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| Landmark #840 | Los Angeles County | Visited: December 4, 2011 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque marking the nation’s first experimental testing station for exotic plants! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: In 1887, the State Board of Forestry established the nation’s first experimental forestry station. Located in Rustic Canyon, the station tested exotic trees for planting in California, established plantations for management studies, and produced planting stock for scientific and conservation purposes. The station was operated by the Board of Forestry until 1893 and by the University of California until 1923.
OTHER TIDBITS: You can see the results of this station’s experiments all over California! It was partly responsible for introducing the eucalyptus tree to the state, partly for dĂ©cor, partly as wood for railroad ties! Unfortunately, eucalyptus wood proved too soft for the railroad, and therefore, it remained largely a decorative tree and air freshener after rainstorms! Otherwise, it’s highy invasive and has spread across the world! It is toxic, so wherever it grows, nothing can grow under it! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Rustic Canyon Recreation Center NW corner of Latimer and Hilltree Rds Los Angeles, CA 90402 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~19mi (31km) — 0.4hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |