Lillian Anderson Arboretum
Winter can be one of the most beautiful times to visit the Arboretum! With pine trees blanketed in snow and the stillness of frozen ponds, you’ll get to see all kinds of winter nature and wildlife. It’s the perfect season for a chilly hike with a warm drink – you can walk, hike, and run all year long in the Arb!
This winter, you might run into some of our ongoing projects and programs! A carbon sequestration survey is currently taking place at the Arb. Part of a project that occurs every 5 years, this survey will help us better understand how trees utilize atmospheric carbon, and how the Arb functions as a carbon sink. You might also wander past folks with maps and compasses – don’t worry, they’re not lost! They’re just participating in a map and compass workshop put on by the Outdoor Leadership Training Center.
Be sure to layer up! In the colder weather, consider bringing an extra warm layer, hat/gloves, and shoes with good traction. All trails are open and operating as normal regardless of condition, unless otherwise noted. The Arb is open for normal hours, from dawn to dusk.
The Grove
The weather might be cold, but the compost piles are still warm and working hard! Thanks to the efforts of the Compost Crew, composting is available all winter long. Drop by the Grove (located behind the Living Learning Houses between Monroe and Lovell St) to pick up a compost bucket. Simply fill it up, drop it off, and pick up an empty one again!
The Hoop House
The Hoop House is still operational, even in the winter! We’re busy prepping flats and preparing for spring. Stay tuned for more info on a few open hours in late February and early March, and then get excited for full open hours to resume every MWF in April, 4:30-6pm!
Jolly Gardens & Dow Wildflower Garden
The Jolly Gardens and Dow Wildflower Gardens are getting through the winter season! While we might not be able to see the plants while walking by, this cold spell is helping prepare them for the next growing season. The leftover stems and plant matter we can see through the snow makes a great habitat for overwintering pollinators and other helpful insects!
