University of Nevada, Reno Arboretum

The campus is a living collection of plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamentals and native flora-with many designated areas on campus open to the public for enjoyment and educational pursuits.

What is an arboretum?

John Claudius Loudon in 1806 defined an arboretum as a site where trees and other woody plants are deliberately cultivated for scientific, educational, and aesthetic purposes.

The University of Nevada, Reno was designated a state arboretum by the 1985 Nevada Legislature. The wide variety of trees on campus represents over 60 genera and about 200 species, many with several cultivars present. Thirty-six stately elms line the Main Quad, located just north of Morrill Hall, the oldest building on campus.

Our mission

Education

Provide knowledge on flora indigenous to Nevada and other areas

Research

Provide a laboratory for botany, horticulture, forestry, and natural history with an emphasis on Nevada habitats

Experiential

Cultivate appreciation for flora indigenous to Nevada and other areas

Commemorating

Provide a commemorative tree or shrub service

Explore the arboretum

Volunteer with us

The University Arboretum offers many ways to get involved, from getting your hands dirty to keeping them clean. Volunteering is a way to develop your skills, meet great people, and make a difference.

Email the Arboretum board
Vibrant red tree foliage outside of the Joe Crowley Student Union.

Arboretum partnerships

Logo for the Tree Campus USA Nevada State Arboretum Logo