The first three Zigzag Gardens in the Central Valley of the Arboretum were launched on 28 March, having been planted last December. They are a stunning example of how wonderful this Valley will look when all the Zigzag Gardens are complete.

Take yourself for a shady walk this summer along one of our Forest Trails. Go in your own time - early or late in the day. The map of the Self-Guided Forest Trails appears below.

If you have been to the Arboretum in the last couple of weeks you will see that it is waking up. The cherry trees and the Callery Pears are just spectacular and the Discovery Garden is also a treat. Ange McNeilly who manages the garden has got it just beautiful at the moment. As we move towards summer we are looking for volunteers who might help Ange in the garden and/or would like to harvest figs or make jams and/or other preserves. Some of our jobs can be weekly but many are just before a Market Stall or if we have a glut of fruit or vegetables. It’s loads of fun!

The Friends of ACT Trees Inc. (FACTT) has recently released a new publication entitled "Woods Wiki – stories of trees in Australia and related topics". This is an intriguing little collection by the distinguished former Head of CSIRO Forestry and published by FACTT. It is a collection of pieces about trees and ideas - largely from and by Canberra people. A great birthday or Christmas gift idea!

In 2016, the Friends developed this draft Strategic Plan to help guide activities, events and discussions.

In early June, the Friends lodged a submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly's Inquiry into the value of the natural environment to an urbanising Canberra via the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services on 'Nature in our City'. Submissions have now been made public on the ACT Government website. A copy of the Friends' submission is now available.

The National Arboretum Canberra has set aside twenty-four individual garden beds and is offering the opportunity to contribute to those gardens. We will recognise your generosity in giving the gift of a garden with a commemorative plaque set on a stone plinth, so that each and every person who views it will appreciate your gesture to invest in the future.

An interesting article about the rare South-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo.

Check out some of the creative art works coming in for a new book about Natasha's Wood.

Calling all budding artists! We are searching for youth art to help illustrate the Natasha's Wood, Australian limited edition, fun picture book for kids. Once printed, book proceeds will support kid-friendly Arboretum forest and environment education programs.