The forest today
The Quaker Arboretum aims to maintain and preserve a beautiful stand of Hoop pines planted over 80 years ago. Hoop pines were once found all across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Since the 1990s, the forest has been be planted with many endemic native species that are found in South East Queensland. Anyone who wishes to visit, volunteer or just wishes learn about the forest please contact the caretakers. The 'Forest Committee' usually meets in the morning every third Saturday in the month to care for and maintain the forest, as well as share morning tea. Everyone is welcome.
The Macadamias
There are several old macadamias found in the forest. Macadamias are an endemic species to Queensland and were an important food source for indigenous groups prior to colonisation. One particular macadamia in the Quaker forest is directly related to the first macadamia planted by Walter Hill in 1857. Hill was the first superintendent of the Brisbane Botanic gardens and the tree he planted then can still be found in the Botanic Gardens today. Currently the Macadamia Conservation Trust and other researchers are aiming to identify and preserve the few existing macadmias to maintain genetic diversity.
Restoring the forest
Since the late 1980s, a number of volunteers has met regularly to remove introduced species and clear invasive weeds.
