REEVES-REED ARBORETUM

Programs: Horticulturereeves-reed arboretum is a 13. 5 acre estate. It was selected to be put on the national register of historic places in 1993 and on the nj register of historic places in 1993 as well. Today the estate is a suburban arboretum. The main house (wisner house) was constructed in 1889. It was designed by the architectural firm of babb cook and willard and is an example of the colonial revival style house. This style house is representative of the architecture that was predominant in the northeast during this period. The formal gardens are representative of the 1920s era of landscape architecture. A formal rose garden, azalea and rhododendron, perennial borders and rock gardens comprise the formal areas. Some of the areas are handicap accessible. Beyond the formal gardens, many educational garden areas have been developed to teach the public about plants that are used horticulturally, as well as native species that have been reintroduced into the garden. The collections are appropriately identified and signage is utilized to educate the public. There is a 672 square foot greenhouse that houses collections of orchids and cacti and succulents as well as olive, coffee, banana and orange trees. It is also used as a classroom. For 10 months of the year the glacial bowl to the south of the main house is a certified native wildlife habitat that has been planted to attract song birds, bees and butterflies. There are 2 active beehives. Wildflowers and ferns have been planted to demonstrate the sustainability of native landscaping. We manage 6 acres of native hardwood forest as an educational tool to teach the many school age children who come to the arboretum.

educationeducational programs are offered for children and adults including:hands to nature, a field trip program for newark elementary age students;natured-themed birthday parties; a series of nature programs for families;a series of summer camp options including: elephant tree nature camp for ages 4-9; theatre and fine arts camps with a focus on nature and the natural world (ages 4 to 18); a hiking camp to explore some of nj's most spectacular trails, for ages 13 to 16; and the river project camp for ages 10 to 12, focusing on the watersheds, passaic river, etc. Rose gardening workshops. Container gardening workshops. Designing the four season garden. Photography - learn how to photograph flowers and gardens. Interprative signage has been installed that describes the history of the property and its significance from a landscape design.

public relationsthe arboretum grounds are open all year round, dawn to dusk, for public enjoyment and study without an admission charge.