• “When Trees Testify” by Beronda Montgomery

    Join plant biologist and author Beronda Montgomery for a discussion of her new book, “When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy.” Montgomery explores the way that eight trees and shrubs testify to the experience of black Americans, from sycamores that acted as landmarks for those trying to escape slavery, to pecan propagation spearheaded by an enslaved African woman, to the traditional medicinal uses of willow bark in black communities. Montgomery takes us through black American history with trees and shrubs as our guides.

    Hunnewell Lecture Hall

      Rescheduled Leventritt: From Design to Living Landscape

      *Rescheduled from May 14 due to rain.* As the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden nears its 25th birthday, join the garden’s original architect and our own Keeper of the Living Collections to learn about the garden’s history, its design goals and principles, and how it has evolved in the past two decades. This program will begin with a short talk in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall, then move outdoors for a tour of the garden itself with Michael Dosmann and architect Gary Hilderbrand.

      Hunnewell Lecture Hall
      Get Tickets 32 tickets left
      • Rescheduled

      Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

      Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

      Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

        Ask a Horticulturist – Rhododendrons

        Stop by the rhododendron collection to chat with the Horticulturist who manages the Arboretum’s beautiful rhododendron shrubs. Horticulturist Brendan Keegan will be there from 2:00pm to 4:00pm answering questions about caring for rhododendrons, the Arboretum’s rhododendron collection, and what it’s like to be a horticulturist here. No registration is required, just stop by!

        Rhododendrons
        • Little Explorers

          Little Explorers

          Join us at the Arboretum as we read and discover new things about the natural world. During this one-hour program for our youngest guests and their grownups, we will read a nature inspired story, do a craft/activity, and go for a nature walk to continue exploring the theme.

          Hunnewell Lecture Hall
          Subject Matter:

            Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

            Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

            Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

              Rescheduled Peters Hill Tour

              Learn about some of the amazing trees on Peters Hill during this ninety-minute tour led by docent Paul Eldrenkamp. You’ll get a chance to explore a few of the interesting collections in the landscape, learn about the history of this part of the Arboretum, and get a view of the Boston skyline from the second highest point in the city.

              Poplar Gate
              • Rescheduled

              Identifying Common Trees and Shrubs

              Can you identify the trees around you when you’re walking through the streets of Boston or hiking in New England forests? Join experienced horticulturist and plant science teacher Nicole Forsyth for a class on identifying common trees and shrubs in Massachusetts, from elms and honeylocust to lindens and witch-hazels. This class will begin indoors with a presentation in the lecture hall, and then move outside for some identification practice in the landscape.

              Hunnewell Lecture Hall

                Canceled Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

                Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

                Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)
                • Canceled

                Birding Walk

                Embark on a birdwatching tour in the Arboretum’s landscape with docent and birder Donna Sullivan. This two-hour tour is suitable for adult beginners as well as more experienced birders.

                in front of the Hunnewell Building

                  Charles Sprague Sargent and the American Landscape

                  Many are aware of Charles Sprague Sargent’s role as first director of the Arnold Arboretum, establishing it as the world-renowned institution it is today. Far fewer are familiar with how his close relationships and prolific correspondence with figures of national and international prominence in the developing fields of botany, horticulture, forestry, and wilderness preservation or his leadership of seminal public sector projects such as his path-breaking survey of United States forests for the 1880 US Census shaped the American landscape far beyond the Arboretum’s walls. Docent Paul Eldrenkamp will lead a tour that explores the far-reaching influence — then and now– of the Arboretum’s first director.

                  Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

                    Birding at the Arboretum

                    Have you ever wanted to learn more about the feathered friends you see and hear on a walk through the Arnold Arboretum? If so, please join birders and volunteers TJ and Allison for a leisurely 90-minute bird watching walk.

                    in front of the Hunnewell Building

                      Mountain Laurels Up Close

                      Mountain laurels are as fascinating as the are beautiful, with stamens that catapult pollen onto their pollinators and wood that is so easy to carve that it was nicknamed “spoonwood.” Join Horticulturist Brendan Keegan for a walk to learn about the botany, ecology, and cultural significance of these beautiful flowers at peak bloom.

                      Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)
                        Little Explorers

                        Little Explorers

                        Join us at the Arboretum as we read and discover new things about the natural world. During this one-hour program for our youngest guests and their grownups, we will read a nature inspired story, do a craft/activity, and go for a nature walk to continue exploring the theme.

                        Hunnewell Lecture Hall
                        Subject Matter:

                          Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

                          Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

                          Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

                            Olmsted and the Arnold Arboretum

                            Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the father of landscape architecture, designed some 500 public spaces in North America. The Arnold Arboretum is the only arboretum he designed, a National Historic Landmark, and a model for others around the world. Docent Bill Beizer, will identify the elements of the Arboretum that best reflect Olmsted’s philosophy and approach to landscape design.

                            Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

                              Rescheduled Poisonous Plants

                              *Rescheduled from May 30 due to weather.* Hidden among the beautiful flowers and innocent-looking shrubs of the Arboretum are some of the world’s most sinister poisons. White snakeroot, yew and even the beloved rhododendron are all filled to the brim with toxins that have both enticed and tormented people for generations. Join Manager of Adult Programming and Events Sarah Nechamen for a walk to learn about these poisonous plants, the chemicals they contain, and the strange histories they carry with them.

                              Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)
                              Get Tickets 2 tickets left
                              • Rescheduled

                              The Cosmic Tree: A Universal Symbol of Life: Flowering Trees

                              During this tour we will discuss angiosperms, the largest and most diverse group in the plant kingdom. All flowering trees are angiosperms, but not all angiosperms reproduce in the same way, so you may not see blooms and flowers but plenty of leaves. Docent Katrina Scott will lead this interactive tour with stops for moments to reflect on specific trees and the stories associated with them. Were they revered or feared?  A home for deities or tricksters?  We will begin at the Center Street Gate starting at Jack Dawson’s shagbark hickory (1883) then head up Oak Path to Beech Path ending at Bussey Hill Road after visiting the ash trees of Norse mythology (Yggdrasil.).

                              Centre Street Gate

                                Hydrangea Happiness by C.L. Fornari

                                As the Arboretum’s hydrangea collection begins to bloom in shades of blue, white, pink, and purple, stop in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall for a book talk on ‘Hydrangea Happiness: Planting, Pruning, and Blooming.’ This beautifully illustrated guide by author C.L. Fornari is a boon for beginner gardeners and experienced horticulturists alike. Learn about the most popular hydrangea varieties, how to manage planting and ongoing maintenance, and surprising myths and misinformation about these beautiful shrubs.

                                Hunnewell Lecture Hall
                                Subject Matter:

                                  Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

                                  Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

                                  Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

                                    Living Trees, Living Traditions: Cultural Perspectives on Plant Use

                                    Trees have long played an important role in cultures around the world. On this tour, we delve into the ethnobotany of trees – how people of different cultures and regions made use of woody plants for food, medicine, everyday wooden objects, dyes, fibers, oils, resins, gums, soaps, waxes, tannins.  Join docent Vicki Amalfitano to explore how groups from many regions and traditions have historically used bark, roots, and leaves from native and exotic trees we have growing at the Arnold Arboretum for a variety of uses.

                                    in front of the Hunnewell Building

                                      Rose Collection Up Close

                                      The Bradley Rosaceous Collection has beautiful roses on display in a stunning rainbow of colors–but roses are not the only thing you will find in this garden. There are many other plants in the rose family, from crabapples and cherries to hawthorn and medlar. Join Horticulturist Rachel Lawlor for a tour of the Bradley Rosaceous Collection and learn about the wide variety of Rosaceae species, the susceptibility of this family to pests and disease, how the Arboretum is handling these challenges, and how this unique garden came to be.

                                      Bradley Rosaceous Collection
                                        Little Explorers

                                        Little Explorers

                                        Join us at the Arboretum as we read and discover new things about the natural world. During this one-hour program for our youngest guests and their grownups, we will read a nature inspired story, do a craft/activity, and go for a nature walk to continue exploring the theme.

                                        Hunnewell Lecture Hall
                                        Subject Matter:
                                        • Canceled Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

                                          Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

                                          Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)
                                          • Canceled

                                          Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

                                          Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

                                          Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

                                            Finding Fireflies

                                            When the sun sets and darkness settles on the Arboretum for the night, every now and then the dark is interrupted by the flash of a firefly. Join Professor Adam South of Tufts University for an evening Firefly Walk to learn about the lives of the fireflies that live here, the mechanics of how they light up, and how these unique insects are being impacted by pesticides and light pollution.

                                            Peters Hill Gate
                                            Subject Matter:

                                              Birding Walk

                                              Embark on a birdwatching tour in the Arboretum’s landscape with docent and birder Donna Sullivan. This two-hour tour is suitable for adult beginners as well as more experienced birders.

                                              in front of the Hunnewell Building

                                                Make Your Own Cyanotypes: A Drop-In Program

                                                Stop by the Hunnewell Lawn while supplies last to create beautiful nature-based cyanotype prints. Participants will arrange flowers, leaves, and seeds and expose them in sunlight to create a deep blue print with bright, ghost-white silhouettes.

                                                Hunnewell Lawn
                                                Subject Matter:

                                                  Birding at the Arboretum

                                                  Have you ever wanted to learn more about the feathered friends you see and hear on a walk through the Arnold Arboretum? If so, please join birders and volunteers TJ and Allison for a leisurely 90-minute bird watching walk.

                                                  in front of the Hunnewell Building

                                                    Mushroom Hunt

                                                    Hundreds of mushrooms hide beneath the Arboretum’s canopies, silently blossoming into unique forms then withering away again just as quickly. Join local mushroom enthusiast Maria Pinto to search for these fascinating organisms on the Arboretum grounds, both edible and poisonous alike. Along the way you will learn what mushrooms to look for in different habitats and seasons, how they move through ecosystems, and what the Arboretum’s unique collections affect what mushrooms you might find here.

                                                    Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)
                                                      Little Explorers

                                                      Little Explorers

                                                      Join us at the Arboretum as we read and discover new things about the natural world. During this one-hour program for our youngest guests and their grownups, we will read a nature inspired story, do a craft/activity, and go for a nature walk to continue exploring the theme.

                                                      Hunnewell Lecture Hall
                                                      Subject Matter:

                                                        Rescheduled Finding Fireflies

                                                        *Rescheduled from June 23* When the sun sets and darkness settles on the Arboretum for the night, every now and then the dark is interrupted by the flash of a firefly. Join Professor Adam South of Tufts University for an evening Firefly Walk to learn about the lives of the fireflies that live here, the mechanics of how they light up, and how these unique insects are being impacted by pesticides and light pollution.

                                                        Peters Hill Gate
                                                        Subject Matter:
                                                        Get Tickets 1 ticket left
                                                        • Rescheduled

                                                        Forest Bathing

                                                        Slow down and awaken your senses on a guided sensory experience in the Arnold Arboretum. Forest Bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, is a restorative sensory exploration that supports health and healing for all beings. From increased cerebral blood flow to stronger immune defenses, come discover for yourself what happens when we unplug, slow down and open our senses to notice more of our natural surroundings. All the prompts, invitations, sharing and ways of participating are optional and open to interpretation.

                                                        Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

                                                          Oak Collection Tour

                                                          Oaks have been more closely associated with the development of human civilizations across the northern hemisphere than any other genus of tree. From the Royal Oak to the Charter Oak to the Emancipation Oak, from wine and whisky barrels to tall ships to the roof of Notre Dame, from King John to Shakespeare to Leonardo da Vinci, oaks have been inextricably entwined with the human experience. Join docent Paul Eldrenkamp as we learn more about the cultural history of oaks and explore what it is that makes them so useful, so distinct — and so essential.

                                                          Centre Street Gate

                                                            The Cosmic Tree: A Universal Symbol of Life: Flowering Trees

                                                            During this tour we will discuss angiosperms, the largest and most diverse group in the plant kingdom. All flowering trees are angiosperms, but not all angiosperms reproduce in the same way, so you may not see blooms and flowers but plenty of leaves. Docent Katrina Scott will lead this interactive tour with stops for moments to reflect on specific trees and the stories associated with them. Were they revered or feared?  A home for deities or tricksters?  We will begin at the Center Street Gate starting at Jack Dawson’s shagbark hickory (1883) then head up Oak Path to Beech Path ending at Bussey Hill Road after visiting the ash trees of Norse mythology (Yggdrasil.).

                                                            Centre Street Gate

                                                              Terapia de Bosque en Español: El Corazón del Bosque

                                                              La terapia de bosque, también conocida como baño de bosque o shinrin-yoku, es una práctica basada en evidencia que te conecta con la naturaleza de manera amable, curiosa y consciente. En el ritmo acelerado del mundo de hoy, esta experiencia cuidadosamente diseñada te invita a tomar una pausa, despertar tus sentidos y disfrutar de lo que nos ofrece la naturaleza.

                                                              Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)

                                                                Ask a Horticulturist – Bradley Rosaceous Collection

                                                                Stop by the Bradley Rosaceous Collection to chat with the Horticulturist who manages the rose garden. Horticulturist Rachel Lawlor will be there from 10:00am to noon, answering questions about caring for roses, the Arboretum’s rosaceous collection, and what it’s like to be a horticulturist here. No registration is required, just stop by!

                                                                Bradley Rosaceous Collection
                                                                  Little Explorers

                                                                  Little Explorers

                                                                  Join us at the Arboretum as we read and discover new things about the natural world. During this one-hour program for our youngest guests and their grownups, we will read a nature inspired story, do a craft/activity, and go for a nature walk to continue exploring the theme.

                                                                  Hunnewell Lecture Hall
                                                                  Subject Matter:

                                                                    Living Trees, Living Traditions: Cultural Perspectives on Plant Use

                                                                    Trees have long played an important role in cultures around the world. On this tour, we delve into the ethnobotany of trees – how people of different cultures and regions made use of woody plants for food, medicine, everyday wooden objects, dyes, fibers, oils, resins, gums, soaps, waxes, tannins.  Join docent Vicki Amalfitano to explore how groups from many regions and traditions have historically used bark, roots, and leaves from native and exotic trees we have growing at the Arnold Arboretum for a variety of uses.

                                                                    in front of the Hunnewell Building

                                                                      Arboretum Highlights Tour: Flora Way Loop

                                                                      Explore part of the Arboretum’s 281 acre landscape, hear stories of the Arboretum’s history, get an introduction to some of the many woody plant collections, and enjoy what’s in bloom during this 90-minute, docent-led tour. This tour highlights areas near the Flora Way Gate including the Conifer Collection, Hemlock Hill, Rhododendron Dell and Valley Road.

                                                                      Flora Way Gate (Formerly Bussey St Gate)