Dear Friends,

- Alfred Lord Tennyson

It’s hard to believe that Lord Tennyson’s words could possibly be true considering the challenges we face. I usually find the start of a new year refreshing; it is like having a clean page in your notebook with endless possibilities of what to fill it with. It’s when the talented horticulture staff studies the plant catalogs, designing their garden displays, and the educators are brainstorming programming ideas for the spring and summer. It’s in these troubled times that I head to the garden, the place that has been a sanctuary for so many these past few months. It helps clear my mind and gives me hope. I smile thinking about the lengthening days and the possibility of being together again, of brighter days ahead spent in the gardens. As Lord Tennyson says above, the year to come will be happier, and I hope for the Arboretum community, it will be.

Until next time,

Wednesday, January 20, 4:00 - 5:30 pm OR

(for children ages 5 to 10)

As an alternative to our popular in-person Kids Can Cook programs, we're offering virtual classes! Pick up your package of ingredients from the Arboretum and follow us virtually from home on either Wednesday, 1/20 or Thursday 1/21. January's topic is Comfort Foods. If your favorite foods include mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, or pizza, then this program is for you!

(for children ages 6 to 10)

Have you ever dreamed of being a detective? Join us as we investigate the winter goings-on at the Arboretum! We'll make our own nature journals and explore the grounds for hidden mysteries and natural treasures. Masks are recommended and registration is required.

Save the date!

Enjoy a brisk winter afternoon learning the steps involved in turning tree sap into delicious maple syrup!

Member registration begins February 1. Non-member registration begins February 15.

Families can stop by the Arboretum (on the patio outside the Stackhouse Education Center) to pick up supplies to create Valentine Cards that will be delivered to the Essential Workers in our community.

On this important day of service to remember Martin Luther King, Jr., it is a perfect time to reach out and warm the hearts of all those people who have helped us during this difficult time. Supplies will include paper, ribbon, yarn, and other decorative supplies for you to create a thoughtful Valentine card. Complete your card at home and return it to the Arboretum any time before February 10 to the container outside the Stackhouse Education Center.

Please click here for a schedule of all MLK activities in Summit.

Join the Horticulture Department as they continue their winter “housekeeping” both indoors and out! Sessions will be held Saturdays and Mondays from 2 pm through 4 pm.

Tasks may include packing away holiday decorations and supplies, cutting down the Daffodil Bowl, organizing the barn, planting daffodil bulbs, tool maintenance, snow-removal, raking leaves, and pruning of shrubs and roses.

Our very first session is on Saturday, January 16th, 2020 at 2pm.

To register, go to www.reeves-reedarboretum.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or email Volunteer Coordinator, Trish Cassin, at t.cassin@reeves-reedarbroetum.org.

Please note: For your safety, all tools and gloves are washed and sanitized, and masks are required. You are also free to bring your own gloves and tools.

For the month of January 2021, Reeves-Reed Arboretum will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $3.00 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag at the ACME store located at 1260 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, NJ!

Follow @reevesreedarboretum for the latest scoop!