by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
One of the things that makes Jacksonville unique is its park system.
In addition to being the largest urban park system in the U.S., many of the sites have been chosen to preserve significant conservation areas and offer an opportunity for complete isolation in nature – despite being within the confines of a county with a population close to 1 million people.
The latest addition to that concept is the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens (JAG) in Arlington near Monument Road and State Road 9A. The 118-acre nature preserve and passive park will mark its grand opening later this month, but board members and volunteers gathered at JAG last Oct. 29 to celebrate completed work and get a glimpse of what’s in store for the future.
Since 2006, volunteers have been developing the park by clearing trails; removing debris and abandoned vehicles; and installing footbridges, guideposts and informational signs around the park’s lake and ravine.
The term “arboretum” refers to the specialized nature of the park, said board chair Meg Gaffney. In addition to providing a peaceful, natural space, JAG’s other missions include education and scientific research. The site is home to a variety of native and cultivated plants as well as North Florida indigenous wildlife.
“We have seen plenty of armadillos, snakes and even a few small alligators in the lake,” said Gaffney. “It’s also an incredible bird sanctuary. We have a resident barred owl and there are also ospreys, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks living here.”
The City’s Department of Recreation and Community Services will manage the park while the JAG board and volunteers will develop programs and raise funds for additional future amenities. Amenity suggestions include: an amphitheater, special events pavilion and a visitor’s center.
Following the lead of a church group who volunteered and built a footbridge across a small creek, several Eagle Scouts have offered to construct picnic tables near JAG’s parking lot.
“The arboretum represents a very unique opportunity for Jacksonville. This land will be preserved for us and for future generations to enjoy,” commented Council member Clay Yarborough. “Since it’s located on the boundary between old Arlington and new Arlington, this is a great resource that unites both parts (Dist. 1 and Dist. 5) of the area.”
The property also has quite a bit of history.
In the 1880’s a portion of the tracks for the Jacksonville, Mayport & Pablo Railroad and Navigation Company went through what is now JAG to carry freight and passengers from Downtown to Hanna Park and Mayport. The railroad eventually went bankrupt, then the track bed was used as a wagon trail connecting the Arlington and Fort Caroline areas.
From 1944-1961, the Humphries Gold Mining Company removed minerals including titanium from the property.
The land creates an opportunity for people today much like in yesteryear.
“What we have here is 120 acres that is dedicated to the environment. It’s a gift that’s being unwrapped for the citizens of Jacksonville,” said Gaffney.
JAG’s grand opening, sponsored by Greenscape of Jacksonville, will be held Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at 1445 Millcoe Road. Hourly guided tours will begin at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.
For more information and directions, visit www.jacksonvillearboretum.org.
356-2466