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 and for current Connecticut College students. Some programs require registration to confirm your spot. Email arbor@conncoll.edu if you need assistance.

Connecticut College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy community. 

 

FEATURED PROGRAM:

 

Basket Making Workshop

Saturday, January 10

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

COST: $40 -or- $30 for members

Basket making is an important tradition in the heritage of Indigenous people. In this workshop, Manuel Lizarralde, Professor of Botany and Anthropology, will lead participants in making a basket of traditional design using rattan reeds.
 
Space is limited, register early.
 

THIS WORKSHOP IS CURRENTLY FULL. CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITLIST


 

 

Owl Prowl

Thursday, January 22

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10 -or- FREE for members of the Connecticut College Arboretum and/or CT Audubon Society

When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up!

Registration required. Space is limited.
 
Registration is handled through the Connecticut Audubon Society. By clicking the registration link below, you will be directed to their registration site: 
 
REGISTER HERE

Owl Prowl

Thursday, February 5

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10 -or- FREE for members of the Connecticut College Arboretum and/or CT Audubon Society

When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up!

Registration required. Space is limited.
 
Registration is handled through the Connecticut Audubon Society. By clicking the registration link below, you will be directed to their registration site: 
 
REGISTER HERE

 

Tap Into Maple Sugar Production

Saturday, February 21

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

COST: $20 -or- $10 for members of the Connecticut College Arboretum

Enjoy time outdoors making one of nature’s sweet treats. Maple syrup starts to run in late winter when temperatures climb above freezing during the day and drop back below freezing at night. Participants will learn how to identify different species of maple trees, install a spile and safely produce syrup with Jim Luce, Retired Supervisor of Grounds.
 
Meet in the Olin Science Center lounge. 
 
It is recommended that participants dress in layers as portions of this program will take place outdoors.
 
NOTE: In the case of inclement weather, this program will be held the following Saturday, February 28 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
 

REGISTER HERE

 

 

FREE Guided Tours

Tours start at 10 a.m. on the first and second Sunday of each month from May thru October.

Our free guided tours are open to the public and pre-registration is not required. 

Native Plant Collection (1st Sunday of the month)

Tours of the Native Plant Collection meet at the entrance gate to the Native Plant Collection located on Williams Street across from the Williams Street entrance to the Connecticut College main campus.

Upcoming tour dates: NO MORE TOUR DATES FOR 2025... TOURS WILL RESUME IN MAY OF 2026

Caroline Black Garden (2nd Sunday of the month)

Tours of the Caroline Black Garden meet at the entrance to the Caroline Black Garden located on behind the Vinal Cottage across Mohegan Avenue from the main entrance to the Connecticut College campus. Access to the parking area behind Vinal Cottage is located at 4 Winchester Avenue.

Upcoming tour dates: NO MORE TOUR DATES FOR 2025... TOURS WILL RESUME IN MAY OF 2026

Campus Tree Collection (3rd Sunday of the month)

Learn about the incredible variety of native and landscape specimen trees planted throughout the main campus of Connecticut College. Tours of the Campus Tree Collection meet at the New London Hall Greenhouse (by the blue sculpture).

Upcoming tour dates: NO MORE TOUR DATES FOR 2025... TOURS WILL RESUME IN MAY OF 2026

 

 

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.