Enjoy our November e-newsletter!

“And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves ....”

– Virginia Woolf

Open Garden, November 8th

10:00AM-2:00PM

Come and stroll the grounds of the arboretum and experience the brilliant fall colors. Tour at 12:00 PM. This event is free for members and $10 for other visitors; pre-registration is appreciated. Register here.

Boston Public School students spend the day at the Arboretum

Fall is a busy time as many students visit the Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum to study environmental science using the landscape as a class room. Students from kindergarten to fifth grade will be arriving over the next few weeks to learn about lifecycles of plants and animals and enjoy the fall splendor of the garden. These programs are supported by the generosity of our donors.

Volunteerism is booming at Wakefield

Students and staff from Boston College High School and Noble and Greenough provided the garden with hours of maintenance over the past few weeks. We appreciate and enjoy having the students work in the garden and familiarize themselves with the great variety of plants and animals here.

Thacher Montessori students conduct a journaling workshop at Wakefield

Thacher Montessori students visit the garden once a week. They are in grades 4-6 ages 9-12. Each student has chosen a spot in the formal garden to observe throughout the year. They observe the changes that have happened using all of their senses. Students draw a picture and then write about it. The goal is to help them develop their observational skills and provide them with some moments of silence to reflect on nature.

Spotted Lantern Fly discovered at Wakefield Arboretum

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species that causes harm to a variety of crops and other plants. Although it is a very attractive insect, the damage can be widespread and costly. Spotted Lanternfly has been present in Massachusetts for several years. They are not a threat to people or pets, as they do not sting or bite. They primarily feed on the sap of over 100 different types of plants. If you see this pest, please visit this website: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-agricultural-officials-provide-update-about-spotted-lanternfly-in-massachusetts

Map of the Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts. Brown areas indicate sightings.

Wreath Making Dates are Set!

December 6th 10:00AM-12:00PM

SOLD OUT

December 8th 6:00PM-8:00PM

SOLD OUT

December 9th 6:00PM-8:00PM

Wakefield's annual wreath-making workshops sell out fast!

Staff Note

Fall colors continue to be brilliant here at the arboretum. It is a special time of year as there are many children spending the day in the garden learning and experiencing the beauty of this place. One of the students discovered an invasive Spotted Lanternfly that initiated a long conversation about the difference between native and non-native species and why they matter. These hands-on experiences provide a valuable way of learning about the natural world. We hope to see you soon!

Debbie Merriam

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:

Wreath making dates are set!

December 6th 10:00AM-12:00PM - SOLD OUT

December 8th 6:00PM-8:00PM - SOLD OUT

December 9th 6:00PM-8:00PM

Plan a visit soon!

Take a walk through the gardens and enjoy the scenery.

The Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum is open weekdays 7AM-3PM (except holidays) during regular business hours, by appointment. Open Gardens: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-2.

To schedule a visit, call 617-333-0924 or email: arboretum@dogwoodlanefarm.org.

Enjoy these photos from November.

Images by Debbie Merriam, Ellen Scheid, and Matthew Noiseux.

Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum

1465 Brush Hill Road,

Milton, MA 02186

(617) 333-0924