Historic Wisner House, August 2026

ROOTED IN WELLNESS RETREAT

Relax. Renew. Restore.

Friday, September 25, 10 am - 3 pm (Adults only)

Escape the everyday and reconnect with yourself during the Rooted in Wellness Retreat at Reeves-Reed Arboretum. This intimate experience is limited to just 50 attendees and includes three 1-hour restorative workshops, along with a delicious lunch enjoyed amidst the beauty of the Arboretum grounds. Spend the day immersed in nature, mindfulness, creativity, and community, leaving refreshed, inspired, and deeply rooted in wellness.

Attendees will be divided into 2 groups for smaller class size.

ROOTED IN WELLNESS FAIR

Discover. Connect. Thrive.

Saturday, September 26, 11 am - 3 pm (Adults + Teens)

Join us for a day of relaxation, inspiration, and connection. Browse a curated marketplace featuring local artisans, handcrafted wellness products, herbal teas, holistic practitioners, and healthy food vendors. Enjoy complimentary rotating classes throughout the day—including yoga, forest bathing, meditation, sound baths, herbal healing, and more—all while surrounded by the beauty of the gardens. Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and rooted in wellness!

GOOD FOOD * GOOD MUSIC * GOOD TIMES

Gather your family, friends, and neighbors for an unforgettable afternoon featuring live country music by Country Comfort, all-you-can-eat barbecue and beverages (brews, spiked refreshments and flavored seltzers), classic lawn games, and plenty of room to relax, dance, and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.

More than just a great day out, Boots & BBQ is an opportunity to support the Arboretum. As one of our annual fundraising events, every ticket purchased helps sustain our gardens, educational programs, and community events that welcome thousands of visitors each year.

Registration is recommended as attendance will be limited. You must be 21+ to attend.

Special thanks to Barth's Market and Peerless Beverage Co. for sponsoring this fundraiser!

Click on program titles for more information and to register.

Registration is required unless otherwise noted.

TOMORROW NIGHT! Come rock in the garden with SOUND BITE!

Sounds of a Summer Night Concert Series (all ages)

Grounds open at 6 pm to picnic. Music at 7 pm.

8/26 - Sound Bite + 9/2 - Ginger Winn (rescheduled from July 15)

Enjoy a beautiful night in the garden with live music under the stars!

Special thanks to Summit Elks Lodge 1246 for sponsoring this summer music series!

Floral Workshops with Polycarp Flowers

Thursday, September 3, 11 am-1 pm - Autumn Wreath

Tuesday, November 24, 11 am-1 pm - Autumn Arrangement

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll discover how to select, condition, and arrange flowers while being inspired by nature’s beauty. Learn seasonal bloom tips and creative arranging techniques in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Fall Migration Bird Walks

Saturdays, September 12 and 19, 8:30-9:30 am

Celebrate the arrival of fall migration with guided bird walks at Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Discover warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other migratory birds as they stop to forage along the Watchung Ridges. No experience is necessary, just bring a pair of binoculars!

Plein Air Painting Workshop

Saturday, September 12, 11 am-1 pm

Capture the beauty of the Arboretum in this plein air painting workshop led by artist Eric Alexander Santoli of the new PBS series Let's Paint!. Work directly from the landscape as late summer transitions into fall. All skill levels are welcome! Limited registration; there are a few spots left!

Forest Bathing

Sundays, Sept 13, Oct 11, Nov 8, 9:30 am-12 pm

Tuesday, Sept 22, 5-7:30 pm (Autumn Equinox)

Monday, Dec 21, 1-3:30 pm (Winter Solstice)

Reduce stress, improve well-being, and foster a sense of calm on these meditative walks led by certified nature and forest therapy guide, Rich Collins.

The Secret Tea Room

Enjoy each season with an enchanting tea experience in historic Wisner House. Please note, after a short summer break, the tea room will return in September. Fall tickets are now available!

Cream Tea: Sept 16, 17; Oct 21, 22; Nov 6, 11, 12; Dec 2, 3, 16, 17

Afternoon Tea: Sept 19, 20; Oct 24, 25; Nov 14, 15, 22; Dec 19*, 20

*Family Holiday Tea

Goat Yoga (adults + teens)

Saturday, September 19, 10-11 am

Start your weekend off right with some fun loveable goats - perfect companions for morning yoga in the garden. Spending time in nature and interacting with friendly animals helps reduce blood pressure, stress, and anxiety!

SAVE THE DATE! Gardening with Perennials

Thursday, September 24, 10 am

Discover what's blooming in our stunning perennial border on this guided garden walk. Learn about succession gardening, design principles for continuous color, and the maintenance practices that keep the garden thriving—all while gathering inspiration for your own landscape. Registration coming soon.

NEW! Botanical Block Printing

Friday, October 2, 10-11:30 am

Drawing inspiration from the plants, flowers, and foliage throughout the Arboretum, participants will learn block-printing techniques and create their own nature-inspired designs. Leave with a collection of handmade prints and the confidence to continue exploring this creative art form at home. No experience necessary.

NEW! Autumn Leaves and Keystone Trees

Saturday, October 3, 10:30-11:30 am

Discover the beauty of autumn while learning to identify native trees and shrubs by their leaves, buds, bark, and fruit. Explore how these keystone species support local wildlife and form the foundation of our ecosystem.

Watercolor Florals + Greetings Workshop

Friday, October 9, 10-11:30 am

Build a strong foundation in watercolor painting through essential brushwork and color-mixing techniques. Perfect for complete beginners, this class provides hands-on practice painting botanical, fruit, and floral motifs. Includes your own curated Winsor & Newton paint kit with brushes, palette, paper, and post-workshop support. Hosted by Dear Daughters Design.

Free Saturday Garden Tours

Please note: There will be NO tours on August 29.

Most Saturdays, Now through October 17, at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm

Learn more about the current season’s highlights on these free 30-45 minute garden tours. No registration required. Meet at the Visitors Center.

CELEBRATE FALL FESTIVAL! (all ages)

Sunday, October 18, 11 am-3 pm

Member and Non-member registration are open.

Wander through our Spooky Trail if you dare, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of our garden as it transforms into an autumn paradise. Let the kids enjoy fun games, crafts, and more. And of course, meet our adorable visiting goats and shop our curated fall market for some delicious seasonal treats! Special thanks to the Lees Group, Sotheby's International Realty for sponsoring Celebrate Fall!

NEW! Beginner Modern Calligraphy

Friday, October 23, 10-11:30 am

Introducing the Elegant Basics of Modern Calligraphy, where you’ll explore a new skill in a relaxed and enjoyable class. Grounded in traditional ink and nib techniques, you’ll learn how to use an oblique pen and develop a strong foundation in pointed pen calligraphy.

FALL PROGRAMS

Join us for a fabulous season of fall nature fun!

Oaks + Acorns (ages 3-5 w/adult)

Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am

*Select dates also offer a 4-5 pm session.

Sept 9*, 16, 23*, 30; Oct 7*, 14, 21*, 28; Nov 4*, 11

Wonder, respect, and love for the natural world will get a great start in these engaging weekly classes. Take nature hikes, read stories, and create a one-of-a-kind project every week.

Homeschool Adventures (ages 5-12)

Fridays, 10-11:30 am; Sept 11, 18; Nov 20

Explore the amazing world of plants and animals at the Arboretum! Each session brings new hands-on adventures, nature discoveries, and creative activities designed to inspire curiosity and a love of the outdoors.

Amazing Animal Artists (ages 5-10)

Wednesdays, 4-5 pm; Sept 16, 30; Oct 14, 28; Nov 11

Become a wildlife detective in this fun art and nature program! Participants will uncover a mystery wild animal through games and clues, explore it with photos, artifacts, and hands-on activities, then learn how to draw it using simple lines and shapes. Everyone will leave with a masterpiece to proudly take home.

Campfire Friends (families w/children ages 5+)

Thursdays, 7-8 pm; Sept 17, Oct 22

If you love camp songs, s'mores, and making new friends, this family-friendly evening is for you! Join our Environmental Educators for a guided nighttime hike as we explore the Arboretum using our senses and discover fun facts about the moon, nocturnal creatures, and more through storytelling.

Little Wonders (ages 0-3 w/adult) - SOLD OUT

Mondays, 10-11 am; Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 26; Nov 2, 9,16

Féminin Pluriel is a solo exhibition by Québec-based artist Pascale Bouchard. Her richly layered encaustic paintings draw inspiration from flowers and natural forms, exploring themes of transformation and memory in a way that feels both personal and universal. The work brings fresh, contemporary energy to the Arboretum, creating a natural connection between art and the landscape.

A live demonstration of Bouchard's encaustic technique utilizing pigmented beeswax and heat will be scheduled for the Arboretum this fall. All works in this exhibition, including a curated selection of artist-designed garments and accessories (including skirts, scarves, ponchos, bow ties, pocket squares, earrings, makeup pouches, aprons, and placemats) are available for purchase with 30% generously benefitting the Arboretum.

This exhibition is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-4 pm through Saturday, October 31, (unless closed for a private event). Check our website for updated gallery hours.

Wild Impressions: Foxes by Wendy Klemperer

On view through Oct. 31

This garden installation features a series of six fox silhouettes, serving as a tribute to the native wildlife that calls our region home. Created by Brooklyn-based artist, Wendy Klemperer, these sculptures utilize plasma-cut reclaimed steel and masterful craftsmanship to bring the natural world vividly to life.

Registration is required for all volunteer opportunities. Click on the titles below for more information and to register. Questions? Email Trish Cassin here.

CORPORATE VOLUNTEER DAYS

Book your team's volunteer day in our gardens, trails, and woodlands! Contact Trish here for details.

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS

Assist our educators with programs including Let's Get Growing, Amazing Animal Artists, Kids Can Cook, and more.

WEEKLY VOLUNTEER SESSIONS

Ground Force (ages 14+, 12-13 w/ an adult)

Thursdays & Saturdays, 10 am-12 pm

Join our staff outdoors to maintain and enhance the beauty of our grounds.



Woodland Restoration (ages 14+, 12-13 w/an adult)

Fridays, 10 am-12 pm

Help restore existing trails, plant native trees, remove invasives, and more.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE ALERT

August 24 - September 4

The Arboretum will be closed to the public for an exciting improvement! We will be installing a new accessible pedestrian entry gate, making entering the Arboretum easier and more welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities. This project further advances our commitment to accessibility and helps ensure everyone can enjoy our gardens and grounds.

PLEASE NOTE: Our summer concerts on 8/26 and 9/2, and our wreath making workshop on 9/3 will still be taking place. Please utilize street parking and follow the entry instruction signs.

Thank you for your patience during this time. We look forward to welcoming you back on Saturday, September 5.

CALLING HEALTHY FOOD VENDORS!

We're putting the finishing touches on our Rooted in Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 26, 11 am-3 pm, and are looking for a few more food vendors to join us! We're especially interested in vendors offering gluten-free, vegan, organic, or foods made with natural ingredients. Interested? Contact Nicki James here for vendor information.

LEGACY GIVING

Does the Arboretum hold a special place in your heart? If so, consider making a legacy gift to sustain our mission and ensure Reeves-Reed Arboretum is here for all to enjoy for generations to come. Learn more here. Questions? Contact Kim at k.cerf@reeves-reedarboretum.org.

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BECOME A MEMBER!

Members attend our Sounds of a Summer Night concert series and Celebrate Fall Festival for FREE and enjoy exclusive perks like early registration, discounts on education programs, summer camps (family level and up), special events, free admission to community festivals, and a 10% discount on plant material at several local garden centers and florists. Join today and enjoy more of the Arboretum all year long!

AND don't forget to take your RRA membership on the road this summer if you are traveling! Members enjoy reciprocal admission benefits at 400 gardens nationwide! Check the list here.

Follow us on Social Media!

@reevesreedarboretum

Reeves-Reed Arboretum programs and events in 2025 were made possible, in part, by support from:

Grants / E.J. Grassmann Trust; Investors Foundation; Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation; NJ Historic Trust; The Summit Foundation; Summit Garden Club; Union County Board of County Commissioners, a division of the Department of State, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks & Community Renewal; Union Foundation; Citizens Foundation; ADP, Union County Means Green; The Christopher + Dana Reeve Foundation; Fred C. Rummel Foundation; Wallerstein Foundation; Hyde and Watson Foundation

Corporate/Business Sponsors / Bartlett Tree Experts; Barth’s Market; Bassett Associates; Beacon Hill Club; Cambridge Wines; Compass Realty/The Price Group; Country Club Services; Creative Digital Solutions; David Ellis Events; Elisse Glennon Consulting; The Farm at Green Village; Fisk Foto; Fountainhead Advisors; Fusion Staffing Partners; Infantini Landscaping; James M. Wood, CPA; Java’s Compost; KPMG LLP; Landmark Hospitality; Lees Group/Prominent Properties; Lois Schneider Realtor; Lorenz Fine Photography; Mega Business Systems; Mix and Mahjong Association of Summit; Natale's Bakery; Nexgen Sources; The Oldendorp Group; Peapack Gladstone Wealth Management; Peerless Beverage Co.; PwC; Shoprite; The Secret Tea Room; Summit Elks Lodge 1246; Zita’s Homemade Ice Cream