Arboretum

Cacti and other desert plantsCacti, agaves, and other desert species thrive in the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden (Credit: Tom Bulinski)

The Mesa Community College Arboretum, located at MCC'sSouthern and Dobson Campus, is free and open to the public. It is home to more than100 species of treesand over 80 species of cacti and succulents.

What is the MCC Arboretum?

一个致力于标本planti植物园是一个区域ngs of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. Distinct from a forest, nursery or park, it is in a sense an outdoor museum of trees. It is a place where many varieties of trees and shrubs are grown for research, educational, and ornamental purposes.

In 2018, Mesa Community College acquired arboretum accreditation fromArbNet.org, the international accreditation program which facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals. MCC is the first college in Arizona to have achieved this honor.

In 2021, MCC also became the first community college in Arizona to be recognized as aTree Campus. This honor is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to colleges and universities that have shown a commitment to campus trees for their many environmental, economic, and educational benefits.

Visit MCC and Explore the Collection

Trees in the MCC Rose GardenThe Rose Garden provides a shady respite from the summer heat (Credit: Tom Bulinski)The Mesa Community College Southern and Dobson campus is home to thousands of plants from around the world. Visitors are welcome to explore the arboretum during normal school hours. Theinteractive online mapof the arboretum can be viewed on a computer or on a mobile device while on campus. Use the map to search for specific trees by their common name, scientific name, or family.

Learn and grow with the Arboretum

The MCC Arboretum serves as a living laboratory dedicated to educating students and the public about horticulture and plant ecology. Are you eager to delve deeper into these fascinating subjects? Start your journey with a class inEnvironmental BiologyorLandscape Horticulture. Students can also participate in independent research projects to investigate the benefits of the Arboretum's plants. Visit ourEvents pageto sign up for a volunteer event and learn more about how we maintain our collection.Contact usto find out how you can immerse yourself in a transformative experience that will empower you to make a lasting impact on the world around you.

More Information

Sean Whitcomb, Arboretum Director and Life Science faculty