The Connecticut College Arboretum’s plentiful autumn programs include tours, hikes, classes and workshops, with special appeal for homeowners, artists, gardeners, crafters and moon-gazers.
All programs are open to the public, and many are free, or available at a discounted rate with a membership to the Arboretum. All programs are free for Connecticut College students. For membership information or to register for a program, please visit the Arboretum website at www.conncoll.edu/the-arboretum/programs-and-activities/ or call the Arboretum office, 860-439-5020.
Free Guided Tours every Saturday at 10 a.m. through Oct. 31, 2015
Meet at the blue sculpture located near New London Hall on the campus of Connecticut College.
All About Autumn Color Tour - Free
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Meet at the blue sculpture near New London Hall
New England is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the annual color show that happens before our deciduous forests drop their leaves for winter. Arboretum Director Glenn Dreyer will lead the group across the campus and through the Native Plant Collection, reviewing the processes that lead to the brilliant reds, yellows, oranges and purples, pointing out some of the best, most reliable species for adding fall color to one’s garden.
Drawing and Painting with Walnut Ink
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6 to 9 p.m. with artist Kathy Rubado
Meet in New London Hall, Botany Lab, room 112.
$20 members, $30 general public
A unique brown ink can be made from the husks of black walnuts. This workshop, for artists of all skill levels, begins with an explanation of the ink-making process and a painting demonstration.
Collecting Seeds for Propagation
Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to noon
Meet in New London Hall, Botany Lab, room 112
$15 members, $25 general public
There’s nothing more satisfying to a gardener than growing plants from seed. From wildflowers and perennials to trees and shrubs, success can be achieved if one understands what and when to collect to make it happen. Following a lecture and demonstration by Maggie Redfern, Arboretum assistant director, participants will collect seeds from the Arboretum grounds.
Mamacoke Mysteries Revealed
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Meet and park at the east end of Bentham Avenue (Waterford) just before the railroad tracks.
Free for members, $10 general public
Beverly Chomiak, senior lecturer in geology and environmental studies, will lead this two-hour hike, uncovering Mamacoke Island’s long and complex history. Participants will climb the island, from sand flats to rock-strewn summit, and learn the origins of many of its remarkable features. This will be a rugged walk; participants should dress in long pants and wear appropriate shoes.
Full Moon Walk - Free
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7 to 8 p.m.
Meet at Arboretum entrance on Williams Street
Maggie Redfern, Arboretum assistant director, leads a night tour that will explore the Native Plant Collection and Arboretum pond in a new light — under the full moon. Stargaze and take in the sights and sounds. Bring family, a favorite person to watch the moon with, and a flashlight.
Other Arboretum programs coming in November and December:
Learn to Homebrew Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to noon
Free for members, $10 general public
Beto Zuniga, Senior Computer Tech and Homebrewer
Private residence in New London; location will be given to registrants.
Kill Your Lawn: SALT* Seminar for Homeowners
*Smaller American Lawns Today
Saturday, Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Connecticut College, Blaustein Humanities Center
Registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch and two breaks.
Members $45 before Oct 23, $55 after; General Public $60 before Oct 23, $70 after
Co-Sponsored by: Connecticut Master Gardener Association and The Connecticut Mountain Laurel Chapter of Wild Ones
See full program description and speaker topics.
Holiday Ornament Workshop - Free
Thursday, Dec. 3, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Meet in the Olin Science Center Lounge
Share the joy of the holiday season with a hands-on workshop led by Arboretum volunteer Caroline Driscoll that's great for the whole family. Each participant is invited to create a unique holiday ornament out of materials found in our natural environment. Drop-in anytime between 4:30-6 p.m
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to noon
Leigh Knuttel, Arboretum Horticulturalist and Mary Villa, Arboretum Curator
Meet at 33 Gallows Lane.
$30 members; $40 general public
This festive Arboretum event takes place every year during the holiday season. After a brief demonstration, participants will begin practicing the craft of wreath-making. Each participant will go home with an extraordinary wreath for holiday decorating. Bring hand pruners and any other embellishments you wish to incorporate. Everything else will be provided.