Arboretum in Lower Stradomia

Arboretum was founded in 1990, thanks to the forest nursery, taking part in the implementation of the national program for preservation of forest genetic resources. Since its foundation, it bears the name of Professor Stefan Białobok, who was one of the most prominent and well-known botanists in Poland. Arboretum is subject to the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Poznan, although the body which manages the facility is superintendency in Sycow. November 30^th 1993, the facility was opened by the Director of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Poznan, which can be admired in its current form, but only two years later, on November 10^th 1995, the facility was officially opened.

The total area of the arboretum is more than 150 hectares, which means that it is the largest facility of this kind in Poland. The aims of the facility are associated with active protection of the environment, restoration of the natural position of endangered species.  Therefore, it engages in all types of ecological projects, scientific research and also conducts environmental education for the public.

Although the arboretum in Stradomia is a relatively new facility, there can be found: alpinarium (the first one was established in 1997, the second one in 2005), dendrological collections (1 158 species and cultivars) and collections of protected plantsn (over 100 species), a complex of 5 joints and meteorological station. A plant nursery is also an important element because it annually produces about 200,000 tree seedlings.

The above-mentioned alpinarium is one of the worth a visit attractions. Many species of alpine plants, also those endangered or occurring only under specific conditions grow there. Plants were chosen so that they could flourished throughout the growing season and could be admired by visitors. Paths, bridges and scenic routes created to facilitate the movement of visitors.

Visiting the arboretum people can find the special tree, it is a 'papal oak'. Oak seedling was grown from acorns collected in 2003 from the oldest oak in Poland. One year later, arboretum employees went on a pilgrimage to the Vatican where the seedling was blessed by John Paul II. Since then, each seedling of this specimen is called papal oak.

Definitely this is one of the greatest natural treasures of Lower Silesia. Designed primarily for visitors so that they can see with their own eyes thousands of plant species from around the world, including those exotic. Arboretum is opened from April 1^st to October ^31st. Tickets: 3 PLN for normal ticket, 2 PLN for discounted ticket (students).

J.B