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

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of March 16

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A map of Alaska shows the three Social Security Administration field offices in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks. (Google Maps)
Social Security may cut phone support, force Alaskans online or to Juneau, Anchorage or Fairbanks

Reports: About 40% of claims handed by phone nationwide, 60,000 rural Alaskans lack broadband.

Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan, speaks Feb. 21, 2025, on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska legislators ask feds to reinstate program that sent money to rural schools

The Alaska House of Representatives is asking Congress to fix a problem… Continue reading

An aerial view of downtown Juneau. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Local federal workers get mixed messages about returning to jobs after firings rescinded

DOT worker says he’s supposed to resume work Thursday; Forest Service worker says status still unclear.

A storage shed on Meadow Lane catches fire Monday morning. (Photo by Chelsea Stonex)
Storage shed fire spreads to two vehicles, causing explosion, but no injuries reported

Two homes on Meadow Lane suffer broken windows and other damage, according to CCFR.

A 2.9-acre plot of land donated to Huna Totem Corp. by Norwegian Cruise Line is the site for the proposed Aak’w Landing private cruise ship dock. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Amendments to Huna Totem’s proposed private cruise dock to be taken up Monday night by the Assembly

A dozen proposals seek limits on ship size, fines for violations, setting various operational goals.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, March 15, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, March 14, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, March 13, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read