May Arboretum
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The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 13 acree living museum located in a transitional zone between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin Desert and challenged by a hash arid climate. The garden has an average annual precipitation of 7 inches and a short growing season of less than 120 days. Over 65,000 people visit the Arboretum annually. 
At an elevation of 4,600 feet, the gardens' daily temperatures can fluctuate 50 degrees or more in a day. With over 4,000 plants, native plants and adaptive plant species can only survive these conditions with additional care and maintenance.
The garden's primary purpose is education and researchand and to demonstrate how introduced plant species and native plants grow in a high desert environment. The arboretum encompasses oak groves, outdoor courtyards, water feature, secluded gardens and access to 5 acres of wetlands. To find out more click on, "More about the May Arboretum."
Become a Washoe County May Arboretum Horticulture Volunteer. FREE Training begins March 6 and ends April 5, 2012.
You will learn, proper planting and pruning techniques, basics of botany, insects that feed on trees, shrubs and vines, plant diseases, weed control and identification, the history of the gardens, how to become a tour guide and much more. Classes will be offered during the day every, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Class fills quickly. Reserve a place by calling 775-785-4153.
Ranch House RSRP
Comments? Questions?Email us
Wilbur D. May Center at
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra,
Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
(775) 785-5961 Fax (775) 785-4707