The Arboretum relies on public support to pursue its mission, and volunteers play an essential role in our outreach. Since our centennial in 1972, volunteer docents have trained to lead the majority of free guided tours in the Arboretum landscape, and the more recent arrival of Arboretum Interpreters has further enhanced visitor interaction. Our Field […]
As a premier botanical institution and partner in the educational mission of Harvard University, the Arnold Arboretum offers horticultural training programs which go beyond teaching technical skills—they open pathways into the diverse work of public gardens and provide an exceptional foundation for building careers in plant-related fields. Through hands-on experience caring for our Living Collections, […]
Dr. Michael S. Dosmann, Keeper of the Living Collections at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, has been named the 2019 recipient of the David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration. In an announcement from its headquarters in Hawai‘i, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) recognized Dosmann for his outstanding contributions to botanical exploration and horticulture. […]
Full moon, clear sky, trees, ice, lunar eclipse. A magnificent recipe! Yesterday, after an erratic mixture of snow, sleet, and rain, temperatures plummeted here in New England, leaving each and every tree ensheathed in a thick coat of ice. The full moon, followed by a total lunar eclipse set the stage in the woods behind […]
For scientists like Andrew Groover, the Arnold Arboretum offers direct access to a diversity of living plants, associated data, and laboratory resources that otherwise would be daunting to find in one location.
Opened in 2011, the Arnold Arboretum’s Weld Hill Research Building offers world-class facilities for investigations across the spectrum of botanical and environmental sciences. Home to a vibrant scientific community that includes Harvard University faculty, Weld Hill is outfitted with state-of-the-art molecular laboratories, high-power digital microscopy, and modern controlled growth facilities and greenhouses. In addition to […]
With so much to be thankful for—extraordinary plants, a magnificent landscape, devoted colleagues, and a passionate community of friends of the Arnold Arboretum—I wish all of you a joyous new year, filled with the wonderment of nature. From the depths of winter dormancy, I have chosen one of my favorite memories (among many) of 2018: […]
While so much of the natural world dies back into an ashen slumber in winter, evergreens are the resilient sentinels of the forest, representing hope for the sun’s return.
This past week has been an unbroken streak of sunshine and intense blue skies in Boston, with crisp cold temperatures—perfect for extended walks in the Arnold Arboretum. As I wandered in the Maple Collection, one tree took my breath away, an Amur maple, Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala (701-63*E), whose translucent membranous winged fruits (samaras) collectively […]
The Living Collections of the Arnold Arboretum represent an unparalleled resource for appreciating and understanding our natural world. Our Collections Campaign is a 10-year initiative to expand and enhance the collections as global change poses serious threats to biodiversity. Beyond annual expeditions to collect and preserve germplasm for study and conservation, staff have also focused […]
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