Scuds Spectacular

Amphipods, also known as scuds or side-swimmers, are members of the subphylum crustacea that resemble tiny, flattened shrimp. As we start our Discovery Tour field trip season, we have been taking pond samples for students to explore and have been seeing scuds by the dozen! Not only are these little critters important in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem, they also are an important food source for other animals in our wetlands.

• Scuds are part of the crustacean family. 
• The “Stumptown Scud” is found only in and around Portland, Oregon. 
• Some species have been found in hot springs and caves.
• Largest scud is 11 inches!

Earth Day

Saturday, April 26th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Come celebrate Earth Day with us at Mount Pisgah Arboretum!

We'll have work parties for all ages and abilities, wildflower walks, crafts and nature education activities, tree climbing for kids provided by Eugene Tree Climbing, and more! And to top it all off, a light lunch when the fun wraps up.

The whole event is free and family friendly, mark your calendars!

Flowers are popping up all over the Arboretum and it can only mean one thing, the Wildflower Festival is approaching!

Ticket info will go out to our members on April 14th, and sales launch for the public on April 18th. Members get free festival tickets, so it's a great time to become a member.

TransWild Forest Frolic

Saturday, April 19th 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Join TransPonder, Cascadia Wildlands, and Mount Pisgah Arboretum in welcoming people from queer, trans, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities for a FREE afternoon of outdoor workshops, nature walks, live music, activities, and more!

Upcoming Nature Tours

All guided tours start at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum Education Building (formerly known as the visitor center). Pre-registration is required. Members and kids under 4 are FREE, Non-Members $5 per person.

Mindful Meanderings

Saturday, April 6th 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” - Thich Nhat Hanh.

With Julia Siporin. We will attune our senses to the simple delights and serenity of the natural world using various sensory awareness practices and guided mindfulness-based meditations. These will support a more direct connection with wonder, awe, and gratitude. Bring something to sit on like a mat or small folding chair. Meet at the Arboretum Education Building. Fee $5, FREE for Arboretum members. Don't forget your parking pass.

Limited to 14 attendees. Pre-registration required.

April Bird Tour

Saturday, April 13th 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Join Mieko Aoki and Julia Siporin for another monthly bird tour intended for people with all levels of birding experience. We’ll use vocalizations, habitat, and behavior clues for identification of our year-round residents and spring migrants. Come discover the Arboretum’s avian diversity. Please bring binoculars. Rain or shine.

Don't forget your parking pass. Fee $5, FREE for Arboretum members. Limited to 18 attendees. Pre-registration required.

Work Parties

Become a steward of the Arboretum by helping us improve and maintain our facilities and habitat during our Work Parties! 

During Work Parties, volunteers help us keep our trails, facilities, and park clean, accessible, and beautiful! No experience is required to volunteer on these days, and we will provide tools, gloves, and a parking pass. 

For all our work parties, we will meet at the bottom of the parking lot near the shop (the string of buildings at the bottom of the lot) at 9 AM. 

Oak Savanna Trail Work Party

Saturday, April 5th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Thanks to everyone who came out and helped repair the flood damage to our trails, we can get back to work on our Oak Savanna Trail!

P.S. Check out Julia Siporin's Mindfulness Series at the Arboretum

Get Involved

Want to make a difference in other ways? We are always looking for nature guides, trail stewards, park ambassador volunteers, and many other roles. Let's talk about how you can get involved with the Arboretum.

Learn more about some of the opportunities here.