In this issue...

Coyote Activity

Lady Beetles

Upcoming Events

Recent Coyote Activity


Coyotes live in the park. They are one of our native species and it's not uncommon to see them. Recently, coyotes have been remarkably active around the Arboretum parking lot. Make sure you know what to do when you encounter a coyote or recreate in an area where coyotes are present:


• Scare coyotes away with loud noise, clapping, etc.

• Supervise small children when outside

• Do not leave food or water bowls outside or feed wildlife

• Keep dogs leashed


Contact us if you encounter unusual behavior in the park. Thanks for helping us keep wildlife and park-goers safe.

Upcoming Nature Tours


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

A Slimy Valentine Family Tour

Saturday, February 14th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM


My slimy Valentine, or something like that?! Together we will look for amphibian eggs, poke oozy fungi, or search for slugs! Geared for youth and their chaperones.



February Bird Tour

Sunday, February 15th 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM


Join Mieko Aoki and Julia Siporin for another monthly bird outing intended for people with all levels of birding experience. We’ll use vocalizations, habitat, and behavior clues for identification of our year-round and winter residents.


Winter Twig Tour

Saturday, February 21st 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM


It's all too easy to spend the winter in anticipation of the spring, but you don’t have to wait until the leaves are out to appreciate the deciduous plants of Mount Pisgah. Join Sarah Erskine for a tour of the winter twigs of the Arboretum and learn how to identify plants before their leaves emerge.

Upcoming 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. 


All work parties meet at the bottom of the parking lot near the shop (just past the bright orange trailer). 


No need to sign up in advance this week while we update our system.

Plateau Work Party

Saturday, February 7th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM


Join us for annual maintenance on the Upper Plateau Trail which includes resurfacing, brushing out, tread work, and clearing ditches.


Water Garden Trail Resurfacing Work Party

Sunday, January 18th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM


Help us improve our trails! We will be laying down fine gravel on your Water Garden trails.

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.


Insect Insights: Lady Beetles


"There honestly aren’t very many social insects: those that spend their lives in hives, such as bumblebees, or nests, in the case of ants. But there are a few otherwise solitary insects that gather together to help each other get through the colder months. This convergence of Convergent Lady Beetles was on a blackberry plant off of Mount Pisgah’s Meadow trail recently..."


Read more about lady beetles in our latest blog post by Karen Richards.

Become a Festival Sponsor!


Do you own a small business? Sponsor our Wildflower and Mushroom festivals in 2026! Festivals are great exposure for your small business.


Not a business owner? Ask your employer.


Contact development@mountpisgaharboretum.org for more information.

White Oak Pavilion, Booking 2027!


Getting married, hosting a party, or looking for a retreat space in 2026 or 2027? Dates are filling up fast to book our White Oak Pavilion, so reach out now to reserve your spot in this unforgettable venue.


To book or learn more, please email 

events@mountpisgaharboretum.org

In-Kind Wishlist


Straw Bales

We reuse straw bales year after year for our festival seating and many of our trusty bales have worn out. Contact us if you have spare straw bales and we can let you know where to drop them off. If you anticipate having extra straw bales in the future, please let us know.


Espresso Machine

Help our team stay energized with your gently used espresso machine... no, really.

The mission of Mount Pisgah Arboretum is to engage people with nature through interactive learning and stewardship.

Become a member today!