"Catch a Buzz" from Nature Emphemeral Art Exhibit, Susan Richman

Dear Friends,

“A sap-run is the sweet good-bye of winter. It is the fruit of the equal marriage of the sun and frost.” -- John Burroughs, in Signs and Seasons, 1886

I am often asked what my favorite festival is and while I love them all, as a New Englander I will always have a special place in my heart for our Maple Sugaring Fest to be held on Sunday, March 3 (see details below). With all the technology available and trust me large sugaring operations make use of it, there is still something magical about drilling a hole in a maple tree, collecting the running sap, and cooking it until it transforms into maple syrup. Be sure to stop by on Sunday and learn a little bit about this timeless tradition. It is always a fun day for young and old alike!

Until next time,

Enjoy a brisk winter afternoon learning the steps involved in turning tree sap into delicious maple syrup. The whole family will enjoy spending the day outdoors, hiking our trails, and partaking in our Maple Sugaring Challenge activities. There will be tapping and cooking demonstrations, taste tests, history and story trails, hot cocoa, maple treats, and more. It’s going to be a sweet day! Click here to register.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Title Sponsor: Price Group / Compass Realty

Gold Sponsor: Madison Honda

Silver Sponsor: John Hyatt Clothing

Bronze Sponsor: Fisk Foto, Pure Pilates

Click on program titles for more information and to register.

Registration is required unless otherwise noted.

The Secret Tea Room

Cream Tea, Wednesdays March 6, 13 (Communi-Tea Table); Every Wed beginning April 3; Afternoon Tea, Sunday, March 10 and April 21

Enjoy an enchanting tea service with brewed-to-perfection teas and fusions, scrumptious scones, delectable tea sandwiches, and more. Join the COMMUNI-TEA TABLE on March 13 at the 11:30 am and 12 pm seatings where we will be setting one large community table so guests can mingle with old friends and make some new ones. We hope you will give it a try!

Savor the Moment: A Mindfulness Tea Experience

Thursday, March 7, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm

During this workshop you will be guided to bring the experience of the sip into full awareness, to develop a deeper appreciation for tea as you learn some of its amazing benefits, and to experience a sense of calm and harmony in the process.

Philadelphia Flower Show Trip - 1 spot left! Thursday, March 7, 8:15 am - 4:30 pm

Perfect Pairings: A Wine & Chocolate Tasting

Friday, March 8, 7 - 9 pm

Enjoy a journey of the senses as we taste delicious wines each thoughtfully paired with distinct signature chocolates.

Forest Bathing Mini-Retreats

Sundays, March 10 and April 7, 9:30 am - 12 pm

Enjoy spiritually and emotionally enriching meditative walks in nature on the beautiful grounds of the Arboretum. Led by Certified Nature & Therapy Guide, Rich Collins.

Early Spring Garden Walkabout

Thursday, March 14, 1 - 2:30 pm

John Beirne, Curatorial Director of Horticulture, will guide us on a walkabout throughout the gardens and woodland to peek at the many plants, trees, and shrubs that have begun stirring in preparation for the season of rebirth.

Nature Ephemeral - Meet the Artist!

Saturday, March 16, 2 - 3:30 pm

Come meet our exhibiting artist, Susan Richman! Learn about her art and photography processes and explore the new exhibit. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested, but not required.

Square Foot Gardening: Learn the Basics

Virtual Class, Wednesday, March 27, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Tune in from the comfort of your home to learn a simple and efficient method of gardening that will have you growing all the fresh vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers you want, with less effort and with the most efficient use of space and time!

Notable Garden Speaker: Lindsey Taylor, Author of "Art in Flower" Recently featured in Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

Thursday, April 11, 6:30 - 8 pm

Artist, writer, gardener, and photographer, Lindsey Taylor, will inspire us with a beautiful presentation based on her new book, Art in Flower. Founder of Lindsey Taylor Design, Taylor creates gardens and landscapes for public and private clients throughout the Northeast and is a former garden editor of Martha Stewart Living, Domino, and Garden Design magazines. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Gardenista. Art in Flower will be available for purchase with a book signing to follow the presentation!

Daffodil Day: Flower Power!

Member registration opens Tuesday, March 5!

Sunday, April 14, 11 am - 3 pm

This year as we celebrate our 50th anniversary we are taking it back to the 1970's with flower power! The day’s activities will include spring-themed games and crafts, story and history trails, art, music, food and market vendors, the visiting Green Goats will be here and of course thousands and thousands of daffodils will be blooming!

Prospective Garden Docent Tour

Monday, April 15, 1:30 - 2:30 pm or Saturday, April 20, 10:30 -11:30 am

If you have a love of horticulture and history, consider becoming a Garden Docent! Learn more about this program by attending a free introductory garden tour. 

Goat Yoga is back!

Saturday, April 20, 10 am and 11 am

Enjoy a morning yoga class in our garden and experience what goat yoga is all about! This joyful class will help you clear your mind, relax, and have fun with some loveable goats.

Spring Awakening

Sunday, April 21, 2 - 4 pm

Led by Reiki Master/Meditation Teacher Lisa Batitto, owner of Enlightened Path Healing, this 2-hour workshop offers a guided lower chakra meditation with ecstatic breathwork, a Reiki healing circle with intuitive sharing, and more.

Seasonal Floral Workshops: Ode to Spring & The Grace of Spring

Thursday, April 25 and May 23, 11 am - 1 pm

Invite the season into your home by creating a joyful spring bouquet using fragrant florals! These workshops are led by Daica Skrobala, owner and floral designer of Polycarp Flowers.

Spring Session / Recurring Nature Programs - Registration is open! Classes begin the week of April 1.

These fun and educational nature programs feature different engaging topics each week including Signs of Spring, Earth Day, Fabulous Fungi, Arbor Day, and more.

Oaks and Acorns - Wednesdays, 1 - 2 pm (ages 3-5 w/adult)

Arboretum Afternoons - Thursdays, 4 - 5 pm (ages 5-8)

Little Wonders is sold out.

Winter Session / Recurring Nature Programs

We have a few spots left in the following programs:

Homeschool Adventures - Thursdays, 10 - 11:30 am (ages 5-12)

Arboretum Afternoons - Select Thursdays, 4 - 5 pm (ages 5-8)

Discovery Weekends Return! (families with children ages 3+)

Saturdays and Sundays, March 9 through May 19, 9 am - 3 pm

Drop by the Stackhouse Education Center for this self-guided program. Borrow a magnifying glass, grab an interactive activity guide, and head out to see what wonders big and small await. There may be a surprise or two, a clue to follow, a mystery to solve, a chance to create, and always an engaging nature activity. Registration is not required.

Kids Can Cook: Tastes of Springtime

Wednesday, March 20, 4 - 5:30 pm (ages 5-10)

As we eagerly welcome springtime, let’s head into the kitchen to combine flavorful and fresh ingredients to create tasty treats.

Let's Get Growing: In the Garden

Saturday, March 23, 9:30 - 11:30 am (ages 5-10)

If your child likes building things and finding out how things grow, this interactive, hands-on garden DIY program is for them!

Spring Break Mini-Camps (ages 5-10) - JUST ADDED!

March 25, 9 am - 12 pm / Smile, Crocodile!

March 26, 9 am - 12 pm / Explore, Discover, Create!

March 27, 9 am - 12 pm / Exploring Bees

March 27, 1 - 4 pm / Let's Dance with BOLD Arts

March 28, 9 am - 12 pm / Critters and Colors

March 28, 1 - 4 pm / Let's Dance with BOLD Arts

Lunch Buddies is also available from 12 - 1 pm for campers who want to bring lunch and stay for an additional hour of food, fun, and friends! Click here for all the Spring Break Camp details!

Norooz Celebration - JUST ADDED!

Wednesday, April 3, 4 - 5 pm (ages 5-10)

Springtime festivals around the world share common themes of new life and growth. Join us to celebrate Norooz, or Persian New Year, a joyful and vibrant holiday that celebrates spring, fresh beginnings, and connections between people and nature!

Registration is required for all volunteer opportunities. Click on the titles below for more information. For questions or to register, email Trish Cassin here.

Garden Greeters - NEW!

We are looking for volunteers during the months of April and May to welcome visitors to the Arboretum, answer questions, and provide maps and directions for guests. It's a great way to share your love of the Arboretum with new visitors! Weekday and weekend shifts available.

Junior Camp Counselor

Teens ages 14+ years old are invited to volunteer at our popular summer nature camp. Junior counselors must be available for a minimum of 4 weeks. Camp runs June 10 through August 23, and there is no camp the weeks of June 24 and July 1. Click here for more information.

Education Volunteers

If you have a background in education, or just enjoy nature and working with children, volunteer to assist our educators with the following programs: Hands to Nature, Kids Can Cook, Arboretum Afternoons, Little Wonders, and Homeschool Adventures.

Corporate Volunteer Days!

Book your team's volunteer day in our gardens, trails, and woodlands. Projects run Wednesday - Friday, March - May and September - October. Click here for details.

Ground Force (ages 14+, 12-13 w/an adult)

Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:30 pm and Saturdays, 2 - 4 pm

Join our staff outdoors to maintain and enhance the beauty of our grounds.

Woodland Restoration (ages 14+, 12-13 w/an adult)

Fridays, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Help restore existing trails, plant native trees, remove invasives, and more!

NATURE EPHEMERAL

Embark on a journey through fleeting moments of natural beauty with Susan Richman's captivating photographs. This exhibition offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the transient allure of nature's fleeting wonders.

The exhibit is on view February 7 – May 12. All works are for sale and the artist will donate 30% to the Arboretum. The Wisner House Gallery will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm, except when closed for private events.

**An artist’s reception will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2 - 3:30 pm.** Come meet Susan at this free event. Please click here to register. 

SHOP THE ARBORETUM & 50/50 RAFFLE

As we usher in our 50th year as a public arboretum we are celebrating with new swag that includes mugs, tote bags, caps, and more, as well as our fundraising 50/50 Raffle! All items are for sale at upcoming programs and events, and during Wisner House hours, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. Questions? Give us a call at 908-273-8787, x1010.

SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES!



Daffodil Day - Sunday, April 14 - Click here!

Arbor Day Celebration - Friday, April 26

Plant Sale - Friday, May 10 - Sunday, May 12

50th Anniversary Summit Garden Tour - Thursday, May 30 - Click here to be added to the mailing list for this special event! Info coming soon to our website.

ART in the Garden 50th Anniversary Gala - Saturday, June 8 - We are going to party like it's 1974! Click here for event and sponsorship information!

The Arboretum is looking for CORPORATE PARTNERS!

Corporate Sponsorship is a fantastic way to showcase your brand and show your support for the Arboretum. Opportunities are available at nearly every level. For more information contact Patty Butler at (908) 273-8787, x1414 or p.butler@reeves-reedarboretum.org.

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@reevesreedarboretum

Reeves-Reed Arboretum programs and events in 2023 were made possible, in part, by support from:

Grants / E.J. Grassmann Trust; Garden Clubs of America; Hyde & Watson Foundation; Investors Foundation; Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation; NJ Historic Trust; Overlook Foundation; The Summit Foundation; Summit Garden Club; Union County Board of County Commissioners, a division of the Department of State, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks & Community Renewal Union Foundation

Corporate/Business Sponsors / Bartlett Tree Experts; Barth’s Market; Bassett Associates; Beacon Hill Club; Cambridge Wines; Chubb; Creative Digital Solutions; Douglas Volkswagen + Infiniti; David Ellis Events; The Farm at Green Village; Fisk Foto; Fountainhead Advisors; Great Swamp Nursery; The Gypset; Hadley Peterson Landscaping & Design; Infantini Landscaping; JAM Graphics; James M. Wood, CPA; Java’s Compost; Jennifer Hinger Photography; Kayak East; Leaf + Line; Lees Peck Group/Prominent Properties; Lois Schneider Realtor; Mobility Elevator & Lift Co.; Natale's Bakery; Nexgen Sources; The Oldendorp Group; Peapack Private Wealth Management; Peerless Beverage Co.; PSE&G; Polestar; Rosen Kelly Conway Architecture & Design; Seasons Floral Design; Shoprite; The Secret Tea Room; Silver Lining Jewelry; Sonja Gamgort Design, LLC; Tea & Oranges; Totes Goats, LLC; Zita’s Homemade Ice Cream