Mbaruk Field Study Center Arboretum

Mbaruk Field Study Center Arboretum is situated in Mbaruk on the rising escarpment of the Rift Valley near Lakes Nakuru and Elementaita, 18 km from Nakuru City at an altitude of between 1,980 and 2,010 meters. The natural vegetation type is open woodland, with the area now mainly subsistence farming. The Arboretum is working in conjunction with Mbaruk Field Study Centre to offer a sanctuary for a rich variety of flora, native trees and shrubs, along with opportunities for the local community and other visitors to experience and learn about the stories and properties of indigenous, naturalized and exotic species, and sustainable food security and environmentally friendly practices.

One of the special trees in the Arboretum is Erythrina abyssinica, which is highly medicinal, where the most targeted parts being the bark and the roots. As a result of overharvesting, the species is locally threatened. The Arboretum will ensure it is well conserved and also educate the community on how to utilize it sustainably.