Fall 2023

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.

First Sunday Guided Tour: Native Plant Collection

Sunday, October 1, 10:00 AM
FREE, Open to the Public

The tour will meet at the entrance to the Native Plant Collection at 830 Williams Street. Parking is available on Williams Street.

The Native Plant Collection primarily features trees and shrubs native to eastern North America and the tour is sure to inspire gardeners of all levels. August is a great time to come and see the plumleaf azalea, summersweet, and watch the native perennial meadows start to bloom to attract pollinators, and much more!

Free Guided Tours of the Native Plant Collection are offered first Sundays though October, starting at 10 a.m.

Second Sunday Guided Tour: Caroline Black Garden

Sunday, October 8, 10:00 AM
FREE, Open to the Public

The tour will meet at the entrance to the Caroline Black Garden located across the street from the main entrance of Connecticut College on Route 32/Mohegan Avenue. Parking is available at 4 Winchester Road and can be accessed by taking the road to the College Athletic Center and an immediate right onto Winchester Road. Then take a right at the first driveway, which leads to the Vinal Cottage parking lot.

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.

Free Guided Tours of the Caroline Black Garden are offered second Sundays though October, starting at 10 a.m.

Painting in the Landscape

Wednesday, October 11, 4-6:00 PM
$25 (members $20); registration required

Use Williams Street entrance to the Native Plant Collection, meet at Buck Lodge.

Capture the beauty of the Arboretum with plein-air painting. This outdoor workshop begins with an introductory lesson about the tools and techniques of the American Impressionist painters. Students then paint a landscape using authentic artist’s materials (acrylic paints, palette, brushes, canvas board, and smock) down by the Arboretum Pond. Each participant will leave with a completed landscape painting. For artists of all levels and students of all ages. All supplies included.

Please plan to arrive at the main entrance of the Arboretum a few ten minutes before class start time. See the attached map for the walking route to Buck Lodge.

REGISTER

Mamacoke: Rocks and Riverbirds

Saturday, October 14, 2-4:00 PM
$10 (members free); registration required

Meet and park at the east end of Benham Avenue (Waterford) just before the railroad tracks. There are several parking spaces in a gravel lot at approximately 44 Benham Ave, Waterford.

Designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, Mamacoke Island and the surrounding bodies of water, are home to a diverse array of bird species. Located on the Thames River, this natural area within the Connecticut College Arboretum also offers a stunning geological experience, as cliffs rise dramatically from the center of the island, and numerous geological features can be seen throughout. Join CT Audubon’s Joe Attwater as we explore the unique history of this important bird habitat, and search for birds on the river.