As the earliest farmers began to select wild plants and animals that had desirable traits, they initiated a series of genetic changes in these species that gradually made them more suitable for agriculture. Plants became easier to grow, had greater yields, and were of higher quality. Animal species exhibited favorable changes in behavior, coat color, and reproductive traits. Barbara Schaal will discuss how the artificial selection of these species—a pivotal technological achievement—has influenced their genetics, evolution, and capacity to flourish in the care of humans.

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Objective: This workshop will introduce methods for gaining control of e-mail and managing it according to Harvard records policies as well as provide tips on how to organize your e-mail.

Length: 1 ½ hours

Who should attend: All employees who want to effectively manage their e-mail.

What you will learn

• Methods of controlling e-mail
• The application of the General Records Schedule to e-mail
• Examples of types of e-mails with...

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Objective: This workshop will present the step-by-step process of sending records to off-site storage at the Records Center. We cover everything from how to assemble and pack a box to how to complete the deposit paperwork.

Length: 1 ½ hours

Who should attend: Employees who have not yet sent records to storage as well as anyone in charge of packing and depositing boxes who would like a refresher course.

What you will learn

• How to identify records eligible...

Read more about Out of Sight: Off-site Records Storage

Objective: Have you ever wondered, "How long do I need to keep my office records? Can I throw them away when I am done with them?" This workshop provides tools and advice to help you determine how long to keep your records and what to do when you no longer need to hold onto them. Whether you feel like you’re drowning in information or you're concerned that you're keeping records too long or not long enough, this workshop is for you.

Length: 1 ½ hours

Who should attend: All employees who want to...

Read more about Trash or Treasure: Guidance on Retaining Office Records

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Read more about Family Hike: Short Days, Long Nights

Put down the hedge shears! Through both classroom instruction and hands-on field training, this class will include what’s, whys, and how’s of proper pruning approaches and techniques. Andrew Gapinski will focus on small ornamental trees, young shade trees, and shrubs with general approaches towards maintaining a plant’s natural form and encouraging health and vigor. Note: Pruning for fruit production will not be covered in this offering. Dress for indoor and outdoor learning.

Fee $30 member, $38 nonmember

Register at... Read more about Measure Twice, Cut Once: Introductory Tree and Shrub Pruning

From almonds and apples to tea and rice, many foods that we consume today have histories that can be traced out of prehistoric Central Asia along the tracks of the Silk Road to kitchens in Europe, America, China, and elsewhere in East Asia. The exchange of goods, ideas, cultural practices, and genes along these ancient routes extends back five thousand years, and organized trade along the Silk Road dates to at least Han Dynasty China in the second century BC. Robert Spengler presents a broad array of archaeological, botanical, and historical evidence, narrating the story of the origins...

Read more about Fruit from the Sands: The Silk Road Origins of the Foods We Eat

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Read more about Family Hike: Get Ready For Winter!

Chris Morgan is fascinated by the patterns and textures in nature, the shapes of trees, and the movements of birds. He captures these beautifully in his photographs, which were on display at the Arnold Arboretum in the winter of 2019. In this program, Chris will discuss his photographic interests and methods in the classroom and then move outdoors to demonstrate his techniques. Class participants will be able to learn alongside Chris, evaluating views, debating camera angles, and considering focal points in order to shoot better images. Participants should bring their preferred...

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Horticulturist Conor Guidarelli manages the Arnold Arboretum’s organic materials recycling area and has recently improved the production and quality of the resulting compost. Conor will discuss the components of compost and the nutrients that can be returned to a site when compost is applied. He will explain the mix of brown to green materials, moisture, and aeration. Class participants will start in the classroom and then travel to the Arboretum’s materials yard to see compost in various stages of development.

Fee $20 member, $30 nonmember

Register at... Read more about Compost Compendium

Explore the vast variety of native trees, shrubs, and woody vines. Learn which species grow well in shade, which support local wildlife, and how to stagger plantings for continuous bloom, fruit production, and fall color. The class discusses growth characteristics, cultural requirements, and best horticultural uses. It begins with lectures and walks at Garden in the Woods in Framingham and includes a field trip to the Arnold Arboretum in...

Read more about Native Woody Plant Materials (2 sessions)

Deepen your engagement with the autumnal landscape! Our annual members-only event features one-of-a-kind guided tours led by our staff experts. Enjoy refreshments, fun and beautiful foliage on Saturday, October 19th beginning at 9:30am. Meet for coffee and autumnal treats on the lawn of the Hunnewell Building before setting off on the theme tour of your choice at 10am. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. For the comfort of our tour guides and participants, we request that you leave pets at home for this event.

Register to reserve...

Read more about Arboretum Members' Tour Day 2019

Capture the drama of fall, when landscapes present a vivid array of colors and the palette is most striking. Professional photographer Nancy Katz will introduce fundamental concepts of landscape photography and then teach techniques for getting the best photographs from your smartphone camera. You will capture images in dynamic color and muted shades, then learn to enhance them using a host of editing tools provided in the Snapseed App. For best results, bring your smartphone and a commitment to completing the weekly homework assignments. Class will take place indoors and out.  ...

Read more about Smartphone Photography: Capturing the Colors of Autumn (multiple sessions)

How well do you know the Arboretum's collections on Peters Hill? If you would like a refresher, or an introduction, join Keeper of the Living Collections, Michael Dosmann, on a fall saunter. He will highlight plants with compelling stories. Meet at the summit of Peters Hill and plan for 90 minutes on, and off, the beaten path. 

To reach the summit, enter the Peters Hill Gate and walk up to where the paved road goes left and right. Take the right side up the hill. You will come to another paved road leading to the summit near the top of the road.

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As the first botanical history of World War II, Plants Go to War examines military history from the perspective of plant science. From victory gardens to drugs, timber, rubber, and fibers, plants supplied materials with key roles in victory. Author and botanist Judith Sumner will speak of the many plants that were incorporated into wartime safety materials, diet and rations, and even bombers. 

Fee Free, but registration requested

Register at my.arboretum.... Read more about Plants Go to War: A Botanical History of World War II