TABLE OF CONTENTS
Membership
Adult Programs and Tours
Horticulture & Botany
Nature & Wildlife
History & Culture
Health & Wellness
Events
Plan Your Visit
Visiting with Kids & Youth Programs
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is free and open every day. All programs are free. Programs listed as Members Only are exclusive opportunities for current members of the Arnold Arboretum. Join or renew your membership to register for member-only programs.
Hunnewell Visitor Center
125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
Hours 10:00am–4:00pm daily
BECOME A MEMBER
The Arnold Arboretum is funded by members like you.
A public-private partnership between the City of Boston and Harvard University, the Arnold Arboretum maintains its own operating budget. As Boston’s premier museum of trees and one of Frederick Law Olmsted’s best preserved landscapes, the Arboretum’s budget relies on memberships and gifts. Become a member and partner in our work to collect, study, and conserve plants here and around the world. View membership levels and benefits and join us today!
FEATURED MEMBER BENEFIT
Exclusive programming for members
For those who are members of the Arnold Arboretum, we are pleased to offer early access to our program catalog each season. In 2025, we have boosted the number of members-exclusive programs as a perk of membership. Join or renew as a member to enjoy these exclusive learning and engagement opportunities as an essential partner in the Arboretum’s work and mission.
COMING THIS SPRING! Digital Membership Cards
If you are an Arboretum member, did you know your membership card unlocks discounts on merchandise in the Hunnewell Visitor Center and nurseries and garden centers affiliated with our Nursery Discount Program, as well as reciprocal benefits at more than 380 public gardens across North America? Look soon for information about activating your new digital membership card to take advantage of the many perks of membership at the Arnold Arboretum. We appreciate the support of our members!
HORTICULTURE & BOTANY
Guided Tours
Join us for a 60-minute tour through the Arboretum! View seasonal plant highlights and learn about Arboretum history from a trained docent.
Visit the tour calendar for current tour schedule. No pre-registration required. This tour begins at the Hunnewell Building.
The History of Lawns: From Pasture to Plastic
The lawn is a ubiquitous part of the American landscape, but how did it get that way? Join Dr. Peter Del Tredici, Botanist and Senior Research Scientist Emeritus at the Arboretum, as he takes us through the lawn’s fascinating history. This lecture will discuss the social and ecological issues surrounding lawns, how we can make lawns a productive part of the larger ecosystem, and finally, the alarming trend to remove grass fields altogether and replace them with plastic turf.
March 9, 12:00–1:00pm
Dr. Peter Del Tredici, Senior Research Scientist Emeritus Members Only
This program takes place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
Conifer Collection Tour
The conifer collection at the Arnold Arboretum is a magical place to visit at any time of the year, as it is especially rich in history and diversity. A guide will lead participants through this collection explaining key identification features and sharing relevant stories about individual trees.
March 15, 11:00am–12:30pm
Cristina Squeff, Arboretum Docent
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate.
Hands-On Grafting Workshop
Propagators at the Arboretum and all over the world use grafting to fuse together different plants, taking positive traits from each to create maximum disease resistance, drought tolerance, and more. Now, it’s your turn! Join us for a hands-on grafting workshop and learn the core concepts of grafting, then try your hand at doing some grafting yourself.
This program will start with an hour of introduction and discussion followed by an hour of hands-on activity. Participants will take a graft home with them.
March 16, 12:00–2:00pm
Chris Copeland, Assistant Manager of Plant Production Members Only
This program takes place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
HORTICULTURE & BOTANY
Chainsaw Safety for Women
This class on chainsaw maintenance and safety is designed specifically for women. Learn how to develop safe work habits, use proper PPE, maintain your chainsaw, and make effective cuts. The class will also cover the ergonomics of chainsaw use for women, so that you can wield a chainsaw without acute or repetitive strain injuries.
This class will start indoors with lecture and discussion, and then move out to the horticulture garage for some demonstrations of proper chainsaw use. Participants will not operate chainsaws during this class, and do not need to bring their own chainsaws. You are encouraged to bring your own safety glasses and earplugs if you have them, but there will be PPE available to borrow as well.
April 5, 1:30–3:30pm
Delia Mahoney, Arborist
Maren Gunning, Horticulturist
This program begins at the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
Explorers Garden Tour
Herbaceous Plant ID
As small, herbaceous plants begin to pop out of the soil and carpet the landscape, early spring is a great time to learn what some of these plants are and how to identify them. Join us for a plant ID walk in the landscape and learn how to identify plants like creeping charlie, stinging nettle, and chickweed.
April 12, 10:00–11:30am
Sarah Nechamen, Manager of Adult Programming and Events This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
The Explorers Garden rests in a microclimate just below the summit of Bussey Hill. This nearly five-acre site provides ideal growing conditions for many species that have been challenging to grow in less protected areas of the Arboretum. As such, it has proven to be a perfect testing ground for plants collected in the expeditions of E. H. Wilson in the early 1900s to the NACPEC (North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium) expeditions of our own time. Join us for a guided tour to learn more about some of the plants showcased in this special collection and to hear stories of the plant exploration expeditions that brought them to the Arboretum.
Thursday, April 24 1:00–2:15pm Saturday, May 10 1:00–2:15pm
Marie Herbert, Arboretum Docent
This program begins at Centre Street Gate.
Crabapples Up Close
The Arnold is considered the “Mother Arboretum” for the modern crabapple, with over 50 species and 91 cultivars represented throughout the landscape. Join this tour of the flowering crabapples on Peters Hill as they reach peak bloom during the month of May, and learn about the history and conservation of this fascinating collection.
May 1, 6:00–7:30pm
Dr. Miles Sax, Assistant Curator of Living Collections
Lindsay Davies, Horticulturist
Members Only
This program begins at Peters Hill Gate.
Early Spring Blooms
At the beginning of May, flowers are just starting to emerge from the trees and shrubs of the Arboretum: cherry trees, dogwood, redbuds, and magnolias are all blooming this time of year. Join an Arboretum docent to see, smell, and learn about these early spring blooms!
May 3, 10:00–11:30am
Paul Eldrenkamp, Arboretum Docent
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
Research Spotlight: Dr. Richard Primack on Climate Change, Phenology, and Pollination
Are plants flowering earlier in the year now that the climate is warmer? Why do some plants start leafing out as early as March, and others stay bare until June? Are honeybees outcompeting native pollinators at the Arboretum, or can they co-exist? Join us for a Research Spotlight with Dr. Richard Primack to learn the answers to these questions and more. The group will meet in front of the Hunnewell Building and then walk to Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden to take a look at the leaves, flowers, and pollinators that can be found there.
May 3, 11:00am–12:00pm
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
Research Spotlights highlight the work of scientists conducting research at the Arnold Arboretum.
Dr. Richard Primack is a professor of biology at Boston University. His research includes conservation biology, the impact of climate change on phenology, and pollination.
HORTICULTURE & BOTANY
Urban Tree ID
You may be familiar with some of the trees in the Arboretum, but what about the trees on the streets around it? Join us for a tree ID walk in the neighborhoods around the Arboretum, and learn best practices for identifying common street trees in Boston.
May 4 12:00–1:30pm
Emily Wang, Natural Builder and Urban Tree Enthusiast Members Only
This program begins at Arborway Gate.
Lilacs Up Close
Lilacs are blooming in the Arboretum throughout the month of May, not only on Lilac Sunday! Join our enthusiastic docents on a 45-minute amble up the hill from the ponds to see the lilacs, enjoy their scents, and hear the stories of the many different lilacs in our collection.
May 5 through May 18, various times
Check our Tours page for available times and dates.
Bonsai Up Close
As the Arboretum’s Bonsai and Penjing Collection heads back out to the pavilion for the warm season, join the Arboretum Bonsai Specialist for a special up-close look at these rare specimens. Learn the history of the Arboretum’s bonsai trees, bonsai care and maintenance, and the cultural significance of the bonsai art form.
May 17, 11:00am–12:00pm
Jun Imabayashi, caretaker of the Arboretum’s bonsai collection
Members Only
This program takes place at the Dana Greenhouses.
Tour for Visually Impaired Participants
Join us for a tour of the Arboretum, designed for a blind or visually impaired audience. Tour seasonal plant highlights and learn about Arboretum history from a trained docent, as you experience the Arboretum through smell, touch, sound, and detailed verbal descriptions.
May 18, 11:00am–12:30pm
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
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 us 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.
May 31, 10:00am–12:30am
Nicole Forsyth, Plant Science Educator
Members Only
This program begins in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
NATURE & WILDLIFE
Spring Birding with Nature Man Mike
Embark on a birdwatching walk in the Arboretum’s landscape with birder and wildlife photographer Michael Bryant, AKA Nature Man Mike. This two-hour walk is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced birders. Binoculars will be available to borrow on a first-come-first-serve basis, but you are encouraged to bring your own!
March 2, 8:00–10:00am
Michael Bryant, Birder
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
Birding at the Arboretum
Join us for birdwatching in the Arboretum’s urban forest ecosystem during early and peak bird migration season. You’ll find woodland, meadow, and wetland habitats hosting local and visiting species. This two-hour tour is suitable for adult beginners as well as more experienced birders. Bring binoculars if you have them, and download a checklist of birds from our website.
March 29, 8:00–10:00am
April 26, 8:00–10:00am
May 17, 8:00–10:00am
Donna Sullivan, Docent and Birder
This program begins 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 a local mushroom enthusiast 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.
March 29, 12:00–2:00pm May 24, 10:00am–12:00pm
Maria Pinto, Mushroom Enthusiast
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Birding for Visually Impaired Participants
Join us for a bird walk designed for a blind or visually impaired audience. This program is co-led by Jerry Berrier, a blind birder who has been birding by ear for over 50 years, and Brendan Keegan, an Arboretum Horticulturist and naturalist. Together, Jerry and Brendan will reveal the birds of the Arboretum through detailed verbal descriptions and by teaching participants the art of birding by ear.
April 19, 9:00–10:30am
Jerry Berrier, Birder
Brendan Keegan, Horticulturist and Naturalist
This program begins at Arborway Gate.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Hunnewell Building Tour Day
Arboretum members are invited to join us for a full afternoon of tours, exhibits, and refreshments. Keeper of the Living Collections Michael Dosmann and Manager of Plant Records Kyle Port will be leading tours of the Herbarium and curation department, Head of the Library and Archives Lisa Pearson will be holding court in the library, and artist Marc Goldring will be talking about his beautiful exhibition of Arboretum photographs in the lecture hall. Members are welcome to attend for any part of the 2.5-hour event, but you are encouraged to arrive early if you want to attend all three tours!
March 22, 1:30–4:00pm Curation and Library/Archives Staff Members Only
This program takes place at the Hunnewell Building.
Olmsted and The 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. Your docent will identify the elements of the Arboretum that best reflect Olmsted’s philosophy and approach to landscape design.
March 22, 11:00am–12:00pm Bill Beizer, Docent
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Tours have limited space and will be available on a firstcome, first-serve basis. The tour schedule is:
• 1:30–1:45pm | Herbarium
• 2:00–2:15pm | Library, Herbarium, Curation
• 2:45–3:00pm | Library, Herbarium, Curation
• 3:30–3:45pm | Library, Herbarium, Curation
Charles Sprague Sargent and the American Forest
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 the deep influence he had over how Americans have come to think about forests, forestry, and wilderness. Your guide will lead a tour that explores the history of the idea of the forest in America—and how Sargent helped shape that idea.
March 29 2:00–3:30pm May 17 2:00–3:30pm
Paul Eldrenkamp, Docent
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Botanical Sketching
Get in touch with your artistic side in this botanical sketching program on the Hunnewell Lawn. We’ll supply paper, pencils, and some blankets to sit on, while your instructor walks around offering artistic tips and tricks to participants. You are encouraged to bring any additional art supplies you would like to work with. This is a walk-up program so no registration is required: show up any time between 2:00 and 4:00pm.
April 12, 2:00–4:00pm
Erica Beade, artist
This program takes place on the Hunnewell lawn.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Trees That Shaped Civilization
Join us for a visit to five groups of trees that each played a particularly significant role in shaping five very different civilizations: Eastern white pine, cedar of Lebanon, western red cedar, oaks, and the five sacred trees of the Kiso Forest in Japan.
April 19, 2:00–3:30pm Paul Eldrenkamp, Docent This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Plant-Based Fabric Dyeing
Many of the plants grown at the Arboretum have been used as natural dyes for centuries: barberry for yellow, milkweed for green, madder or bloodroot for pink. Join us for a workshop to learn about and practice some of these natural dyeing methods. After a short introduction, the class will embark on a walk to see and learn about the plants and the dyes they create; then participants will return to the Hunnewell Lecture Hall to try their own hands at dyeing, using dye baths and fabric prepared by the instructor. Participants do not need to bring their own fabric or other materials, and will go home with a dyed silk bandana and some smaller sample fabric provided by the instructor.
April 26, 3:30–5:30pm
Iris Weaver, Herbalist
Members Only
This program takes place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
Conservation in a Changing World
Part of the mission of the Arnold Arboretum is stewardship of the earth’s botanical diversity and its essential value to humankind. This one-hour tour through the landscape will highlight important Arboretum historical conservation efforts that have preserved distinct native and exotic species, and current efforts in our living collections to mitigate habitat disruption and climate impact. Learn about plant expeditions to preserve species in the face of climate change and new pathogens, research initiatives, as well as the Arboretum’s green initiatives and local collaborations to improve our urban canopy.
May 4, 2:00–3:00pm
Vicki Amalfitano, Docent This program takes place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Forest Bathing
Full Moon Walking Meditation
Take in the sights and sounds of the arboretum under the light of a full moon. Your Facilitator will lead the group through some mindfulness in nature practices as we meander along the paved road to our final nighttime viewing location on top of Bussey Hill.
March 14, 7:30–8:30pm This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building. April 12, 7:30–8:30pm This program begins at South Street Gate.
Bob Linscott, Meditation Facilitator
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.
April 19, 10:00am–12:00pm
Tam Willey, Forest Therapy Guide
Members Only
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Forest Bathing in the Lilacs
Experience our restorative and relaxing Forest Bathing program in the Arboretum’s beautiful lilac collection.
May 5, 10:00am–12:00pm
Tam Willey, Forest Therapy Guide
Members Only
This program begins at Forest Hills Gate.
Tai Chi in the Arboretum
Meandering Meditation
Nature has the power to evoke calm and beauty when we can step out of our hectic lives. This immersive experience in the Arnold Arboretum will invite participants to meander through the arboretum, stopping for several guided mindfulness practices to deepen their connection with the natural world. This will be a guided experience with some periods of silence. No experience with mindfulness or meditation necessary.
May 17, 9:00–11:30am Bob Linscott, Meditation Facilitator This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art known for its slow, intentional movements which act as a form of moving meditation for practitioners. Join us for this one-hour tai chi class, appropriate for beginners and experienced students alike. The class will begin with breathwork and stretching, continue with a moving meditation and a walk practice, and conclude with a formal tai chi practice.
May 31, 5:00–6:00pm
Hongsheng Jin, International Tai Chi Gold Medalist and referee This program takes place in the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden.
EVENTS
Tree Mobs
Tree Mobs are short, spontaneous learning opportunities inspired by ephemeral plant phenomena in the landscape. Did the magnolias just start blooming? Are the witchhazels dispersing their seeds? Take a deep dive into a plant with Arboretum experts, at a time when they are at their most beautiful and noticeable within the landscape. We communicate about upcoming tree mobs by posting them as an event on our website’s events page and emailing the Tree Mobs mailing list. Join the list to be notified about upcoming Tree Mobs! Note: Tree Mobs are offered as a hybrid program. In-person spots being reserved for Members Only and the virtual stream open to all.
Spring Tree Mobs:
Magnolias in Late April
Spruce Cones in early May
Flower Color Shifts in late May
Cherry Blossom Celebration
Come celebrate Japanese culture amongst the Arboretum’s beautiful cherry blossoms with taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance, Japanese games and calligraphy, family activities, and the inside scoop on the Arboretum’s own cherry collection. The event begins at 2:00pm and performances begin at 3:00pm. The event takes place on the grass, so please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.
April 19, 2:00–4:15pm
FREE EVENT
This program takes Place in the Bradley Rosaceous Collection.
LILAC SUNDAY
Experience the springtime bloom of our renowned collection of over 400 lilacs. Visit for tours with Arboretum experts, hands-on children’s programming, dancing, meditation, chalk art, and more. Picnicking in the Arboretum landscape is permitted on this day only.
Located primarily on the edge of Bussey Hill Road in the heart of the landscape, the lilac collection at the Arnold Arboretum is among the premier collections of these plants in North America. Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum (many of which can also be enjoyed at this time), only the lilac is singled out each year for a day-long celebration.
Pack a picnic and make your way to the lilac collection on Bussey Hill Road.
Perimeter parking is severely limited and thousands are expected to attend Lilac Sunday. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.
Sunday May 11, 10:00am–3:00pm FREE EVENT
Read more about the Arboretum’s lilac collection.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
WELCOME TO THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM.
Our 281-acre landscape features more than 16,000 accessioned plants. We are open daily and free for all to explore. Whether you are coming for a stroll, on the lookout for wildlife, or interested in learning the stories and science behind our plants, we offer something for everyone.
F Learn about our plants and collections
F Print a map
F Get directions
F Take a guided tour
Accessibility
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University welcomes people of all abilities and is committed to facilitating a safe and engaging experience for all who visit. To learn more or for accessibilityrelated questions, please visit the accessibility page on our website or contact our Visitor Engagement team.
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Here is just a small sampling of what is happening this season in the Arnold Arboretum.
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’)
Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum ‘Smokey Mountaineer’)
Bridalwreath (Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora)
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Morioka Weeping’)
Chinese Fringetree (Chionanthus retusus)
VISITING WITH KIDS
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Spring Scavenger Hunt: Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a copy or print one out at home. See how many of these seasonal treasures you can find this spring at the Arboretum!
Wonder Spots
Explore the landscape through seasonal investigations about the natural world. Learn about plants and animals in locations throughout the Arboretum. Look for small black and white signs throughout the landscape!
Little Explorers Preschool-Age Program
Join us at the Arboretum as we read and discover new things about the natural world. During this onehour program for our youngest guests and their grown-ups, we will read a nature inspired story, do a craft, and go for a nature walk to continue exploring the theme. Each week’s theme is inspired by what is happening seasonally at the Arboretum. While this program begins indoors, it will often venture outside into the landscape. (Geared toward ages 3-5)
Second and fourth Wednesday of each month beginning March 12, 2025, 10:00–11:00am
View the Little Explorers page for the full schedule.
Pre-registration is encouraged.
Katie Fox, Manager of Youth Education
Ana Maria Caballero, Outdoor Educator
This program begins in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
Outdoor Educator Recommended Books
Arboretum: Welcome to the Museum by Tony Kirkham and Katie Scott
One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth and Stephanie Fizer Coleman
Planting Hope by Philip Hoelzel and Renato Alarcão
Look by Gabi Snyder and Samantha Cotterill
