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RRA NEWSLETTER / APRIL 21, 2025

"It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart." - Rainer Maria Rilke

SPRING PLANT SALE - Mother's Day Weekend

ORDER IN ADVANCE while supplies last!

Friday, May 9, 2-7 pm (Members Only)

Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 10 am-3 pm

(Open to the Public)

Don't miss our spring plant sale and help support our gardens! Order in advance and/or shop on site. Perennials & Annuals - Natives & Exotics - Sun & Shade - Pollinator-friendly & Deer-resistant plants. Click here to shop now and order in advance.

ART IN THE GARDEN

Where Community Comes Together!

Saturday, June 7, 7 pm

Join us for an evening of creativity, community, celebration, and art in support of one of Summit’s most beloved cultural landmarks. Funds raised from this elegant evening in the garden will help ensure the Arboretum remains a treasured resource for the over 100,000 visitors who explore its beauty and educational programs every year. Interested in being a sponsor? Please email Jackie Kondel here. Visit the link below to purchase tickets, sponsorships, and ads to recognize the honorees.

TICKETS, SPONSORSHIPS, ADS

"A PATH FOR ALL" UPDATE

We continue to make steady and significant progress with our capital campaign for “A Path for All.” Our vision is to extend and enhance access to our historic gardens by completing the Arboretum loop and ensuring that pathways are navigable for everyone. Thank you to all who have contributed to this project, and for those who want to learn more and perhaps make a gift or pledge, please click HERE.


The project itself is also moving along. Although we are not breaking ground until September, early spring is the time to transplant any plant material we are planning to use in the new gardens. We recently relocated over 15 trees and 50 shrubs to either a temporary nursery near the Rose Garden or to new permanent homes throughout the grounds. This was no small feat with two of the trees weighing over 12,000 pounds! If you have any questions about the project, please contact Executive Director, Jackie Kondel, at j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org.

Click on program titles for more information and to register.

Registration is required unless otherwise noted.

Children & Family Programs

Weekly Spring Programs

Oaks & Acorns

Wednesdays, April 2 - May 14 / 1-2 pm / ages 3-5 w/adult

Nature hikes, stories, and a unique project each week focusing on the spring season.


NEW! Nature Creations

Select Thursdays, April 3 - May 15 / 4-5 pm / ages 5-10

The natural world is our inspiration and the source of our materials in this new afterschool art offering! Upcoming topics: Wonderful Weavers and Art in Bloom


Little Wonders - SOLD OUT

Mondays, April 7 - May 19 / 10-11 am / ages 0-3 w/adult

NEW! Youth Climate Leaders Program

(ages 10-13; current 4th-8th graders)

Tuesdays, April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 4-5 pm

Calling All Youth Climate Activists! Join our new weekly after-school 5-session program to create local climate solutions and become a future leader in the fight against climate change! You’ll hear from local environmental guest speakers and gain the tools to develop a climate solution project that benefits your community! Starts Tuesday!

THIS WEEK! BEEhind the Scenes (ages 5-10)

Thursday, April 24, 4 - 5 pm

Join us for this interactive art class, where we’ll draw the adventure of a lost bee while learning all about these fantastic creatures and their buzzing world. Guest artist: Ling, founder of Lingspiration Art.

Homeschool Adventures (ages 5-12)

Thursdays, April 24 - May 15, 1-2:30 pm

Using an active-learning approach, we will explore the amazing world of plants and animals at the Arboretum, engaging in hands-on adventures designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for all that nature has to offer.

THIS WEEKEND! Arbor Day: Free Sapling Giveaway (families)

Saturday, April 26, 9 am-12 pm

To commemorate Earth Day and Arbor Day, we'll be giving away free tree saplings for you to plant at home. Supplies are limited, so stop by early. Species will vary, one per family. Meet us on the Visitors Center patio. Special thanks to Bartlett Tree Experts for donating the saplings!

Let's Get Growing! (ages 5-10)

Saturday, May 3 (Seed to Salad), 9:30-11 am

Join us for this fun Saturday morning hands-on gardening-themed workshop.

Discovery Weekends (families w/ children ages 3+)

Saturdays and Sundays through May 18, 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 on the grounds of the Arboretum. Each weekend is a new discovery!

NIGHTTIME FUN! Campfire Friends (families w/children ages 3+)

Friday, May 30, 7-8 pm

If you love to sing camp songs, eat s’mores, and make new friends, this program is perfect for you and your family! Our Environmental Educators will guide you on a nighttime hike, and we'll share fun facts about the moon, nocturnal creatures, and more.

Summer Camp + Birthday Fun

Summer Camp Registration is open!

Sign up for a summer of nature fun! Click here for the full schedule and details.

You Can Celebrate Your Child's Birthday Party at the Arboretum!

Fun themes include Animal Lovers, Terrific Terrariums, Arboretum Explorers, and Paint-A-Pot! Click here for details and to register.

Adult Programs

The Secret Tea Room

Enjoy the spring season with an enchanting tea experience in historic Wisner House.

Cream Tea: Wednesdays, April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 28, June 11, 18, 25

Afternoon Tea: May 10, 11 (Mother's Day Weekend), June 14, 15

JUST ADDED! Special Springtime Tea

Fusion Tea - Thursday, May 1 and Saturday, June 14

Experience the beauty of spring at Reeves-Reed Arboretum whilst enjoying a finely curated Tea, this time with a South Asian twist. We’ll be spicing up our regular offering of tasty sandwiches, scones, and desserts.

Garden State Art Weekend: Gardens on the Hill

Thursday, April 24 - Saturday, April 26, 10 am-4 pm

Our current art exhibit will be participating in the Garden State Art Weekend, with over 95 venues across the state opening their doors for a celebration of New Jersey's art scene. Be sure to stop by and visit our spring exhibit "blooming" in the Wisner House Gallery, (Please note the Wisner House Gallery will be closed on Sunday, April 27 for a private event.)

WELLNESS IN THE GARDEN

Forest Bathing Mini-Retreats

Sundays, May 11, July 13, August 10

Friday, June 20, 9:30 am-12 pm (Summer Solstice)

Reduce stress, improve well-being, and foster a sense of calm on these meditative walks.


Grounding in the Garden with Healing Arts Gallery

Thursday, May 29, 6:30 pm

If you want to decompress and connect with your inner wisdom, don’t miss this opportunity to experience yoga, Reiki, and sound healing, all focused on activating and balancing your Root Chakra.


Yoga in the Garden with YogaSix

Thursday, June 19, 5:30 pm

Come celebrate YogaSix's 1st Anniversary with a FREE yoga flow class in the garden!


Yoga + Sound Bath with Infused With Love

Monday, July 14, 5 pm

Join us for a peaceful outdoor experience combining a yoga flow and immersive sound bath with soothing tones of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other healing instruments guiding you into deep relaxation. 


Goat Yoga in the Garden (adults + teens 14+)

Saturday, August 23, 10 am

Start your weekend with a fun and relaxing yoga session in the garden with some friendly goats!

JUST ADDED! Kayaking: Passaic River/Great Swamp Paddle

Sunday, June 1, 1:30-4:30 pm (adults + families w/children ages 8+)

Great for families and paddlers of any skill level who want to get outside and enjoy nature!

NEW! Beginner's Guide to the Wonder of Trees

Thursday, June 14, 1-2:30 pm

Learn tree identification, determining the age of a tree, tree and leaf anatomy, the many processes of trees, what products come from trees, tree adaptations, and how trees communicate. Includes classroom instruction, an outdoor forest walk, and light refreshments.

FREE! Saturday Garden Tours are Back!

Most Saturdays through October 19, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm

A great opportunity to learn about the season's highlights. Meet at the Visitors Center; no registration required, no large groups. Please check our website for updates before visiting. Click here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Registration is required for all volunteer opportunities. Click on the titles below for more information and to register. Questions? Email Trish Cassin here.

PLANT SALE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Two-hour shifts are available on Friday, May 9, 11 am-7:30 pm, Saturday, May 10, 9 am-4:30 pm, and Sunday, May 11, 9 am-3:30 pm. Come help us with this annual fundraiser that supports our beautiful gardens and grounds! Registration is required.


WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A GARDEN GREETER?

The Arboretum is looking for Garden Greeters for the busy spring and early summer season. The volunteers will welcome guests, answer general questions, as well as provide maps and other brochures. Shifts are flexible and can be tailored to your availability. No experience necessary, and training will be provided.


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.


EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS

Assist our educators with children's programs including Kids Can Cook, Let's Get Growing, Nature Creations, and more.


WEEKLY VOLUNTEER SESSIONS

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

Thursdays & Saturdays, 10 am-12 pm

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



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

Fridays, 10 am -12 pm

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

Other News

A BIG DAFFODIL DAY THANK YOU!

Our Daffodil Days and Daffodil Day Festival were a resounding success. Thank you to everyone who visited the gardens and supported the Arboretum's iconic daffodil bowl! Special thanks to all of the volunteers, board members, staff, vendors, and sponsors for your support during daffodil season.



Festival Title Sponsor: The Oldendorp Group

Festival Vendors: Bold Arts, Bruce Lorenz Photography, Contemporary Headwear, Frank's Pickled Peppers and Jams, Green Goats of Rhinebeck, House of MulMul, Jake's Gems, Java's Compost, Latin Bites, Libby & Smee, Pizza Vita, Puras Paletas, Rosie's Empanadas, Scream Truck, The Danish Baking Girl, The Nature of Reading, Woops Macarons

SPRING ART EXHIBIT: Gardens on the Hill

Now through May 23

This exciting show brings together a curated selection of works by all women artists from across the United States, including celebrated talents from New Jersey. Through a range of techniques and styles, each artist offers a unique perspective on the garden, capturing its diverse beauty and inspiration. Click here for more information about the exhibit.

(Photo courtesy of FiskFoto)

SUSTAINABILITY AT RRA

Earth Day Is Every Day! Read our latest blog post to find out "Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth." Click here!

BE A CORPORATE PARTNER in 2025!

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 Jackie Kondel at j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org.

SAVE THESE UPCOMING DATES!

Sounds of a Summer Night Concerts - June 25, July 16 and 30, August 13

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

@reevesreedarboretum

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WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Come take a break and spend some time outdoors.

Nature is healing for your mind, body, and soul.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum

165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901

(908) 273-8787

reeves-reedarboretum.org


Wisner House & Gallery Hours: 

10 am - 4 pm Tuesday - Friday



Grounds Open:

9 am - 4 pm daily (Nov - March)

7 am - 7 pm daily (April - October)

        Contact Us        
Become a Member!
  Make a Donation 

Up to 10% of each purchase made using the ShopRaise app is donated back to the Arboretum! Click here for info.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum programs and events in 2025 are made possible, in part, by support from:

Grants / E.J. Grassmann Trust; Investors Foundation; Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation; NJ Historic Trust; 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; Citizens Foundation; ADP, Union County Means Green; The Christopher + Dana Reeve Foundation; Fred C. Rummel Foundation

Corporate/Business Sponsors / Bartlett Tree Experts; Barth’s Market; Bassett Associates; Beacon Hill Club; Cambridge Wines; Compass Realty/The Price Group; Country Club Services; Creative Digital Solutions; David Ellis Events; Deloitte; Elisse Glennon Consulting; The Farm at Green Village; Fisk Foto; Fountainhead Advisors; Fusion Staffing Partners; Great Swamp Nursery; Hadley Peterson Landscaping & Design; Harbour Bridge Advisors; Infantini Landscaping; J. Kest & Co.; James M. Wood, CPA; Java’s Compost; Jennifer Hinger Photography; KPMG LLP; Landmark Hospitality; Lees Peck Group/Prominent Properties; Lois Schneider Realtor; Lucid Motors; Natale's Bakery; Nexgen Sources; The Oldendorp Group; Peapack Gladstone Wealth Management; Peerless Beverage Co.; PwC; Rosen Kelly Conway Architecture & Design; Shoprite; The Secret Tea Room; Tea & Oranges LLC; Virtu Financial; Zita’s Homemade Ice Cream