Arboreta

An arboretum is a plantation of mixed species, established for comparative and educational purposes. Numerous arboreta were established in the ACT during the early stages of the city's development. They were established in a variety of locations to test the landscape and economic potential of various types of trees.

Blundell's Arboretum

The ACT's oldest and largest arboretum was located on Blundell's Flat, in Uriarra Forest. The first plantings began in 1929. It covered an area of over 6 ha and contained numerous species, including varieties and hybrids of pine, fur, spruce and other trees. Blundell's Arboretum was extensively damaged in the January 2003 bushfires. The burnt trees in the arboretum have been cleared and Environment ACT and the Friends of Arboreta are currently working on a plan to reinstate Blundell's Arboretum.

A trial on clearing dead willows is being undertaken in the wetland below the arboretum at Blundell's Flat. This program to reinstate the wetland, is an ACT Landkeeper’s project.

Canary Island Pines

The Canary Island Pines near the Mt Stromlo Observatory were planted in 1915. They survived the 1952 fire that destroyed 240 ha of the older plantations in Stromlo, as well as the January 2003 bushfires. These Canary Island Pines are amongst some of the oldest plantings still surviving in the National Capital. They can be seen from the road as you drive to the summit of Mount Stromlo.