The Markham Nature Park and Arboretum () is a natural
arboretum
An arboretum (: arboreta) is a botanical collection composed exclusively of trees and shrubs of a variety of species. Originally mostly created as a section in a larger garden or park for specimens of mostly non-local species, many modern arbor ...
located at 1202 La Vista Avenue,
Concord, California
Concord ( ) is the most populous city in Contra Costa County, California, Contra Costa County, California, United States. According to an estimate completed by the United States Census Bureau, the city had a population of 124,016 in 2024, maki ...
,
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
. The arboretum was founded in and is a work in progress, with most of the site still in a natural state.
History
Ira and "Bee" Markham, the original owners of the property, sold the parcel of land to the city of Concord in 1966. They requested that the area be kept as natural as possible, growing primarily local plants and trees for the area's residents to enjoy.
Markham Nature Park
Located closest to Cowell Road is the Markham Nature Park and Science Center. This park has an old farmhouse, used now as a classroom for GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) students. For one week at a time, GATE students come to the park and learn about the surroundings, and other science related topics. The students go on hikes and learn about the trees and birds, take a day to collect samples from Galindo Creek which flows through the park, and care for the many animals that reside in the Markhams' old farmhouse. The animals range from snakes to mice to turtles, and a toad named "Alligator" who lives in the bathtub. For the night, most of the children receive an assigned animal, taking it home and caring for it.