In the center of Spokane, Washington, there is a botanical garden and arboretum called the John A. Finch Arboretum. John A. Finch, a former Spokane mayor and head of the park board, is honored by having the arboretum bear his name. More than 2,000 different species of trees, shrubs, and flowers from all over the world are present on its more than 65 acres of land.
The history of the arboretum is extensive and fascinating. The development of Garden Springs Park in the vicinity was given the go-ahead by the Spokane City Council in 1929. The park was created to provide locals with a place to relax and get away from the bustle of the city. The park was renamed John A. Finch Arboretum in 1949 by the city council in recognition of the former mayor and head of the park board.
The City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department now oversees the arboretum. The park is always accessible to the general public, and guests can go hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. A lot of weddings, family gatherings, and other special events take place in the park.
The Botanical Garden is one of the arboretum’s highlights. A variety of different plants, flowers, and trees can be found throughout the garden, which is divided into several themed gardens. The Japanese Garden, which has a traditional teahouse and koi pond, and the Formal Garden, which is fashioned after a European-style garden with fountains and formal hedges, are both open for visitors to stroll through.
The arboretum’s trail network is another popular feature. Over two miles of hiking trails wind through the park’s forest, providing visitors with the chance to see a variety of local and foreign plant species. Birdwatchers frequently visit the trails because they can see a variety of bird species throughout the park.
The arboretum hosts a number of educational activities and programs all year long. These consist of led excursions, nature hikes, and botany and gardening classes. The Finch Arboretum Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arboretum and advancing botany education and research, is also based at the arboretum.
The Tree House, which was constructed in 1997 as part of a collaborative project between the City of Spokane and the Spokane School District, is one of the arboretum’s distinctive features. A two-story building known as The Tree House was constructed around a huge Ponderosa Pine tree. Visitors can ascend to the Tree House’s second floor to take in views of the arboretum and its surroundings.
The arboretum also has a Children’s Garden, which is intended to introduce kids to the joys of gardening and nature, in addition to the Tree House. A butterfly garden, a sensory garden, and a vegetable garden are just a few of the interactive displays and games that can be found in the Children’s Garden.
The John A. Finch Arboretum is a great place to visit if you love the outdoors and want to learn more about the trees and plants that make up our planet. The arboretum offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy spending time outside or are a big fan of botany or birdwatching. So make sure to put John A. Finch Arboretum on your list of must-see sights if you find yourself in Spokane.