Cards created for Overlook Hospital patients by volunteers as part of
RRA's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
In This Issue
From the Executive Director
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Awarded $250,000 Green Acres
Matching Grant for Accessibility

Dear Friends,
 
The mission of Reeves-Reed Arboretum is to engage, educate, and enrich the lives of all of our constituents, no matter what their abilities, so that they become better stewards of nature and the planet. With an ever increasing visitorship of over 100,000 annually, the Arboretum acknowledges and embraces this responsibility, and since 2016, has embarked on a multi-phase Accessibility Project.
 
It is with honor and humility that the Arboretum gratefully acknowledges an extraordinary grant from the Department of Environmental Protection/Green Acres Program, to help further our goal of accessibility for all. This matching grant of $250,000 will enable the Arboretum to complete this project which includes: a safe and accessible welcome/drop off area; an outdoor classroom; a series of tiered and accessible sensory gardens; a water feature; accessible pathways and ramps utilizing recyclable, porous materials; education "stops" with informative signage; and an amphitheatre with a backdrop of lilacs. These paths, education stops, gardens and amphitheatre will create a full circuit from the parking area, through the historic grounds and up to the perennial border, back to the parking area. The ribbon cutting for the amphitheatre will be April 2020, and the following spring for the remainder of the project. The Green Acres Program is committed to preserving New Jersey's rich, natural, historic and cultural heritage while taking into account and meeting the diverse needs of the people of the state.
 
Many hands (read funders) are needed to achieve this goal. The Arboretum wants to also acknowledge the continued support of the Hyde and Watson Foundation, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Kessler Foundation, Celgene, the Grassmann Trust, the Union Foundation, the Manley-Winser Foundation, the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, Investors Bank and Investors Foundation, and the Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation, all of whom recognize that meaningful public access to our parks and green spaces is of paramount importance, and especially a priority at Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
 
For more information about the Arboretum's Accessibility Project, or for naming and dedication opportunities of the new gardens, pathways, and other features, please reach out to me directly. It would be my pleasure to walk you through the innovations that will truly enhance all visitors' experiences to the Arboretum for years to come.
 
Cheers,
Frank Juliano signature
Children & Family Programs in February
Full Moon Hike
(for families with children ages 4 and up)
Saturday, February 8 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Join us for a walk in the woods under the moonlight. On our easy stroll through the woodland trails, we will talk about how our senses work differently at night. Afterwards, we'll warm up with hot chocolate!  Registration is required. 

Please click here  to register.

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The Joy of Backyard Bird Feeding 
(for families with children ages 5 and up)
Sunday, February 9 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

A collaborative program offered by RRA and Wild Birds Unlimited

Join Pete Axelrod from Wild Birds Unlimited  and Jackie Kondel, RRA's Director of Education for this informative program on using bird foods, bird feeders, water and shelter to attract the widest variety of birds as well as learning to identify the ones that do stop by to visit. Registration is required. 

Please click here for more information and to register.

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Oaks & Acorns - Lincoln's Hat
(for children ages 3-5 with an adult)
Wednesday, February 12 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Join us for our Winter session of Oaks and Acorns. Today find out why Abraham Lincoln wore a top hat and make an unusual Top Hat Valentine mailbox! Registration is required.

Please click here to register.

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There's No Place Like Space Mini-Camp 
(for children ages 5-8)
Tuesday, February 18 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Blast off into outer space to learn about the wonders of our solar system! We'll explore the planets and stars and make new discoveries along the way. This mini-camp, offered during the President's Day school break, provides children with an opportunity to spend time outside exploring and learning in a fun and exciting way! Space is limited and registration is required.

Please click here  to register.

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Who's Been Here?
(for children ages 4 and up)
Saturday, February 22 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Join one of our environmental educators and take to the trails in search of animal signs! Investigate and track the animals that visit the Arboretum in the winter. Registration is required. 

Please click here to register.

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Oaks & Acorns - Mardi Gras
(for children ages 3-5 with an adult)
Wednesday, February 26 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

This week we are celebrating Mardi Gras! Registration is required.  

Please click here  to register.

Adult Programs
Philadelphia Flower Show 2020
Thursday, March 5
Bus departs RRA at 8:30 am and from Philadelphia at 3:00 pm

Inspired by the world's exotic Mediterranean gardens, the 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show invites you to fall in love with gardening all over again! Join us on this fun and relaxing bus trip!

As you enter the Show, groves of Citrus trees provide a lush dramatic promenade to the sunshine drenched landscape ahead. Breathe in fragrant waves of lavender inspired by the terraced gardens of Monaco. Drifts of purple and white spiked salvia, specimen succulents and, an intoxicating variety of scented geraniums, roses, rosemary and sage create a stunning mosaic that is at once picturesque and charming. Walk the esplanade of flowering arches. Become enraptured by the delightful dimension of Show gardens and dramatic accents that rise in soft meadows of horticultural perfection. Explore the allure and extraordinary plant palette of some of the world's captivating coastal regions.

Please click here  to register.

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A Practical Introduction to Growing Orchids
Thursday, March 12 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Jane Hansbury, owner of The Orchidist, will discuss orchids suitable for home cultivation, offer growing tips, and demonstrate potting and mounting methods. She will also have a selection of orchids for sale. Registration is required.

Please click here to register.

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Talk and Tour
Sunday, March 15 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm and
Wednesday, March 18 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Meet with Lead Horticulturist, Julieanne Frascinella, for the first in a series of seasonally informative 'talks and tours' in the garden.  See what's new, what's in bloom and be a part of the conversation.  This month we will be learning about some of the year's earliest blooms from winter aconite to witch-hazels. Registration is required.

Please click here for more information and to register.

Other News
Save the Date! Maple Sugaring Fest! 

Sunday, March 1 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm



Please click here for more information!

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Summer Camp 2020
 
Member registration begins February 10!
Non-Member registration begins March 1!
 
Please click here for a complete listing of all summer camps being offered this summer.

Questions?  Please contact Jackie Kondel, Director of Education, at j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org .

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We're Bringing Back
WINTER GROUND FORCE!
 
Weather permitting, join the Horticulture Department outdoors or in the greenhouse now through the end of March.  Tasks may include greenhouse maintenance (such as repotting, pot sanitation and propagation), clearing away storm damage, and snow removal.  Thursdays and Sundays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.  Registration is required in case of cancellations.  

Please click here for more information!

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A "Sweet"  Volunteer Opportunity!
 
We need volunteers for our Maple Sugaring Fest.   At this annual family festival, held on Sunday, March 1 (rain date March 8), visitors learn how syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. Volunteers are needed to help with the activities and refreshments at this popular family event. The festival is from 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm, so we are looking for volunteers to help us from 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm. We are happy to provide confirmation of service hours. To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Trish Cassin at  t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org .

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Read our  blog on

Winter - A Great Time to Volunteer!
 
Read our blogs by clicking here ...


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Reeves-Reed Arboretum

165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, New Jersey  07901

908-273-8787

 

reeves-reedarboretum.org  

  

Office Hours:     10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Grounds open:  9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily (November through March)

 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily (April through October)