The UNLV Arboretum was established in May of 1985. Legislation enabled the University of Nevada Board of Regents to establish arboreta at both of the four year institutions within the state, including our sister arboretum at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The UNLV Arboretum includes the entire 335 acre campus. Of this acreage, 80 acres are landscaped with trees, shrubs, and turf, including a two acre Xeric Garden. The grounds are often referred to as the Emerald in the Desert, a maxim that has been attached to the recently created Arboretum logo.

An arboretum is defined as a place that is set aside for the display and study of primarily woody plant material. The primary mission of the UNLV Arboretum is to display mature plant materials considered appropriate for high desert conditions. Of equal importance, the Arboretum has a continuing program of new plant and cultivar introduction and evaluation. This review has provided numerous new selections for use in southern Nevada. In addition, the Arboretum provides regular educational seminars and tours to the gardening community.

A self-guided tour of 41 commonly utilized landscape plants is offered by the Arboretum. The tour begins at the John Wright Hall. Created in 1988, this garden contains plants from arid regions from around the world. At this time only guides which may be purchased in the gift shop of the museum are available. However, numerous informative signs are located throughout the garden. Many plants are in bloom, regardless of the season, but spring is the best time to visit as virtually every plant has some color.