The UNLV Arboretum was established in May of 1985. Legislation enabled the University of Nevada Board of Regents to establish arboreta at both of the four year institutions within the state, including our sister arboretum at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The UNLV Arboretum includes the entire 335 acre campus. Of this acreage, 80 acres are landscaped with trees, shrubs, and turf, including a two acre Xeric Garden. The grounds are often referred to as the Emerald in the Desert, a maxim that has been attached to the recently created Arboretum logo.