The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is home to a huge variety of living things. It's a great place for nature lovers!
Plant Life
Scientists have found 339 different kinds of plants here. This includes many types of mosses, lichens, ferns, shrubs, and wildflowers. These plants create different habitats for animals.
Animal Life
You might spot many animals living in the arboretum.
- Mammals: Look for bats, deer, coyotes, foxes, and other small mammals.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: The arboretum is home to the endangered western pond turtle. You might also see red-legged frogs, tree frogs, gopher snakes, garter snakes, and lizards.
- Birds: Birdwatching is very popular here. Many different kinds of birds live or visit the arboretum. You can see songbirds, raptors (like hawks and eagles), and waterfowl (like ducks).
The arboretum even has special checklists for birds and plants. These lists help visitors identify what they see.
Planning Your Visit
The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is open to the public. There is a small fee for parking your car. It costs $4 per car. You can buy a permit at a self-service pay station. This fee helps support the arboretum and keep it beautiful for everyone.
