Past Programs
New London Drone Orchestra Sunset Serenade
Saturday, April 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join the New London Drone Orchestra for a sunset improvisational sound serenade to spring in the Connecticut College Arboretum. Wear comfortable shoes, bring an extra layer for warmth and a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Also bring your voice or an acoustic instrument or other soundmaker (no musical experience required!) for participatory opportunities -- or just bring yourself to bask in the sights and sounds.
Enter at the Native Plant Collection at approximately 830 Williams Street and follow the Laurel Walk down to the Outdoor Theater.
Free, no registration required
Annual Wildflower Walk
Friday, May 6, 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Miles Schwartz Sax, Arboretum Director and Madison Holland, Horticulturalist
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. Bring a picnic lunch to eat by the pond and enjoy a 45-minute walk in the Wildflower Garden.
Enter at the Native Plant Collection at approximately 830 Williams Street and follow the Laurel Walk down to the Outdoor Theater.
Free, no registration required
Free Guided Tour: Native Plant Collection
Sunday, September 5, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Arboretum Docent
This plant collection primarily features trees and shrubs native to eastern North America. September is a wonderful time to see the Franklin tree in bloom, our conifers offering shade, and the meadows filled with colorful native perennials.
The tour will meet at the entrance to the Native Plant Collection which is located at approximately 830 Williams Street. Additional parking is available at 33 Gallows Lane. (Public access to the College through the main entrance on Mohegan Avenue is currently restricted.)
Free, registration required by Friday 9/3 at noon (email arbor@conncoll.edu)
Free Guided Tour: Caroline Black Garden Tour
Sunday, September 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Arboretum Docent
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.
The tour will meet at the entrance to the Caroline Black Garden which is located across the street from the main entrance at Connecticut College. Parking is available at 4 Winchester Road which is off of Route 32/Mohegan Avenue.
Free, registration required by Friday 9/10 at noon (email arbor@conncoll.edu)
International Coastal Cleanup
Saturday, September 18, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
The International Coastal Cleanup began more than 30 years ago, when communities rallied together with the common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering their coastline. The Arboretum is coordinating the New London cleanup at Ocean Beach Park and the Alewife Cove Tidal Creek. Please join us!
Meet at the Garden Gateway entrance to the Nature Trail at the western end of the Ocean Beach parking lot, 98 Neptune Avenue, New London.
Free, registration required by Friday 9/17 at noon (https://www.savethesound.org/
Fall Migration Walk
Saturday, September 25, 9 to 11 a.m.
With birds from further north moving through the state mixing with departing summer residents, fall in Connecticut is an exciting time to go birding. It is also one of the most difficult times to identify species, with so many juvenile birds and birds in non-breeding plumage. The Native Plant Collection and Bolleswood Natural Area of the Arboretum provides wetlands, deciduous and coniferous forests, and more, all of which attracts a diverse array of migrating songbirds. Join teacher-naturalist Joe Attwater from the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center as we look for migrating warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more!
Free for Arboretum members, $5 for non-members; registration required (www.ctaudubon.org/rtp-
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