Markham Nature Park and Arboretum in Concord Hosts Late-Autumn Tree Walks and Propagation Clinics

Volunteer horticulturists with the Markham Regional Arboretum Society and groundskeepers from the City of Concord Parks and Recreation Department are welcoming Diablo Valley residents to 1202 La Vista Avenue this week as the 16-acre Markham Nature Park and Arboretum reaches peak late-October autumn foliage color. Nestled along the shaded banks of Galindo Creek between Clayton Road and Cowell Road, the former nineteenth-century orchard and homestead donated by Ira and Madge Markham serves as Concord's premier public botanical sanctuary and outdoor environmental classroom. Admission to the park's winding gravel trails and themed garden rooms is free every day from dawn until dusk.

During late October and early November, visitors strolling the creekside paths can observe striking crimson, amber, and gold leaf displays across the arboretum's mature Chinese pistache, liquidambar, ginkgo, Japanese maple, and native California valley oak specimens. Volunteer docents and UC Master Gardener instructors are leading Saturday morning tree-identification walks that explain which deep-rooted, drought-tolerant shade trees perform best in central Contra Costa County's hot summers and clay soils.

Inside the park's propagation nursery and demonstration beds—including the International Garden, Sensory Garden, and Concord Community Garden plots—society volunteers are hosting autumn workshops on dividing perennial bulbs, taking hardwood cuttings, and mulching winter vegetable beds before November rains arrive. Volunteers also worked alongside City of Concord creek stewards this month to clear fallen branches from the Galindo Creek riparian corridor.

Concord families, photographers, and school groups can view self-guided botanical tour maps, inquire about community garden plot waiting lists, or join Tuesday and Saturday morning volunteer gardening crews online at markhamarboretum.org or by calling (925) 681-2968.