Archived Article: the Humber Arboretum

THE HUMBER ARBORETUM

The Humber Arboretum encompasses 100 hectares of green space in Etobicoke on the West branch of the Humber River. Its boundaries are Rexdale Avenue to the south and Finch Avenue to the north between Highway 27 to the east and Highway 427 to the west. It is a botanical garden devoted to trees and other woody plants. It is dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural areas within its boundaries and provides educational opportunities in horticulture and environmental stewardship.

The Arboretum is a unique community resource established in 1977 by the City of Etobicoke, Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Humber College of Allied Arts and Technology. More than 10, 000 people visit the Humber Arboretum of which 8,000 are children. It is a leader in environmental studies. The Nature Centre provides a spectacular view of the gardens, woods and meadows.

The ornamental gardens include the Dunington Grubb and Garfield Weston Gardens where extensive collections of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants are situated among ponds, bridges, gazebos, hills and walkways. There is a hillside featuring masses of shrub roses, an outstanding display of annuals and perennials and over 100 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas.

Beyond the gardens an extensive trail system leads to a variety of fascinating natural habitats. The old forest features majestic specimens of Maple, Beech, Ash, Oaks and Hickories while the West Humber Trail winds along the Humber River providing a wetland habitat for beavers, herons and kingfishers which then leads into an old meadow with fox, deer and ring-necked pheasants.

The Arboretum is a gift to the community to be enjoyed by present and future generations. Continuing support of friends, partners and sponsors has made it possible to serve the community with high quality horticulture and environmental programs. The Humber Arboretum (Tel: 416-675-5009) is situated at 205 Humber College Boulevard and open each day during daylight hours and is accessible by Toronto Transit.