By Kismet Kohn
The UCF Arboretum is the perfect place to go if you are looking to reconnect with nature in the city during Earth Month, and year round! There are numerous events and programs you can learn about by visiting the Arboretum, and you can even choose to get involved if you want.
About the Arboretum
The University of Central Florida Arboretum was established in 1983 so that students, faculty, and visitors could learn about plant life and nature in a beautiful atmosphere.
Image by @ucfarboretum
While the Arboretum is primarily located in a few sections of campus, it incorporates both native and introduced plants throughout campus. The Arboretum features a few trails that visitors can walk through and you might even see an endangered species, such as a gopher tortoise!
There is also a community garden that grows fruits and vegetables, with the help of volunteers, in an effort to help with food security and sustainability.
Image by UCF Arboretum
Programs
The Arboretum has numerous programs, including the community farm and garden, adopt-a-program, learning by leading, and bee campus USA.
The community farm and garden began in 2009 and has been growing rapidly since then. More food is being produced every year and new techniques are being introduced, such as drip irrigation.
Image by @ucfarboretum
The adopt-a-program allows volunteers to clean up various spots around campus, primarily including lakes and roads. If you choose to adopt an area, a sign will be put up with your name as long as you clean it twice a month.
The learning by leading program allows students to take control of the arboretum and gain leadership positions while learning about how to keep the Arboretum alive and thriving.
Image by @ucfarboretum
The Arboretum also participates in bee campus USA, which is focused on keeping pollinators at a steady growth instead of a decline. You can volunteer for shifts or participate in active research on the subject.
Images by @ucfarboretum
Events
Every month, the Arboretum introduces new events for visitors, students, and staff. Almost every month they host a plant sale with plants from the community garden and farm for a cheap price. There are also learning events, such as speakers or workshops. On April 11th, Dr. Frances Colon will discuss the diplomacy of science and climate change, hosted by the Arboretum. Sometimes the Arboretum will host markets where independent businesses can come and sell sustainable goods on campus, of course, plants are always sold!
Overall
If you love nature and want to connect with it more, definitely visit the Arboretum! They offer tours almost every day if you want to take a look at the nature trails, garden, and farm. If you want to get involved, consider volunteering on their website to help keep the Arboretum thriving.
East Orlando
The UCF Arboretum is located in East Orlando. This area offers its residents close proximity to the Waterford Lakes Town Center, Research Park, UCF, and numerous restaurants. The main theme parks in Central Florida are also not too far away, with Walt Disney World about 35-45 minutes and Universal just 25-30 minutes. If you’re looking to travel, the Orlando International Airport is also 20-30 minutes away.
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