Arboretum of the University of Central Florida
Arboretum of the University of Central Florida | |
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Location | Orange County, Florida |
Coordinates | 28°36′14″N 81°11′35″W / 28.60381°N 81.193°W |
Area | 80 acres (32 ha) |
Created | 1983 |
Operated by | University of Central Florida |
The Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is located on the main campus of the
History
Established by President
Natural areas
East of Orlando, and about five miles (8 km) north of State Route 50 on Alafaya Trail, The University of Central Florida occupies approximately 1,100 acres (4.5 km2) of east central Florida natural habitats, including some of the last elevated land (about 75 feet (23 m) above sea level) before the St. Johns River, which lies between the campus and the coast. Elevations range from about 50 feet (15 m) to 75 feet (23 m) above sea level, and more than two thirds of the campus has been described as wetlands, under the protection of the St. Johns River Water Management District. The northeast and southeast sections of campus are wetland preserves whose waters flow east and north into the little Econlockhatchee River, which in turn flows into the Big Econlockhatchee before it joins with the St. Johns River near State Highway 46.
The elevated northwest corner of campus is geologically ancient coastline ridge which, because of its excellent water drainage, includes nature preserve containing a small remnant of the easternmost
On the east side of campus, east of Gemini blvd and south of Orion blvd, lies a 5-acre (20,000 m2) Cypress dome, an oak hammock of about 3 acres (12,000 m2), about 15 acres (61,000 m2) of sand pine and wild rosemary scrub, and 32 acres (130,000 m2) of pine flatwoods.
Wild rosemary scrub and longleaf pine flatwoods habitats are eminently suitable for construction, but the great majority of Florida endemic (unique) species are found in these habitats. The presence of these habitats within the Arboretum provides important opportunities for the introduction and preservation of threatened or endangered species.
The flatwoods are so flat that after heavy rains in may take water one or two days to drain off – so flat that the land slopes at a rate of not much more than 2-3 inches per mile! The vegetation may look pretty boring from the highway, but that’s because of the repetitiveness of widely spaced longleaf pines and the apparent continuity of the
To maintain this biodiversity, the flatwoods and scrub ecosystems require fire to help clean up the dead and dried-up plant material that after some time can completely cover the ground. When these materials are burnt they return their nutrients back into the ground as ash and the next generation of flowers and grasses can emerge and thrive. This is the continuous cycle of growth, fire, and regeneration that these ecosystems need to be healthy.
Recreation
The Arboretum currently has approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) of walking/biking trails through the scrub and longleaf communities. The Natural Areas are open to the public from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Pets are allowed as long as they are kept under control and on a 6-foot (1.8 m) leash. Group tours are available by reservation. Volunteer opportunities are also available with more information available at the website.
See also
- List of botanical gardens in the United States
External links
- Arboretum official website