Enjoy our May e-newsletter

"The earth laughs in flowers" Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum Receives Level lll Arboretum Certification

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Wakefield Arboretum has been awarded Level III arboretum certification as of early April! This prestigious achievement, one of only 50 in the world, is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our incredible staff—who managed to navigate through a year-long application process. This certification opens up new opportunities for our ongoing conservation and plant research efforts, showcasing our commitment to environmental stewardship. To read more about this certification click here.

Morning Birding

May, 5th 8:00AM

Join staff member Mathew Noiseux for a walk around the Arboretum to observe a variety of resident and migrating birds. Enjoy our resident bluebirds in the orchard. Bring a pair of binoculars. Register here

Dogwood Days 2026 is Here!

May 30th-June 7th

Garden tours every day at 1:00PM

Saturday, May 30th

4:30 PM-7:00 PM Bright Botanical Celebration*

(Tickets must be purchased in advance)

(Rain date May 31st)

Sunday, May 31st

10:00 AM Botanical Art Classes*

Wednesday, June 3rd

6:00 PM Wine, Cheese and Trees*

Thursday, June 4th

3:30 PM Davenport Mansion Tour

Saturday, June 6th

10:00 AM –12:00 PM Family Field Day

Fun Run, You-Build-It, Bubble Station

11:00 AM-12:00PM Animal Encounters with Mass Audubon*

Sunday, June 7th

9:00 AM Morning Light Walking Tour

11:00 AM New Native Plant Collection Tour

*Must pre-register

Arboretum Executive Director, Debbie Merriam gives Plant Advice on WGBH

Debbie was interviewed by Edgar B. Herwick III on WGBH's The Curiosity Desk. Listen here

Pollinator Day Enjoyed by Many Visitors

Brownie troops and visitors enjoyed a variety of activities on a beautiful spring day. Visitors collected spring blooming flowers on a pollinator tour with Horticulturalist, Ellen Scheid and created beautiful hammered flower cards.

Wakefield Arboretum represented at the Climb for a Better Tomorrow hike in the Blue Hills

Staff member, Matthew Noiseux spoke to hikers about the arboretum as they were working their way up Big Blue.

Staff Note

We are so pleased that the Wakefield has been upgraded to a Certified Level III Arboretum this month. Years of building programs, the plant collection, research and conservation projects culminated in this designation. Many people are to thank for this designation but we would like to give Jay Farwell a special thank you for working on our plant records database for the past year. Volunteers are an integral part of our mission so if you would like to volunteer please contact us.

Debbie Merriam

Executive Director

Become a Wakefield Arboretum Member

Your membership supports educational programs connecting youth and adults with land and history and our work to create a living and accessible landscape.

IMPORTANT DATES

at a glance:

May 5th 8:00AM-9:30AM

Spring Birding