1922: Queensland Government Botanist, Cyril Tenison White suggested the need for an arboretum. Ernest Walter Bick, Curator of the Botanic Gardens; the Queensland Forestry Association and science, botanic and nature groups gave their strong support. Victoria Park was considered a possible site.

1923: Sherwood Shire Council purchased the northern river frontage from the Ranken family and the adjoining southern river frontage from the Jimmieson family for park and water purposes. In 1924, Council enthusiastically supported the use of this land for Brisbane’s new arboretum.

21 March 1925: Popular Queensland Governor, Sir Matthew Nathan and William Jolly, the future Lord Mayor of Greater Brisbane, joined guests for the planting of the Queensland Kauri Avenue. Ernest Walter Bick was appointed Curator of Sherwood Arboretum.

21 August 1925: Sherwood State School students planted 100 trees. Community support for Sherwood Arboretum had begun.

1957: Harold William Caulfield was appointed Curator of Sherwood Arboretum.

1975: Council undertook infrastructure improvements, including creating two new protected islands and desilting in the wetlands, which predate European settlement.

Early 1970s: Sherwood Arboretum was placed under Parks care sometime around the official opening of Brisbane Botanic Gardens – Mt Coot-tha in 1976. 

1986:  The Friends of Sherwood Arboretum Association (FOSA) was formed. Today, FOSA’s role includes ‘hands-on’ tree and habitat care, enhancing the visitor experience and advocacy.

1997: After extensive community consultation, Council adopted the Sherwood Arboretum Masterplan. The 2004 review of this management plan was current to 2012 – 2013.