Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden
A high-desert arboretum tests plants against Reno seasons. It shows what actually survives northern Nevada conditions.
Artwork inspired by Lyle Ball
The living collection surrounds Rancho San Rafael with conifers, deciduous trees, wetlands, gardens, and labeled specimens exposed to cold winters, dry summers, wind, and irrigation limits. Compare irrigation, shelter, and microclimate to see why some plants succeed in Reno while others remain seasonal experiments.
Use the current plant map to choose one collection for a close circuit rather than crossing the entire regional park. The adjacent Wilbur D. May Museum keeps separate hours and admission, so confirm both schedules before treating them as one visit.
- Setting
- Reno
- Character
- A high-desert arboretum tests plants…
- Allow
- 1½–3 hours
Quick guide
- Start with the current plant map
- Compare irrigation and microclimate
- Four-season living
- Four-season living collection
Read structure at Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Read the plan
- Use the current plant map to choose a focused circuit.
- Permanent framework
- Compare conifers, deciduous trees, wetlands, and garden rooms across Reno’s seasons.
- What is changing
- Notice how irrigation, shade, wind, and exposure change what thrives.
- Before visiting
- Check the arboretum and May Museum schedules separately despite their shared campus.
Good to know
The garden is free and generally follows park daylight hours, while the adjacent May Museum maintains separate admission and operating hours.
Notice these
- Four-season living collection
- Compare irrigation and microclimate
- Reno context