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 people like you. Members and Donors keep this landscape vibrant.
The Arnold Arboretum is Boston’s premier botanical garden and America’s first public museum of trees and other woody plants. One of Frederick Law Olmsted’s best-preserved landscapes and a jewel in the Emerald Necklace, the Arboretum operates only through income derived from philanthropic gifts and memberships. Join us as a member to partner in our work to collect, study, and conserve plants here in Boston and around the world. View membership levels and benefits and join us today!
FEATURED MEMBER BENEFIT
Corpse Plant Viewings
Our research greenhouses at Weld Hill house two individuals of the rare Amorphophallus titan, also known as the corpse plant from Indonesia. Last year, we offered members exclusive access to view—and experience the remarkable rotten aroma—of the giant inflorescence of one of our corpse plants, Dame Judi Stench. This year, members will be invited to return to Weld Hill to meet our second corpse plant—Pepé Le Pew—when its inflorescence opens this spring! Since we may only have a few hours of notice, become a member today to receive notification of viewing times and exclusive access when our exhibit opens.
HORTICULTURE & BOTANY
Guided Tours
Join us for a 90-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.
Turn Your Lawn into a Pollinator Meadow
In 2021, Arboretum staff started transforming a large swath of grass next to the Weld Hill Research Building into the thriving pollinator meadow that it is today. Join Horticulturist Brendan Keegan, the main caretaker for this space, to learn how to make this transformation with your own lawn. This primarily indoor class will cover how to remove your current turf grass, select the right plants, plant your meadow, and keep it flourishing for years to come. (This is a hybrid program, in person and online.)
June 1, 10:00–11:30am
Brendan Keegan, Horticulturist and Naturalist Members Only
This program begins in the Weld Hill 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.
June 1, 2:00–3:00pm
Vicki Amalfitano, Docent
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building
Explorers Garden Tour
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 AmericaChina 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.
June 7, 1:00–2:15pm
Marie Herbert, Docent
This program begins at Centre Street Gate.
Understanding Plant Diseases
What are those weird spots on my tree, and how do I get rid of them? Join Nicholas J. Brazee, Plant Pathologist, for an introduction to the most common plant diseases in this region, from beech leaf disease to needle cast diseases in conifers. Learn how to recognize these fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and how to treat them to keep your plants looking their best.
This program takes place outdoors as a walking tour, giving us the opportunity to observe these plant diseases firsthand in their natural setting.
June 4, 6:30–8:00pm
Nicholas J. Brazee, Plant Pathologist with UMass Extension Members Only
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate.
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.
June 15, 10:00am–12:00pm
July 13, 2:00–4:00pm
Maria Pinto, Mushroom Enthusiast
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
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 a Horticulturist 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.
June 28 10:30am–12:00pm
Rachel Lawlor, Horticulturist Members Only
This program takes place in the Bradley Rosaceous Collection.
The Cosmic Tree: A Universal Symbol of Life: Flowering Trees
Cosmologies are ways of understanding the nature of the universe, of experiencing the world in all its variations including the visible and the invisible. Over millennia trees have served as the mythological archetype of the world’s axis (axis mundi), the pole through the earth’s center which connects the worlds above and below. Within a cosmic-magical model of the world (imago mundi), trees also evolved in various cultures to possess innate spiritual powers or as conduits for communication with the holy or sacred. This tour is interactive with stops for moments to reflect on specific trees and the stories/narratives associated with them: were they revered or feared? A home for deities or tricksters?
June 21, 9:00–10:30am
July 19, 9:00–10:30am
August 16, 9:00–10:30am
Katrina Scott Docent
This program begins at Centre Street Gate.
Scratch and 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 us for a “Scratch ‘n’ Sniff” tour of the Arboretum and discover aromatic leaves, bark, and of course, flowers.
June 29, 2:00–3:30pm
John DelRosso, Head Arborist This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building
Behind the Scenes: The Dana Greenhouses
Almost all of the plants in the Arboretum begin their lives in the Dana Greenhouses. Join greenhouse staff for a behind-thescenes look of the greenhouse growing process, from seed to sprout to seedling to tree.
July 26, 10:00–11:00am
DGH Staff
Members Only
This program begins at the Leventritt Pavillion.
Grapevines of the Leventritt
The Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden contains over a dozen grapevines, many of which have rich histories in plant breeding and winemaking. Enjoy a walk through Leventritt and explore these diverse grape species, their long histories in grape breeding, and their contributions to sustainable agriculture. The group will gather in front of the Hunnewell Building and then walk the 10 minutes to the Leventritt Garden.
August 2, 4:00–5:30pm
J. Stephen Casscles, winemaker and author This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
HORTICULTURE & BOTANY
Beeches Up Close
The stately beeches of the Arboretum used to tower over other trees–and some still do–but pests, diseases, and other pathogens have taken their toll in recent years. Join us for a walk in the beech collection and learn about the challenges these trees have faced, what the Arboretum is doing in response, and what the collection looked like in years past.
August 9, 10:00–11:30am
Delia Mahoney, Arborist
Members Only
This program begins at South Street Gate.
Research Spotlight: Native Caterpillars and Invasive Plants
Can native caterpillars help control our non-native, invasive plants? That’s what researcher Michael LaScaleia is trying to figure out through his research at the Arboretum. Join us for a Research Spotlight program to learn about Michael’s research and search for some of these caterpillars in the landscape. This walk will include some boggy areas, so waterproof shoes are recommended!
August 16, 9:00–10:00am
Michael LaScaleia, Researcher This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
Poisonous Plants
Hidden among the beautiful flowers and innocentlooking 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. Take a walk to learn about these poisonous plants, the chemicals they contain, and the strange histories they carry with them.
August 17, 10:00–11:30am
Sarah Nechamen, Manager of Adult Programming and Events
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Research Spotlight: Mycorrhizae and the Arboretum Truffle
In 2016, the Donald Pfister lab at Harvard University discovered a new species of mycorrhizal truffle at the Arboretum, related to the famed culinary truffle but genetically distinct. Nine years later the lab is still making new discoveries in the field of mycorrhizae: the fungi that form symbiotic associations with plant roots and provide the plants with extra water and nutrients from the soil in exchange for a steady supply of sugars.
Join Professor Don Pfister for a research spotlight on mycorrhizae and the Arboretum truffle, and learn about the biology of mycorrizae, how the Arboretum truffle and other mycorrhizae disperse their spores, and how to go about finding mycorrhizae in the landscape. The group will also take some soil cores and look for evidence of mycorrhizae in the soil. Maybe we’ll find a truffle!
August 23, 4:00–6:00pm
Don Pfister, Research Professor of Systematic Botany
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
NATURE & WILDLIFE
Birding at the Arboretum (90 min walk)
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 us for a leisurely 90-minute bird watching walk. We will cover a variety of habitats and focus on the changes that seasonal migration brings to our resident birds, so come back often to keep up with the seasons!
No homework is required, but binoculars are helpful for spotting in the trees. Sign up early to receive updates and some helpful materials by email. We’re looking forward to birding with you!
June 1, 8:00–9:30am
July 13, 8:00–9:30am
August 3, 8:00–9:30am
TJ and Allison, Birders
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
Birding at the Arboretum (2 hr 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. Bring binoculars if you have them, and download a checklist of birds from our website.
June 7, 8:00–10:00am
Donna Sullivan, Birder and Docent
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
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. Meet on Peters Hill 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.
June 18, 8:30–9:30pm
June 20, 8:30–9:30pm
June 26, 8:30–9:30pm Adam South, Professor This program begins at Peters Hill Gate.
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!
June 22, 8:00–10:00am Mike Bryant, Birder This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
NATURE & WILDLIFE
Bees and Beyond
Join us for a walk through the Arboretum’s meadows to find bees and other pollinators in their natural habitat. Nicole 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.
July 19, 10:00–11:30am
Nicole Bell, Pollinator Expert
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
The Buzz About Bats
As the sun sets, the bats come out! Join your knowledgable guides for a Bat Walk in the Conifer Collection, using specialized microphones to listen for and identify bat species in the landscape.
August 8, 7:45–8:45pm August 22, 7:30–8:30pm
Brendan Keegan, Horticulturist
Matt Kamm, Associate Director of Field Conservation at Zoo New England
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
HISTORY & CULTURE
Sketch Your Way to Tree ID
Use the power of art to hone your tree ID skills in this interactive class. The group will walk through the landscape, learning to identify common trees and shrubs and sketching out key identification characteristics. By the end of the program, participants will have a packet of identification tips and drawings for various plants, and a deeper understanding of the characteristics that make each tree species unique. No prior art skills necessary—this class focuses on seeing shapes, patterns, and details that make each species identifiable. Join us for a creative and hands-on approach to tree identification!
June 14, 10:00–11:30am
Sarah Nechamen, Manager of Adult Programming and Events
This program begins in front of the Hunnewell Building.
MassQ Workshop
MassQing is an art-form that uses the human face as a canvas to reveal one’s inner state. Learn the origin, technique and meaning of this practice from MassQ artist Daniel Callahan and then engage firsthand in the conception and creation of your own MassQ.
The workshop will start with a 10-15 minute presentation on what MassQing is, and then we’ll break out the paints and try it out for ourselves!
June 14, 1:30–3:30pm
Daniel Callahan, Artist
This program takes place in the Leventritt Pavillion.
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.
June 15, 2:00–3:30pm
August 24, 10:00–11:30am
Paul Eldrenkamp, Docent
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
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.
June 24, 11:00am–12:00pm
Bill Beizer, Docent
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Botanical Sketching - Walk-Up Program
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 artist Erica Beade 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: just show up any time between 2:00 and 4:00pm.
June 28, 2:00–4:00pm
Erica Beade, Artist
This program takes place on the Hunnewell lawn.
Make Your Own CyanotypeWalk-Up Program
Stop by the Hunnewell Lawn between noon and 2:00pm* 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. *While supplies last
This is a walk-up program so there is no need to register, just stop by and get creative!
July 12, 12:00–2:00pm
Sarah Nechamen, Manager of Adult Programming and Events
This program takes place on the Hunnewell lawn.
HISTORY & CULTURE
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.
July 19 10:00–11:30am
Paul Eldrenkamp, Docent
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Plankton Painting
In this experimental photography workshop led by local artist and scientist Jess Holz, participants create ‘paintings’ using microscopic plankton collected from the Arboretum’s ponds. Participants use a microscope in combination with software which creates video akin to timelapse photography- acting at the decisive moment, participants snap photos of the trails created by these microscopic creatures.
August 10, 12:00–2:00pm
Jess Holz, Artist and Scientist
This program takes place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
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. 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.
August 17, 2:00–5:00pm
Maggie Ruth Haaland, Fiber Artist
Members Only
This program takes place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
Flower Arranging
Learn how to make stunning flower arrangements with Arboretum summer blooms. In this interactive workshop, you will learn best practices in plant arrangement and try your hand at creating your own, helped along by Arboretum staff and flower arrangement extraordinaires Scott Phillips and Regina Mission. Please bring a 2-quart mason jar or similarly sized wide-mouth vase: smaller vases run the risk of tipping under the weight of the flowers!
This program has a limited capacity, so please only sign up if you have not taken the class before.
August 31, 10:30am–12:30am Scott Phillips, Horticulturist
Regina Mission, Visitor Engagement Assistant Members Only
This program takes place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Morning Fitness Walks
Join us for a brisk early 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. Note that this is not a traditional tour: you may hear some information about individual trees and history, but the main goal is to get outside and get some exercise! Bring good walking shoes, water, and walking poles if desired.
Every other Tuesday at 9am beginning June 3. Lisa Gaquin, Docent Walks begin at the Hunnewell Building.
Terapia de Bosque en Español
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.
June 7, 10:00am–12:00pm
Tam Willey, Forest Therapy Guide
This program begins at South Street Gate.
La terapia de bosque, también conocida como baño de bosque o shinrinyoku, 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.
June 21, 10:00am–12:00pm
Andrea Jaramillo, Guía Certificada Bilingüe en Terapias de Bosque
This program begins at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way).
Tai Chi in the Arboretum
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art known for its slow, intentional movements which act as a form of moving meditation for practitioners. This one-hour tai chi class is 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.
June 21, 5:00–6:00pm July 26, 5:00–6:00pm Hongsheng Jin, International Tai Chi Gold Medalist and referee This program takes place in the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden.
Yoga in the Rose Garden
Join us for a monthly yoga series in the rose garden throughout the summer. This is an inclusive, adaptable practice outdoors for everyone regardless of age, size, shape, and abilities.
June 22, 5:00–6:00pm
July 20, 5:00–6:00pm
August 10, 5:00–6:00pm Linda Wells, Wellness Warrior Members Only
This program takes place in the Bradley Rosaceous Collection.
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 witch-hazels 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.
Summer Tree Mob examples: Staghorn sumac, Rhododendrons, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and Catalpas
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 an entomologist 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!
August 23 10:30am–12:00pm Public Programs Staff
For this program, enter at Bussey Street Gate (on Flora Way) and follow signs to event location in the Conifer Collection.
FEATURED MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT
Sip in the Scenery
For our members, the Arnold Arboretum is launching a new evening event in our landscape, Sip in the Scenery! Join us on June 11 from 5:30 to 8:30pm for lawn games and camaraderie, educational content tables on horticulture and Arboretum history, Hungry Nomads food truck, a cash bar, and more, all set in the verdant beauty of our Bradley Rosaceous Collection on a rosy June evening. Not a member? Join today!
June 11, 5:30–8:00pm
Members Only
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.
Mongolian hydrangea (Hydrangea bretschneideri)
Plumleaf Azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium)
Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum)
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Pendarvis’)
VISITING WITH KIDS
Summer 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 summer 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.
Little Explorers Preschool-Age Program
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, 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. This program will primarily take place outdoors in the landscape. (Geared toward ages 3-5) FREE
Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 10:00–11:00am
View the Little Explorers page for the full schedule.
Registration not required but encouraged as location of program might change and those registered will receive emails with location updates if it differs from the Hunnewell.
Katie Fox, Manager of Youth Education
Ana Maria Caballero, Outdoor Educator
This program begins in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall.
Outdoor Educator Recommended Books
My Forest is Green by Darren Lebeuf and Ashley Barron
Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee and Eileen Ryan Ewan
Change is in the Air: Carbon, Climate, Earth, and Us by Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma
Alison’s Zinnia by Anita Lobel
