The Arboretum Plan creates representations of four temperate forest formations from much of the existing collections. Within each of the four forest formation types it will be possible to create or maintain taxonomic and geographic themes. Plants in the same genus or family--or plants from a particular geographic region--may be clustered together for interpretive reasons within a particular forest formation. In many cases, such clusters will include existing plants (including natives) that do not fit the particular sub theme. The overall goal here is to visually integrate the geographic or taxonomic clusters into the broader forest formation types. This approach will result in a layering of interpretive messages that revolve around an ecological theme. Subthemes will fulfill more subtle educational roles.

This plan interprets each of the four forest formations at a prominent location, as follows:

Coniferous forest Geographic distribution and economic importance interpreted at Sequoia Summit, where it will show conifer diversity.

Mixed coniferous/broadleaf forest Interpreted on Restoration Ridge, near Ridgetop Retreat along trail to south.

Deciduous/broadleaf forest Interpreted along proposed Riparian Forest Trail, located west of Water Meadow alongside Arboretum Creek.

Mediterranean scrub forest Ecology and geographic distribution interpreted at Madrona Terrace.