SPOTLIGHT: FULLERTON ARBORETUM

Location: Northeast corner, Cal State Fullerton campus.

Information: (714) 773-3579.

Description: Gardens and a historical area are featured on the arboretum’s 26 acres. A waterfall, stream and ponds along the western side provide a moist environment for plants as well as a sanctuary for native birds, fish and pond turtles. There is also a small library of books and periodicals on botanical, horticultural and ecological subjects.

Botanical collection: Unlike many other botanical gardens and arboreta, which group their plants by geographic origin, the Fullerton Arboretum has arranged its plantings by moisture requirements. Major areas include temperate, subtropical, desert, desert woodland and Mediterranean-type habitats. Other garden areas include the palm garden, the subtropical fruit grove, the conifer area, community gardens, a cactus and succulent garden, a carnivorous plant bog and a working apiary.

Historical area: Heritage House, an example of Eastlake Victorian architecture, was built in 1894 for one of Fullerton’s first physicians and was moved to the arboretum in 1972. It now serves as a museum of medical practice and family life at the turn of the century.

Programs: Guided tours, workshops, demonstrations, displays and seminars are planned throughout the year. Weekday group tours of the grounds or Heritage House canbe arranged by calling the arboretum. Fullerton Arboretum is open daily, except major holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Heritage House is open for guided tours without reservations each Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., except

during August. The library is open for public use by appointment weekdays 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The arboretum gift and garden shop near the entrance is open mid-day Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mass transit: OCTD routes 43, 49, 49a.