Arnold Arboretum

Lilac Sunday Returning to Arnold Arboretum After Two-Year Hiatus

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The Arnold Arboretum came into existence on March 29, 1872, and is marking 150 years of preserving biodiversity and connecting plants and people. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Arnold Arboretum welcomes everyone to the first public-observance of its traditional Lilac Sunday event since 2019. In addition, Arnold Arboretum Director William (Ned) Friedman announces a slate of both virtual and in-person talks on sesquicentennial themes entitled The Magic and Meaning of a Garden of Trees. The spring season kicks off on May 1 with the reopening of the Arnold Arboretum Visitor Center in the Hunnewell Building, and accelerates with the approach of Lilac Sunday on May 8. A beloved tradition in Boston for well over a century, Lilac Sunday will return on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, after a two-year pause during the pandemic.

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Arnold Arboretum

Celebrate Arnold Arboretum’s Sesquicentennial on March 29

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The Arnold Arboretum will be celebrating it sesquicentennial with a special in-person and virtual event on March 29. The Arnold Arboretum was founded on Friday, March 29, 1872. Exactly 150 years later, the Arnold Arboretum is inviting you to hear Lisa Pearson, Head of the Arboretum Library and Archives, for a special sesquicentennial lecture. Pearson will discuss the earliest benefactors of the Arnold Arboretum, the events that led to the founding of the institution, and the busy first two decades during which the infrastructure and living collections were installed at the arboretum. This event will be at the Arboretum's Weld Hill Research Building (1300 Centre St., Roslindale) on Tuesday, March 29, 2 to 3 pm.

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Animals

The Arnold Arboretum’s Feeding Curiosity About Birds

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The Arnold Arboretum’s collections provide year round sustenance and habitat for a host of wildlife, including many bird species. The Arnold Arboretum's Public Programs department complements these natural resources by adding winter bird feeders. Visiting birds and birders alike have long enjoyed the feeding station at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. However, two new stations now feature in the landscape. Look for one atop Bussey Hill and the second along Conifer Path.

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Environment

Why Aren’t Arboretum Roads Salted?

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Each snowfall brings many visitors to the Arnold Arboretum, drawn to the landscape as a beautiful haven for skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, snowboarding, as well as walking and running. As soon as the snow begins to fall, our staff is mobilized to clear snow and keep our roads passable. On these snowy days, visitors occasionally ask why we don’t use deicing salts to clear interior Arboretum roads. The short answer is that concern for the long-term health of our plants and the soil they grow in requires employing different approaches than those used outside our gates. Salt Contamination and Plants
The rock salt used on city streets excels in removing snow and ice. However, resulting saltwater runoff can also harm plants, especially trees and shrubs.

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Arnold Arboretum

Volunteers Wanted for Arnold Arboretum Field Study Guides

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The Arnold Arboretum is training for the spring season of school programs at the arboretum, and they need volunteer field study guides. The school programs season begins March 29. The Arnold Arboretum is looking for outgoing and mature adults who can commit to two years of volunteering. You do not need to know about plants, but experience working with children is preferred. If you are interested, please complete an application by March 11 for an interview.

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