Spring 2024

Spring has sprung and we offer a little bit of something for everyone!

Each month we offer a variety of programs to inspire, teach and engage. All Connecticut College Arboretum programs are open to the public and many of our programs are free or available at a discounted rate with membership. Connecticut College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy community. Some programs require registration to confirm your spot. Email arbor@conncoll.edu if you need assistance.

 

Spring Bird Walk

Wednesday, April 17, 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Bring binoculars if you have them! Meet at the Arboretum entrance located at approximately 830 Williams Street. Public parking is available on Williams Street.

FREE, No registration required 

Birders, beginning and experienced, are invited to join Skyler Kardell '25 on a morning walk in search of our avian friends. The Arboretum has provided important habitat for birds since its founding. Learn how to use field marks, habitat and behavior as aids to identify year-round residents and spring migrating birds.   

 

Orchids for Beginners

Thursday, April 18, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Meet in New London Hall, botany lab 112

$20 / $10 Members (Arboretum); Advance registration required 

Growing orchids in your home can be easy and rewarding with their long-lasting flowers. Participants will learn about several types of orchids that make good houseplants, their light and water requirements, and how to get them to re-bloom. Tour the Connecticut College greenhouse orchid collection, and take part in a repotting demo. Registrants are invited bring in their own plants to learn how to repot or diagnose plant problems.

Full Moon Walk

Tuesday, April 23, 8:00 - 9:00 PM
Bring a flashlight and your favorite person to watch the moon with! Meet at the Arboretum entrance located at approximately 830 Williams Street. Public parking is available on Williams Street.

FREE, No registration required 

Experience the Arboretum in a new light, under the full moon with Arboretum director Maggie Redfern. This tour will explore the Campus and Native Plant Collections. Stargaze as you take in the sights and sounds.
 

Annual Wildflower Walk

Friday, May 3, 12:15-1:00 PM
Meet at Arboretum entrance which is located at approximately 830 Williams Street.

FREE, No registration required 

On a slope just south of the Laurel Walk lies the Edgerton and Stengel Wildflower Garden, containing over 75 species of wildflowers. Some of the flowers you can expect to see include: Jack-in-the-pulpit, Virginia Blue Bells, Wild Geranium, Solomon’s Seal and Trillium. Enjoy a 45-minute walk through the Wildflower Garden and learn about our ephemeral treasures.

 

Free Guided Tour: Native Plant Collection

Sunday, May 5, 10:00-11:30 AM
Meet at Arboretum entrance which is located at approximately 830 Williams Street.

FREE, No registration required 

This plant collection primarily features trees and shrubs native to eastern North America. May is a great time to see our early azaleas in bloom, wildflowers and the beginnings of spring color.

 

Free Guided Tour: Caroline Black Garden

Sunday, May 12, 10:00-11:30 AM
Meet at the entrance to the Caroline Black Garden located across the street from the Connecticut College main entrance on Route 32/Mohegan Avenue. Parking is available at 4 Winchester Road. To access, take the road to the College Athletic Center, take an immediate right onto Winchester Road then another right at the first driveway, which leads to the Vinal Cottage parking lot.

FREE, No registration required 

Also known as the secret garden of Connecticut College, this four-acre garden features native and exotic ornamental trees and shrubs arranged in a series of garden rooms and a Japanese inspired water feature.

SAVE THE DATE!

Music in the Meadow 2024 Save the Date

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS  

Visit us on facebook @ConnecticutCollegeArboretum to stay up to date on our programs and events. To receive advance notice of programs you can sign up to get our monthly email newsletter on the Arboretum home page. You don't have to be a member to receive notifications but we would appreciate your support of becoming a member if you are not one already.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER.