Riverside, California
University of California Riverside Botanical Gardens
Nestled in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains on the east side of the University of California, Riverside Campus, the Gardens covers 40 hilly acres. The Gardens is a living plant museum with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The Gardens also provides plant materials for various research projects and serves to test and exhibit plant species introduced from all parts of the world. The variable terrain and Riverside’s subtropical climate create numerous “microclimates” which allow for the notable diversity of plantings. This wealth of vegetation creates a hospitable sanctuary for wildlife, where nearly 200 bird species have been officially observed. [ info ]