Torrey Pine Conservation Grove Now Open

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Come visit a new chapter in conservation at the Garden with the debut of the Torrey Pine Conservation Grove, opening March 21, 2026.

More than a scenic hillside, this newly planted grove represents a long-term commitment to protecting one of North America’s rarest native trees, the Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana ssp. insularis). Found naturally only on Wima (Santa Rosa Island), this remarkable subspecies cannot be preserved through traditional seed banking methods. Unlike many native plants safeguarded in frozen storage, Torrey pine seeds are vulnerable to damage when frozen, making living collections essential to their survival.

Over the next decade, this emerging grove will grow into a mature stand of trees that helps maintain genetic diversity and supports future restoration efforts if wild populations decline. By cultivating rare species on site, the Garden’s Living Collection acts as a safeguard for the future.

With Garden admission, you can explore this new section and learn how conservation through cultivation is helping protect California’s botanical heritage right here at the Garden.