What’s New?
Visiting the Arboretum
Face Masks Required in Arboretum
The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens may be visited from dawn until dusk. Arboretum visitors must follow University COVID-19 safety requirements, including mask-wearing and physical distancing of at least 6′ from others. In compliance with University directives to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, most activities and events, including rentals, are currently suspended.
Reminder: On weekdays only from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. you need to display a Penn State parking permit or one of our free parking passes if parking in our lot. You can get a free pass on the door caddy of the office in the Overlook Pavilion.
Arboretum Named A “Great Place in Pennsylvania” in 2020
Music in the Gardens Long View Cody Goddard
The Arboretum at Penn State was recently honored as one of three “Great Places in Pennsylvania for 2020” by the American Planning Association. The nomination was made by the College Township Planning Commission because the Arboretum is “truly a great place that perfectly blends science and aesthetics.” Our thanks to all who help to support and maintain our great public space.
We Hope You Enjoy Our “Garden Wonderings” Videos!
Garden Wonderings is an informal educational video series that we have put together during the COVID-19 pandemic to entertain and inform the public during these unusual times. You can access the playlist of all Arboretum educational videos at https://tinyurl.com/yywegr7f.
Autumn Photo Contest Winners Announced!
1st Place Autumn 2020 Kelly Johnson
Congratulations to the winners of our Autumn Photo Contest:
Meanwhile, the Winter 2021 Photo Contest has begun! You may submit a photo taken during a previous winter in the Arboretum (one entry per person, please). Submissions will be accepted via email, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter until February 28. Be sure to read the contest rules:
2021 Arboretum Horticulture Internships Available
Consider applying for an internship in horticultural and grounds management practices at the Arboretum! Internships are full-time from May 10 – August 13, 2021. Application must be made electronically via the Penn State Careers website at hr.psu.edu/careers.
2021 Arboretum OPP Summer Internships
Exploring Outdoors with Children – Free Webinar!
Exploring Nature with Children
Are you interested in creating more meaningful nature-based engagement opportunities for your children?
On Thursday, January 21 from 7-8 P.M. join naturalist Jim Flanagan for Exploring Outdoors with Children, a presentation and discussion about generating impactful nature-based experiences for youth. For more information and to register, please click here: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVNGeklzUTiEPaZ
Holiday Lights and Winter Displays
We will begin removing the lights, evergreens, and other decorations on Monday, January 18.
New Pollinator and Bird Garden to be Completed in the Spring!
Pond with Stone Terrace and Boardwalk
Working with a large team of Penn State-based and outside experts, including Penn State’s Center for Pollinator Research, we have designed a garden that encourages ecological diversity by incorporating habitats such as a pond, wetlands, woodland, and dry meadow. To attract all of our region’s insect pollinator species and the broadest range of resident and migratory birds, the new garden will showcase over 390 unique plant species and varieties—most of which are native to Pennsylvania or the greater Appalachian region. Check back in the months ahead for updates!
Arboretum Newsletters
2020 Autumn Arboretum Newsletter
2020 Fall Arboretum Volunteer Update
Pictured at the top of the page is the top of the “tree of light” holiday display on the base of the main fountain.
