2024 Winterfire

Saturday, February 24th, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Once again, it's time for one of our most popular family events: Winterfire! This year, the annual event will be held on Saturday, February 24th, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Winterfire combines lightscape with landscape to highlight the arboretum's signature trees and garden features against a deep mid-winter sky. Enjoy the gardens in the winter twilight while sipping some hot chocolate around an open fire. This is a fun, family-friendly event.

Subject to cancellation due to weather; see www.wakefieldtrust.org or our Facebook page for any last-minute changes. Dress warmly and bring a friend! While this event is free, donations are appreciated. Call 617-333-0924 for more information.

Click here to register.

"Born for war -- Ready for peace," the Wakefield Willys Jeep is out for a tune-up.

The Willys CJ-2A, c.1946, was beautifully restored in a multi-year effort by students at the Blue Hills Regional Technical High School. It is due for a tune-up on the mechanics, after which the Jeep will become a part of future programming here at the arboretum.

The Wakefield volunteer appreciation event was a big success!

More than 20 volunteers enjoyed a luncheon in the Davenport Mansion sharing stories of their experiences volunteering at Wakefield. Volunteers are a crucial part of programming and upkeep at the arboretum. Thank you to everyone who plays a role.

Winter snow, more than just a pretty scene!

The snow blanketing the ground offers benefits beyond a beautiful view. Seasonal snow is an important element in managing temperature and moisture in our soils. Snow cover insulates the ground, keeping soils from freezing too deeply which can damage or kill plant roots. Insulation from snow also helps moderate the freeze/thaw cycles that can be so damaging to bulbs and roots. Moisture levels in winter soil are also maintained more evenly when snow covers the ground. Melting snow replenishes aquifers and waterways, mitigating drought conditions. So whether you enjoy the snow on a sled, skis or a snowboard, from the end of shovel, with a walk in the woods, or viewing from a toasty perch on the warm side of a window, know that it has an important job in maintaining our ecosystem.

2024 Pest and Pathogen Update

Southern Pine Beetle



The Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) has been spotted in Massachusetts. This is most likely due to a warming climate which expands the range of the beetle. In New England, the Southern Pine Beetle feeds on Pitch Pine, White Pine, and Spruce. According to UMass Extension Service, SPB has been detected in Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. Intensive monitoring and rapid response has limited the mobility of this insect.

Signs of a southern pine beetle infestation include:

• Sudden reddening or browning of all needles
• Pitch tubes or small ‘popcorn-shaped’ resin masses on the bark all the way up the tree
• Scattered, tiny holes in the bark where beetles have entered or exited the tree
• S-shaped trails or tunnels in the tissue of the tree underneath the bark

Resin masses shaped like popcorn indicate a southern pine beetle infestation.

Southern pine beetle's has been detected on Cape Cod, indicating its range may be moving north into Masssachusetts.

Beech Leaf Disease



Beech trees are under great stress due to beech leaf disease. Beech leaf disease was first discovered in Ohio in 2012 and has rapidly spread eastward to Massachusetts and many other states along the eastern seaboard. The foliar nematode Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mcannii (Lcm) is responsible for beech leaf disease and is believed to be non-native in North America. Beeches are an important tree species in New England. Currently, there is no treatment for Beech Leaf disease.

Asian Longhorned Beetle

There is some good news about Asian Longhorned Beetle. According to DCR Forest health professionals Asian Longhorned Beetle is on the decline and there were no detections in 2023.

There has been a significant drop in asian longhorned beetle sightings in Masssachusetts.