Flowers bloom at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum in July 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Flowers bloom at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum in July 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Arboretum reopens after bear-forced closure

The Jensen-Olson Arboretum resumes normal business hours today after repeated visits from a hungry bear kept it closed for about a month, according to a City and Borough of Juneau press release.

The Arboretum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The city has cautioned that though the Arboretum is now open, the presence of bears is always a possibility, and visitors should use caution. On Sept. 5, ursine interest in berry bushes at the Arboretum reached an “excessive” level, prompting the closure for public safety.

Arboretum management thanked the public for its patience and cooperation during the unexpected closure. For more information, contact Arboretum Manager Merrill Jensen at 789-0139 or Merrill.Jensen@juneau.org.

Merrill Jensen, Director & Horticulturist for the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, moves a watering hose on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. During dry spells Jensen has to move the watering hose every two to four hours around the clock. It takes four days to water the entire garden. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Merrill Jensen, Director & Horticulturist for the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, moves a watering hose on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. During dry spells Jensen has to move the watering hose every two to four hours around the clock. It takes four days to water the entire garden. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

More in News

The northern lights are seen from the North Douglas launch ramp late Monday, Jan. 19. A magnetic storm caused unusually bright northern lights Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. (Chloe Anderson/Juneau Empire)
Rare geomagnetic storm causes powerful aurora display in Juneau

The northern lights were on full display Monday evening.

Seven storytellers will each share seven minute-long stories, at the Kunéix Hidi Northern Light United Church at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, benefitting the Southeast Alaska Food Bank. (Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash)
Mudrooms returns to Juneau’s Kunéix Hidi Northern Light United Church

Seven storytellers will present at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10.

The Alaska State Capitol building stands on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Mari Kanagy/Juneau Empire)
Rep. Story introduces bill aiming to stabilize education funding

House Bill 261 would change how schools rely on student counts.

Weekly events guide: Juneau community calendar for Feb. 9 – 15
Juneau Community Calendar

Weekly events guide: Feb. 9 – 15

teaser
Juneau activists ask Murkowski to take action against ICE

A small group of protesters attended a rally and discussion on Wednesday.

A female brown bear and her cub are pictured near Pack Creek on Admiralty Island on July 19, 2024. (Chloe Anderson for the Juneau Empire)
Pack Creek permits for bear viewing area available now

Visitors are welcome from April 1 to Sept. 30.

Cars pass down Egan Drive near the Fred Meyer intersection Thursday morning. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Safety changes planned for Fred Meyer intersection

DOTPF meeting set for Feb. 18 changes to Egan Drive and Yandukin intersection.

Herbert River and Herbert Glacier are pictured on Nov. 16, 2025. (Mari Kanagy / Juneau Empire)
Forest Service drops Herbert Glacier cabin plans, proposes trail reroute and scenic overlook instead

The Tongass National Forest has proposed shelving long-discussed plans to build a… Continue reading

A tsunami is not expected after a 4.4-magnitude earthquake northwest of Anchorage Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (U.S. Geological Survey)
No tsunami expected after 4.4-magnitude earthquake in Alaska

U.S. Geological Survey says 179 people reported feeling the earthquake.

Most Read