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.
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Events
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.
Research Spotlight: Bio-Controls for Black Swallow-Wort
Black swallow-wort is a highly invasive vine in the U.S. and Canada, but in Europe it grows benignly, kept in check by a number of insect herbivores that only live in that part of the world. But what if we could bring one of those insects to New England? Could it control this highly invasive plant? Professor Lisa Tewksbury from the University of Rhode Island has released a number of Hypena opulenta moths in the Arboretum to see if it would control the black swallow-wort here, and now it’s time to return to that part of the landscape and see if the experiment has worked. Join Professor Tewksbury for a Research Spotlight to learn about her work and see if we can find evidence of Hypena opulenta larva on the black swallow-wort plants here.
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.
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.
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.
Morning Fitness Walk
Join docent Lisa Gaquin for a brisk morning walk along the inside perimeter of the Arboretum. This walk will be fast-paced, energetic, and will involve walking over hills and rough terrain.
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.
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.
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.
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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.).
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.
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.
Hu Xiansu (H. H. Hu) Memorial Dedication
Arboretum members are invited to a special dedication event honoring Hu Xiansu (H. H. Hu), a scholar regarded as the father of modern botany in China. Join us for the unveiling of a memorial plaque beneath one of our original dawn redwood (Metasquoia glyptostroboides) trees, grown from seed Hu shipped to the Arnold Arboretum in 1948 shortly after the discovery of this “living fossil” in isolated groves in southeastern China. The memorial recognizes Hu’s central role in identifying and introducing the dawn redwood to the world and commemorates the centenary of his receiving a doctorate in biology from Harvard. The dedication will take place on Friday, June 26 at 2:30pm beneath dawn redwood 524-48*AA, located near the front of the Hunnewell Building at the Arborway Gate entrance. We hope you can drop by for this brief gathering to celebrate Hu’s remarkable work and enduring legacy.
Scratch ‘n’ Sniff: A Tour of Arboretum Aromas
Even after most of the spring flowers have closed up, the plants of the Arboretum are bursting with bizarre odors and enticing aromas– if you know where to look. Join Head Arborist John DelRosso for a “Scratch ‘n’ Sniff” tour of the Arboretum and discover aromatic leaves, bark, and of course, flowers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rescheduled Decoding the Landscape: The Urban Wilds
*Rescheduled from July 11* The forest is a constantly changing landscape where tree species dominate and then fade away, to be replaced by other species in the ongoing process of succession. Join Horticulturist Brendan Keegan to see these dynamics at play in Bussey Brook Meadow: learn what species are found in an urban wild like this, how the landscape is used to study spontaneous vegetation, and explore the interplay of native, exotic, and invasive species in this unique corner of the Arboretum.
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.
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.
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Canceled Tree Mob: Turtles with Zoo New England
*Cancelled due to air quality concerns.* Zoo New England is partnering with the Arboretum to run its annual turtle survey! For the past six summers, ZNE conservation biologists have ventured into the ponds of the Arboretum to survey the turtles, minnows, and other biodiversity present there. Join Zoo New England staff for a Tree Mob to meet and learn about the fascinating species that call the Arboretum ponds home.
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.
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.
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.).
Morning Fitness Walk
Join docent Lisa Gaquin for a brisk morning walk along the inside perimeter of the Arboretum. This walk will be fast-paced, energetic, and will involve walking over hills and rough terrain.
Bizarre Botany: Working Together
Join Manager of Adult Programming and Events Sarah Nechamen for a deep dive into the strangest parts of the plant world. This month’s theme is mutualisms and symbioses: from plants that recruit ant armies to defend against herbivores, to mycorrhizal networks that stretch deep into the soil, explore all of the weird and wonderful ways plants work with other creatures to meet their needs.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Bees and Beyond: Pollinators at the Arboretum
Join pollinator expert Nicole Bell for a walk through the Arboretum’s meadows to find bees and other pollinators in their natural habitat. Bell will use a sweep net to find and catch bees in the landscape so participants can see them up close, while we talk about the most common bees found in Massachusetts, where they live and what they eat, and the importance of places like the Arboretum for pollinator conservation.
Tree Mob: Lightning Protection
In the heat of summer, lightning strikes represent a threat to the tallest trees of our collections. Join arborist AJ Tataronis for a Tree Mob to learn how the Arboretum’s Horticulture team works to protect our trees from lightning strikes during summer storms.
The History of Hemlock Hill
Hemlock Hill has been through some trials throughout its century and a half at the Arboretum, from the introduction of the hemlock woolly adelgid to the hurricane of 1938. Join former Head Arborist John DelRosso for an exploration of this unique corner of the landscape.
Trees that Shaped Civilization
Join docent Paul Eldrenkamp for a visit to four groups of trees that each played a particularly significant role in shaping very different civilizations: Eastern White Pine, Cedar of Lebanon, Western Red Cedar, and the five sacred trees of the Kiso Forest in Japan.
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.
Canceled Arnoldia Spotlight: Reading the Landscape as Historical Text
*This program has been cancelled.* Before this landscape became an Arboretum, part of it belonged to a black landowner and farmer named Simeon Giles. A Harvard seminar called Slavery, the Environment, and Public History explored what we can learn about Giles and his family by reading the landscape today: which of the trees here were present at that time? What would Giles have cultivated here, and how might the lay of the land have impacted his livelihood? Harvard graduate student Riley Sutherland wrote an article in the summer feature of Arnoldia describing the course and what they learned, and she will be heading out into the landscape again along with Horticulturist Brendan Keegan and Arnoldia Editor Matthew Battles to share what they learned about Giles, the history of this land, and the stories landscapes tell.
Nature Journaling: A Virtual Program
Are you trying to get (back) into a nature-journaling practice? Interested in discovering a new, creative way to engage with the world of trees? Join this online, interactive session for some spontaneous and expressive artmaking, inspired by a tree near you! We will gather online to respond creatively to the trees in our respective corners of the world. The session consists of various free-form sketchbook experiments that celebrate the diversity of tree form.
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.
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.
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.
All-Ages Insect Safari
Join us for an interactive look at all the tiny critters that crawl, fly, or slither through the Arboretum landscape. We will have sweep nets and bug boxes to catch bugs in Kent Field, digital microscopes to get a closer look, and entomologists to help us identify everything we find. This is an all-ages, interactive program: come prepared to move around and get up close with some bugs and insects!