The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden will reopen on Monday, December 26, 2011 after weeks of extensive windstorm damage clean up is completed.

“We are so grateful to the community for their outpouring of support,” said Russ Guiney, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.  “So many people contacted us to express their concern, offer their support during the clean up and with rebuilding efforts still to come.”

Arboretum Chief Executive Officer Richard Schulhof reported that the garden lost a total 235 trees and 700 others were damaged, , the most severe loss of trees in living memory.   “Although, I am saddened by the loss of so many beautiful specimens, I am looking forward to the opportunity to rebuild,” said Schulhof.   “This is a time for planning the future of the Arboretum.   We are extremely grateful for the continued support from the community as we begin to restore the trees and gardens.”

The coordination and clean up effort was a collaboration with hundreds of people assisting including staff from Los Angeles County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Works, Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department Parks Bureau and staff and volunteers from the Arboretum.  “Thanks to the hard work of so many staff and volunteers from our Los Angeles County family, the garden is reopening sooner than expected,” Guiney continued.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located at 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia, CA  91006, will resume regular hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.

More information about the Arboretum Tree Fund to restore the gardens can be found at www.arboretum.org.