The late Ray Williams, a Watsonville
nurseryman, designed the landscape to be
consistent with its surroundings. He
incorporated sustainable, drought‐tolerant
native and non‐native plants. He was especially
interested in Australian plants, many of which
were grown at his own nursery.
The
arboretum,
where trees
and
perennial
plants are
identified by
labels, is a
small part of
the campus,
but the plantings of Ray Williams are found
throughout the campus. The arboretum gives
viewers the opportunity to see mature plants
that thrive in our local climate. Some specimens
are among the largest of their species in
California. One tree, an Omeo Gum (Eucalyptus
neglecta), is the current national champion tree.
This means that it is the largest known example
of its species in the United States. This tree can
be seen at the southeast corner of the
administration parking lot.
The arboretum is an on‐going project. There is
continuing identification of existing plants as
well as new plantings. Students use the
arboretum in their classes and assist in the
development of a plant database. The
arboretum is open to the public whenever the
campus is open.
Future plans include a garden devoted to
California Natives.
www.gavilan.edu/arboretum
How to experience the arboretum
The arboretum includes areas in the southern
part of the campus. The area that is included in
the arboretum is highlighted on the map on the
back of this page. Much, although not all of the
area is accessible to persons with disabilities.
You can start your arboretum tour anywhere
within the arboretum, although it is probably
easiest to begin in Parking Lot H (the lot closest
to the tennis courts).
We hope you enjoy your
visit. Please direct
questions to
mmckenna@ gavilan.edu
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
The following principles guide the intent and
objectives of the campus Arboretum:
EDUCATIONAL
‐Utilize the campus plants in formal classes
‐Support the student learning experience
‐Identify & label all trees and perennial plant
species
‐Support visitor experience with opportunities to
learn about campus plants
STEWARDSHIP
‐Advocate respect for the campus landscape as a
whole
‐Safeguard and showcase heritage trees
‐Collaboration with Gavilan College Facilities and
Grounds Department
SUSTAINABILITY
‐Display plants that reflect California's climate
‐Plant native plants to sustain local native
wildlife
‐Advocate for increased use of climate
appropriate plants to reduce water usage,
erosion, & storm water runoff
Arboretum
Omeo Gum (
Eucalyptus Neglecta)
Welcome to the Gavilan College Arboretum. Our
mission is to promote public awareness of the
unique and sustainable landscape at Gavilan
College through fostering of educational,
research and conservation opportunities.
The arboretum was opened in 2013, although
most plantings date back to 1966, when the
Gilroy campus opened. The landscape at the
Gilroy campus of Gavilan College has long been
recognized as unique.