Chico Genetic Resource and Conservation Center (Tree Farm)

Overview

The Mendocino National Forest includes the Genetic Resource and Conservation Center located in south Chico. "Two of the station's early accomplishments included introducing the pistachio in 1917 and the kiwi in 1934. The "mother" and "father" kiwi are still at the Center and are the oldest producing kiwi in the country." Originally developed in 1904, it now "produces plants for projects such as reforestation, wildfire recovery, watershed restoration, fisheries, riparian habitat for threatened and endangered species, Native American culture values, oak woodland restoration, mine reclamation, campgrounds and interpretive areas, forest health including research and disease resistance, in addition to biological, chemical, and clinical research on anti-cancer drugs derived from plants." The free to visit, affectionately known "tree farm," offers shady picnicking by Comanche creek, a self-guided nature trail and numerous arboreta.

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/about-forest/contactus/

Chico
updated 08/2012 by Chico California