A view up at the branches of an oak tree

Tree Mob: The Oldest Tree in the Arboretum

This is a members-only program. Not a member? Click here to join!

Long before this landscape had ever dreamed of becoming an Arboretum, a white oak grew quietly on the slopes of Peters Hill. Years passed and Arboretum staff eventually incorporated this very old tree into our official collections, making it possibly the oldest accessioned tree in the landscape. Join Assistant Curator Miles Sax for a Tree Mob to learn about this oak, what the landscape looked like before it was an Arboretum, the science of tree age, and how the Arboretum manages those trees that we never chose to plant but which are a treasured part of our collections nonetheless.

This is an on-site-only program, as poor cell service on Peters Hill unfortunately prevents us from offering a virtual livestream.

Accessibility: This program involves walking over mulch and paved paths and up a moderate hill.

Audience: This members-only program is geared towards adults.

Inclement weather policy: Participants will be notified via email at least one day in advance if a program needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, and will be notified by phone if a program must be cancelled with less one day’s notice. Click here to view our full inclement weather policy. If you have questions about the status of a program, please email publicprograms@arnarb.harvard.edu (inbox monitored on weekdays) or call the Visitor Center desk between 10:00am and 4:00pm at (617) 384-5209.

Tree Mobs are short, spontaneous learning opportunities in the landscape based on seasonal phenomena. Click here to get notified of future Tree Mobs.

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Date

Nov 15 2025

Time

10:00 am – 10:45 am

More Info

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Formats

Tree Mob

Location

Peters Hill Gate
7VWC+HQ7 Boston, Massachusetts
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Peters Hill Gate

Directions

Learn about accessibility at the Arboretum.

Peters Hill Gate

By subway

Take the MBTA Orange Line to its southern end—Forest Hills. Exit through the door marked “Arnold Arboretum,” cross Washington Street, and take a left and walk up Washington Street. Enter the Washington Street Gate and walk along Blackwell Footpath. Cross the road and enter South Street Gate. Walk along Rhododendron Path and take a left onto Hemlock Hill Road. Exit through the Bussey Street Gate at the end of Hemlock Hill Road. Cross Flora Way (formerly Bussey Street) to Peters Hill Gate.

By bus

Take the #35 or #38 bus to Centre Street opposite Walter Street. Cross Centre Street onto Walter Street, and after a short distance take a left onto Flora Way (formerly Bussey Street). Peters Hill Gate will be on the right.

By car

There is public parking available along Flora Way (formerly Bussey Street). Take care not to park on the sidewalk or you will risk a ticket.