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Welcome to the San Mateo Arboretum Society

SMAS is a “member and volunteer powered” organization dedicated to the preservation of San Mateo’s rich horticultural heritage.  Our headquarters and most of our activities are focused around the Kohl Pump House area in Central Park.
​Our mission is horticultural education and our passion is connecting people and plants to enhance the community.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

SEMINARS ARE STARTING AGAIN!
The San Mateo Arboretum Society (SMAS) will be starting their seminar series in July. The format will be web-based, NOT at the SMAS Pumphouse.  You can sign-up on this website and several days before an event you will receive an E-mail with the link, meeting ID, and password information.
2020  INFORMATION ON THE CLASSES & EVENTS PAGE
​New Class Information 
August 2, 2020 - Beauty of Bees
Register Now
September 13, 2020 - Natural Pest Deterrent
Register Now
The Zoetic Tapestry Project - 2020
Starting August 6, 2020, The Zoetic Tapestry will be at the SMAS Pumphouse. Their hours will be Thursdays- Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. More information will be coming soon.
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PLEASE NOTE: MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINICS:  Unfortunately the Master Gardeners are waiting for UC Davis to approve public-interaction events.  Please check our website:  www.SanMateoArboretum.org or call 650-579-0536 x3 for updates

COVID 19 UPDATE, 2020


The SMAS Board has re-evaluated access days to the Greenhouse and Nursery.

Still with the dynamic nature of the situation, the change to the SMAS policy is:
  • the nursery is open on Saturdays and Sundays - 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • the greenhouses are NOT open
  • all visitors MUST wear masks
  • number of visitors allowed inside the gates will be limited and monitored by a SMAS volunteer
  • payment forms are credit, debit cards, or Apple Pay - NO CASH 

The SMAS Board is following the guidelines suggested by the City of San Mateo.
PLEASE NOTE: ACCESS TO THE GREENHOUSES AT THIS TIME IS LIMITED TO ONE PERSON AT A TIME. ACCESS REQUIRES THE INDIVIDUAL TO CONTINUE WEARING THEIR MASK AND TO PUT ON GLOVES.
Visit our new webpage to see whats been going on around the Arboretum.

The demo garden has been pruned and new plants added thanks to  

With the Greenhouses and Nursery closed, the Greenhouse volunteers wasted no time to update the inventory of plants at SMAS. There are even some new and rare plants that have not been available before at SMAS.
Visit the What's Going On page to read an excerpt from our upcoming newsletter. 
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Page can also be accessed also from the drop down menu at the top of the page.

Beauty in the 2020 SMAS Central Park Rose Garden 

Tribute Bricks

Purchase engraved, personalized bricks for permanent placement along the pathway in the Butterfly-Hummingbird Garden has now been expanded to the Rose Garden. For more information or to order your brick(s), 

Grow with Us

As a fully “member and volunteer powered” organization, we invite you to participate in our ongoing efforts, as follows:
  • Donate
    Donations are tax exempt under IRC section 501(c)(3), federal tax ID #51-0178003.

  • Become a Member​
    Annual membership dues help to fund the excellent educational functions provided to the public.
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  • Volunteer
    Volunteers provide the work for all our activities and functions. Expert skill level is not required – simply a desire to contribute to the Arboretum Society’s objectives. 

Nursery/Greenhouse Plant Sales

REGULAR HOURS
  • Saturday: 11:00 am-2:00 pm
WINTER HOURS - December through February
  • To Be Determined
RAIN - 
Due to rain 0ur open times may occasionally need to be different than above, so don’t hesitate to call us before coming.
  • Ph. (650) 579-0536 ext 1
PLEASE NOTE: ACCESS TO THE GREENHOUSES AT THIS TIME IS LIMITED TO ONE PERSON AT A TIME. ACCESS REQUIRES THE INDIVIDUAL TO CONTINUE WEARING THEIR MASK AND TO PUT ON GLOVES.

Host Your Event Here

The historic Kohl Pumphouse and Victorian Garden are available for small group rental. For more information, click here.