An avid runner, Arnold Arboretum member Angela Markle first fell in love with our landscape for its beautiful running trails. It was only more recently that she discovered its more whimsical use as a treasure hunting site with the help of her daughters Ophelia and Daphne Johnston—Ophelia a recent Kindergarten graduate and Daphne a preschooler. They find delight in the twigs, stones, and bugs the rest of us trod on absently, reminding me that the natural nuisances that snag on my socks and catch in my shoe treads are another’s magical amulets.
We set out on Meadow Road from the Hunnewell Visitor Center, with Ophelia running ahead but frequently crouching down to inspect whatever new discovery has caught her eye. The family’s Arboretum treasure hunts have instilled a love of nature in the girls that accompanies them even beyond the boundaries of our landscape. While most of the treasures they find are left for the next explorer to enjoy, Ophelia recently found an orphaned acorn that she now nurtures proudly in a container at her house, wondering at how it might one day be a mighty oak (in her lifetime, not mine!)
Like her acorn-tending daughter, Angela has pots of plants growing at the house, but hers are official Arboretum Arbor Day seedlings—an inkberry and a magnolia—seasonal offerings that first made her aware of the membership program at the Arboretum. A neighbor told her about the program—the only way to receive plants cultivated and cared for by our Dana Greenhouse staff—and she has enjoyed the benefit since joining the membership community. “The seedlings are just an added bonus,” Angela explains. “I’m mostly excited about the opportunity to give back to a place that has given our family so much joy over the years.”
Angela values natural spaces in urban environments and prioritizes time in greenspaces with her family. Ophelia and Daphne are lucky to go on lots of nature walks as the Arboretum acts as an extension of their backyard. “We love the liveliness of living in the city,” Angela shares, “but yard space is hard to come by, which is why we are so grateful to have this amazing community resource so close by.”
The Johnston Markles appreciate the bountiful beauty of the landscape, both big and small. While Angela loves the expansive skyline views from the top of Peters Hill and the plant diversity of the Explorers Garden, Daphne loves the wee acorns. Ophelia’s favorite part of the Arboretum is the flowers, especially the roses in the Bradley Rosaceous Collection, which were displaying their full glory for our walk. The family is also a regular at The Caterpillar Lab, the annual free exhibit at the Arboretum’s visitor center where hundreds of live native caterpillars are shown at every stage of their life cycle. (If you also want to experience the magic of this interactive program, mark your calendars for October 5-6 for this year’s Caterpillar Lab!)
Opportunities for learning and growth abound at the Arboretum. Angela learned how to ride a bike just a few years ago on the Arboretum’s roads and looks forward to watching Ophelia and Daphne learn on the same paths. The family ventures through the landscape about once a week throughout the year—after all, there are adventures to be had among the trees in every season. Cold weather could never deter such enthusiastic treasure hunters. Angela also visits the Arboretum solo, calling the landscape a “magical mood changer.” She’s found peace and solace here during difficult times and knows she can rely on these walks when she needs a “balm for the spirit.”
If you too love nature and community, if you enjoy spending time at the Arboretum or attending our educational programs in person or online, or if you also appreciate a delightful treasure hunt in nature, consider becoming an Arnold Arboretum member today. Our operating budget is fully supported by past and present gifts and memberships. To learn more and to become a member, please visit our membership page.