The
Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is located on the main campus of the
University of Central Florida in
Orlando, Florida,
USA. Covering , it contains more than 600 species of plants, including more than 100 bromeliads, in cultivated gardens.
Due to the hurricanes of 2005, the Arboretum is receiving a major restructuring that will lead to new collections arranged by geographical area. The new design also entails picnic tables, running trails, and a disc golf course.
Central Florida Future
History
Established by President Trevor Colbourn in 1983, The Arboretum began with approximately of a disturbed
pond pine community on the east side of the developed part of campus, east of the present biology building. In 1988, at President Altman’s direction, the University expanded the Arboretum to include a
Cypress dome, an
oak hammock of about , and about of
sand pine and
Florida scrub, connected to the original Arboretum by
Sabal palmetto community and increasingly rare Florida longleaf pine
flatwoods. During this time the director of the Arboretum was Dr. Henry O. Whittier. He would remain director of the Arboretum until his retirement 2003, when Dr. Whittier was replaced as director by Dr. Martin Quigley. In 2004,
Hurricane Charley decimated the pond pine community on the original destroying most of the canopy. This area is currently being restored to its original state by the
UCF Environmental Initiative & Arboretum. In 2008,...
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