Great News: The ArbNet, an online community of professionals has designed the entire Palomar College San Marcos Campus as a Level II arboretum! Palomar is the only community college in California with the distinction from AbNet, an organization that shares knowledge, experience and other resources regarding trees and plants worldwide. The only other college campus in California recognized by AbNet is UC Davis, which has the highest ranking at Level IV.
ArbNet Level II Read the San Diego Union Tribune article by Gary Warth
Palomar College is located in North San Diego County, California. Palomar is one of the largest community colleges in the country, in both geographical area and student population. The student population is over 30,000, throughout the district. The main campus is located in San Marcos on a 252 acre site. In 1973, a five acre hillside on the main campus was set aside for an arboretum. Soon thereafter, many trees, palms and bamboos from around the world were planted and labeled, making the arboretum not only an area for the study of botany, but also a place to study, relax and bond with nature. The sciences, photography, kinesiology, anthropology, art, performing arts, and communication classes have used the Arboretum as a place for field trips, class projects and research.
The Palomar Cactus and Succulent Garden is a noteworthy part of the Arboretum. It is located at Comet Circle Drive and Mission Ave on the San Marcos campus of Palomar College. The Palomar Cactus and Succulent Garden has about 40 individual Gardens that provide great examples of Xeriscape and fire resistant plants. The plant collection totals approximately 3,000 different species or varieties form around the globe. The site is a 2 ½ acre plot with .92 of its total size fenced in. The fenced section houses the rare and more valuable species. A host of the other significant accessions can be found scattered throughout the garden, many of which are humming bird and butterfly attractants, as well as many varieties that have ethno botanical uses.
These plant collections are maintained in as natural a state as possible. Few if any pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides are used in the Garden.
To arrange a tour of the Cactus and Succulent Garden
Call: Tony Rangel
(760) 744-1150 ext. 2133
email: arangel@palomar.edu
The Friends of the Edwin & Frances Hunter Arboretum at Palomar College Committee meets once a month.
Usually the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm in room MO-111 (Facilities Building) on the main San Marcos campus.
Visitors are welcome!
Please contact Tony Rangel if you plan on attending the Arboretum Committee meeting.
(760) 744-1150 ext. 2133
email: arangel@palomar.edu
