Leaf Collection 101
Tuesday, October 5
3:30 – 4:30pm
$10 per child
Visitors Center

Kick start a leaf collection for science class or finish off those last dozen leaf identifications you’ve already started. Horticulture and Education staff will teach students how to properly collect, identify and label tree leaves using a simple key.

Hike Beyond the Beaten Path
Saturday, October 9
9:30 – 11:30am
$5/members free, $15 maximum per family
Visitors Center Deck

Make a date to enjoy the leaf color this fall. Now is the perfect time to get some exercise before an afternoon of watching football. Beth Spieles, Interpretive Educator, will lead you beyond our most popular trails to gain a unique perspective of The Arboretum’s beauty.

Night Hike
Friday, October 15
7 – 9pm
Free, donations welcome
Visitors Center Deck

Experience The Arboretum at night! Kids and adults are welcome to attend one of our most popular programs as we hike through collections, grasslands and woodlands.

Beginning Bonsai: Two sessions
Saturday, October 16, 9am – noon
Saturday, October 23, 9 – 11am
$55/$40 members, reservation required by Oct. 13
Zand Education Center

This two–session bonsai course will introduce participants to the art of bonsai. The first session will lead students through the history of bonsai, types of plants to use, containers, bonsai soil, tools needed along with how to prune and style their tree. During the second session, students will plant their tree in a bonsai container to take home and nurture. Materials for the course include one tree, bonsai container, soil, wire and an Art of Bonsai booklet. Tools will be available for students to use.

Howl-a-ween Dog Costume Parade and Contest
Saturday, October 30
10 – 11am
Main “Barking” Lot

Outfit your canine in the most frightening, ghoulish or most ridiculous costume you can muster to take part in a parade of pooches. We will have four highly-discerning judges on hand to evaluate the costumes and hand out ribbons in various categories. A ‘Tricks for Treats’ stage will be set up for dramatic pooches who love the spotlight. Local canine-focused vendors will be on-hand to speak with dog owners about merchandise and services.

Going Green in the Home
Saturday, November 6
9 – 11am
$15/$8 members, reservation required
Visitors Center

Want to learn how to become more environmentally friendly in the home? Topics to be covered include greening up your cleaning products, food and clothing. A discussion on home recycling should help participants understand what is recyclable and what is not. The program will also touch on making smarter choices while shopping and car buying.

Bonsai for Kids
Saturday, November 6
10am – noon
$30/$25 for members
Zand Education Center

Let The Arboretum nurture your child’s creativity through the art of Bonsai. Often thought of as an “adults only” practice, bonsai is appropriate for nearly any age. Our Bonsai curator will encourage your child to create a unique perspective through various techniques. This class is for children 11 to 14–years–old.

Once the country home of The Arboretum co-founders Beman and Bertie Dawes, the Daweswood House is an amazing museum filled with 19th and early 20th century antiques, collectibles and photographs that reflect the lifestyle and collecting interests of the founding family. A tour of the house led by our highly knowledgeable historian will provide you with background on the family and some of their passions, which in turn sparked their desire to create The Arboretum.
Adult $2; student $1, FOD free