Markham Regional Arboretum

The Markham Nature Park & Arboretum is one of those beautiful hidden treasures that I've recently rediscovered. I say "Rediscover" because I've been here before a few times in the past, but I never took the time actually to explore it.

This stunning arboretum is hidden off Cowell road and features an array of different flowers, plants, cultural gardens, and walking trails. There's a small parking lot located off of La Vista ave that offers free parking for visitors and street parking right along Cowell road. The entrance from Cowell road will take you along the main walking path that spans about 2.5 miles. The track will lead you to the Newhall Community Park where you can connect to a ton of other local hiking trails.

I am so impressed at the variety of different plants that this little park holds! There's an international garden that contains a Mediterranean, Asian, and South African miner. It's incredible to think that plants from other countries can survive just fine in our very own climate. Bright and colorful flowers are abundant as well as the most eye-catching succulents. As many of the locals may already know, Concord can get HAAAWT! However, this cute little park has several shaded areas with picnic tables where you can relax and take in the view. If you're not super plant savvy like myself, you can follow the informational placards posted within the park that will offer some great information about all of the changing foliage. I even found a couple of fruit trees along the path.

I was most intrigued by the President's Grove! The park itself has so many different species of trees and even features a "tree walk" where you can walk, explore, and identify the multitude of different trees. But, the President's Grove is just absolutely stunning! I'm a lover of Redwoods, and although the trees within this grove aren't, they still emit the same enticing beauty. The trees are tall, and the air smells clean. I can't believe that something so remarkable is located right in Lil' ol' Concord of all places! If you're a local, you should put a visit to this nature park on your to-do list! You'll be surprised at how something so amazing can be located right smack dab in the middle of the city.