May Arboretum Society

May Arboretum Society The May Arboretum Society is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, educating, and advocating for the Wilbur D. May Arboretum. Join Us! MayArboretumSociety.org

May Arboretum and Botanical Garden within Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, Nevada. The May Arboretum Society's mission is to serve the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden by creating, maintaining and sustaining opportunities that promote greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of the role of plants in the high desert and mountain bio-regions. The Society's intention is t

o provide financial support and volunteer hours for the continued improvement of the Wilbur D. The May Arboretum Society is a membership-based non-profit organization. Membership is open to any person, family or group interested in the arboretum and its collections. The benefits of membership include volunteer opportunities in the Arboretum, early notification of workshops, educational opportunities, and an informative monthly newsletter as well as year-round discounts at area garden centers and nurseries. Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to serving as docents and tour guides, children's programming, office work, workshop assistants, and gardening. Training is provided to all volunteers.

If the gardens could speak, what stories would they tell?“I’ve watched children become parents.”“I’ve watched families r...
09/04/2026

If the gardens could speak, what stories would they tell?

“I’ve watched children become parents.”
“I’ve watched families return year after year.”
“I’ve watched people discover a love for nature.”
“I’ve watched a community grow alongside me.”

The May Arboretum is more than what you see today. It is the result of generations of people choosing to care.

And now, the next chapter is ours to nurture. 🌷

The May Arboretum is more than a collection of gardens. It’s a place where our community comes together.Every visit, vol...
09/03/2026

The May Arboretum is more than a collection of gardens. It’s a place where our community comes together.

Every visit, volunteer hour, membership, event, and shared moment helps keep this space growing as a place to connect, learn, explore, and experience nature.

The Arboretum belongs to all of us, and it takes all of us to help it thrive. 🫂

The seasons don't change overnight. They leave clues.As you walk through the Arboretum, look for the first signs of fall...
09/02/2026

The seasons don't change overnight. They leave clues.

As you walk through the Arboretum, look for the first signs of fall: leaves beginning to change, flowers fading, seed heads forming, and plants preparing for cooler weather.

Take a walk through the Arboretum, then see if you can spot the same signs at home. 🏡

No notifications.No emails.No traffic.No agenda.Just the sound of birds, the movement of the trees, and a garden waiting...
08/31/2026

No notifications.
No emails.
No traffic.
No agenda.

Just the sound of birds, the movement of the trees, and a garden waiting to be explored.

Maybe you don't need another thing to look at. Maybe you just need somewhere to look up.

Come slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with something real. 🧘‍♀️

Every lasting legacy starts somewhere.For the May Arboretum, it can start with one choice. A membership might seem like ...
08/29/2026

Every lasting legacy starts somewhere.

For the May Arboretum, it can start with one choice. A membership might seem like a small thing.

But watch what happens when one person joins:

You help care for the gardens.
The gardens create safe and open spaces to learn.
Those spaces help families experience nature together.
Those families help children build memories and curiosity.
And someday, those children may become the people who protect these spaces for the next generation.

That’s the ripple effect of supporting your Arboretum.

Become a member and help create a legacy that keeps growing: https://mayarboretumsociety.org/get-involved/join/

In the middle of a growing city, green space can be easy to overlook, but its value is anything but small.The May Arbore...
08/28/2026

In the middle of a growing city, green space can be easy to overlook, but its value is anything but small.

The May Arboretum gives plants and wildlife room to thrive while giving people a place to slow down, learn, explore, and reconnect with nature. It’s a living piece of Reno’s landscape that quietly supports the health and character of our community.

Sometimes the most valuable parts of a city are the places where nature is still allowed to breathe. 🌿

Reno summers can be hot, but there’s a cooler way to spend the afternoon. ☀️Thanks to dense tree canopies, mature groves...
08/27/2026

Reno summers can be hot, but there’s a cooler way to spend the afternoon. ☀️

Thanks to dense tree canopies, mature groves, and natural landscapes that absorb far less heat than concrete and asphalt, shaded areas of the Arboretum can be up to 10 degrees cooler than nearby parking lots and blacktop.

Looking for a specific place to find a little peace?
• Kleiner Oak Grove: Wander beneath the canopy of mature oaks and enjoy a peaceful pocket of shade surrounded by established trees.
• Kristen’s Shade Garden: Step into this tucked-away garden for a quieter escape.
• Evans Creek: Follow the creekside path and let the sound of flowing water, surrounding greenery, and cooler air make your walk feel a little more refreshing.
• Honey’s Garden & Waterfall: Take a moment beside the waterfall, where the combination of moving water and lush plant life creates a naturally calming place to pause.
• Songbird Garden: Slow down beneath the trees and listen closely. You may spot or hear some of the feathered residents that make this garden their home.

Wherever you find yourself, sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to simply be under a tree.

Come cool down, wander awhile, and experience your local Arboretum.

What if your next three cups of coffee could help grow something that lasts for generations? ☕️A May Arboretum Society m...
08/26/2026

What if your next three cups of coffee could help grow something that lasts for generations? ☕️

A May Arboretum Society membership is just $30 a year; that's roughly three cups of coffee, or, for our dedicated coffee drinkers, maybe just one really committed day. And unlike that coffee, your membership keeps giving long after the last sip.

Your support helps us care for the Arboretum, support generations to come, and preserve this community treasure for a lifetime.

Your coffee gets you through the morning. Your membership helps build the future.

Become a member and invest in the future of your Arboretum: https://mayarboretumsociety.org/get-involved/join/

As of Tuesday, August 25, the May Arboretum has reopened to the public. Our gardens and staff are safe, and we’re incred...
08/26/2026

As of Tuesday, August 25, the May Arboretum has reopened to the public. Our gardens and staff are safe, and we’re incredibly thankful to be able to open our gates again.

Our hearts remain with everyone affected by the Hawk Fire, including the families, residents, first responders, and community members who have been impacted.

While the West end of Rancho San Rafael Park remains closed to public access, the Arboretum can be reached through Washington or North Sierra.

Thank you to everyone who has shown care, patience, and support during this time. We’re grateful to be part of a community that looks out for one another. ❤️

We’ll see you in the gardens.

Beautiful gardens don't grow on their own. They grow because a community cares.Our volunteers play an invaluable role in...
08/24/2026

Beautiful gardens don't grow on their own. They grow because a community cares.

Our volunteers play an invaluable role in helping care for the gardens and preserve this special place for our entire community. Whether they're lending a hand in the garden, helping with events, or sharing their time behind the scenes, their dedication is what helps us continue to grow and thrive.

From the bottom of our hearts, we couldn't do it without you. Thank you to every volunteer who continues to show up and grow alongside us.

📝 Interested in volunteering in the gardens? Visit our website to learn more: https://mayarboretumsociety.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Address

1595 N Sierra Street
Reno, NV
89503

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 11am

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