When our staff returns from seed collecting in the wild, there is little time for rest. Arboretum staff Andrew Gapinski, Sean Halloran, and Jared Rubinstein will travel for three weeks this September in Appalachia in search of seed from taxa targeted as part of the Campaign for the Living Collections. As the explorers return to the Arboretum with the fruits of their labor, the real work begins—from preparing seeds for their unique propagation treatments to assessing field...

Read more about Seed Collection: Processing the Bounty

Join Harvard’s Master Yon Lee and learn about the practice of tai chi, an ancient Chinese tradition, often described as meditation in motion. Tai chi has the potential to prevent and remedy many health conditions that are associated with aging. Move through a series of gentle, fluid movements with Master Yon Lee during an hour-long session outdoors in the peaceful surroundings of the Arnold Arboretum. Beginners welcome.

Free, registration required

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.... Read more about Active Aging Week: Try Tai Chi

Invasive plants are a real concern in our parks, gardens, and other public places. Many were intentionally introduced because of their horticultural value. How do we define invasive, and how did these plants get into our landscape? See examples in the Arboretum landscape and gain a better understanding of this issue.

Free, registration requested. 

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. Read more about Exciting Introductions or Stealth Invaders?

The Arnold Arboretum provides both our extensively documented collections for research, and the facilities for the researchers--labs, greenhouses, growing chambers. From around the world, scientists come to use the trees and shrubs in the Arboretum landscape, studying climate change, plant evolution, natural selection, and species adaptation. Join docent, Esther Miller to hear about the science of the Arboretum. 

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209.

Free, ...

Join the Arboretum's exhibiting artist, Steffanie Schwam, in this hands-on workshop. Create a print to include in a small book. You will make your own unique monoprint on paper or fabric, using leaves from the Arboretum's collections, paint, printmaking tools, recycled materials, and the inspiration of the surrounding landscape. Bring your creativity, we'll supply the rest.

Appropriate for ages 8 and above. An adult must accompany anyone between 8 and 12.

This workshop will take place on the Hunnewell lawn if the weather is appropriate, in the Hunnewell lecture hall...

Read more about Art Workshop: Revealing the Wild Print

What will motivate you to do more about the climate crisis? Perhaps something fun and visible? What is preventing you from acting? Maybe fear, and lack of belief that your actions matter? Susan Israel founded Climate Creatives to use art and design that engages people in change because data alone doesn’t do it: behavioral change begins with an emotional commitment. In this workshop, participants will work in groups to creatively respond to climate change with discussion and prompting from Susan Israel, architect, artist, climate communicator, and social entrepreneur. Their efforts will result... Read more about Creative Climate Commitment with Susan Israel

With a projected completion date in fall 2019, the Weld Hill Solar Project represents the Arnold Arboretum’s most ambitious sustainability initiative to date. Comprising nearly 1300 solar panels, the system is capable of producing an estimated 566,409 kWh annually (approximately 30% of the Weld Hill Research Building's total energy load). Working in tandem with the panels, a unique battery storage array reduces peak demand charges, adding additional energy savings. Join Danny Schissler to learn about the photovoltaic system and Brendan Keegan to hear about the initial stages of...

Read more about Tree Mob™! From Solar Power to Flower Power

Learn botany from dedicated instructor and plant nomenclature specialist Kanchi Gandhi. Among the topics to be explored: plant cells and tissues, anatomy and morphology, reproduction, nutrition, growth and development, plant diversity, evolution, classification, and nomenclature. This course, offering both lecture and laboratory activities, introduces botany to new students or serves as a refresher course. Required text: Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon. (Note: Class will not meet on October 8.)
Fee $240 member, $290 nonmember

Register at... Read more about Introduction to Botany (multiple sessions)

Discovering profound connections of life, rocks, and ecosystems over great distances helps us all to achieve helpful if not essential biosphere (environment) literacy. This discipline of Global Ecology, first hinted by polymath and explorer Alexander von Humboldt 220 years ago, leads us to realize that a sustainable, viable Home for us and all other species can only be restored by living a new ethic that keeps biosphere health foremost in our minds, hearts, and actions. Professor Zook will introduce us to some of the courageous and science-based grassroots peoples in nations around the...

Read more about A Global Ecology Journey: Prioritizing Earth-Centered Ethics

Forest Bathing is inspired by Shinrin-yoku, a prominent feature of preventative medicine and healing in Japan.  From increased cerebral blood flow to stronger immune defenses, there has been extensive research demonstrating what can happen when we relax, unplug and open our senses to the natural world in community.  

This slow-paced guided therapeutic experience promotes wellness through a series of gentle sensory-opening invitations that welcome us to notice more of our natural surroundings.  By deepening our connection with the natural world and each other,...

Read more about Fall Forest Bathing

With nearly 4,000 different kinds of plants represented in the Arboretum's living collections, every day presents rich opportunities to see something new. If you enjoy learning about plants and their unique characteristics, you can contribute to science as a participant in our Tree Spotters program. This citizen science project opens a window into the Arboretum's phenology: the timing of natural events, such as the leafing out and flowering of trees in the spring and changing foliage colors in the fall. Your observations will assist Arboretum scientists in their studies of the effects of...

Read more about Tree Spotters Citizen Science Program: Beyond the Basics Training

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Read more about Family Hike: Seeds, Seeds, Seeds!

Improve your health and well-being with yoga. We will practice poses, breathing and meditation in the tranquil setting of the Arnold Arboretum.

In the case of inclement weather, the session will move indoors (Hunnewell Building Lecture Hall).

Free, registration is limited and required at my.arboretum.harvard.edu

This autumn, experience the birds of the Arboretum with expert birder and Arboretum volunteer, Bob Mayer and/or staff birding aficionado, Brendan Keegan. Catch a glimpse of migrating birds as they fly south and get acquainted with our resident birds as well. Bring binoculars if you have them; some binoculars will be available to share. Beginners and seasoned birders are welcome. In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209.

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209 the day before.

Mayer: 2 Saturdays, Sept 14 (meet at Arborway Gate), Sept 28 (...

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Most of the species seen as bonsai in the Arboretum’s Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection can also be found in the landscape. Explore the history and culture of bonsai and the Arboretum’s relationship with these plants, and compare bonsai with their “unrestricted” counterparts in the landscape. See ginkgo, trident maple, bald cypress, hinoki cypress, and more, large and small! 

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. 

Free, ...

Read more about Bonsai Matching