THE YEAR OF THE TREE – 2010 Reeves-Reed Arboretum

But those trees? Those trees! Those Truffula Trees! All my life I’d been searching for trees such as these. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss 

With a new emphasis on environmental stewardship Reeves-Reed Arboretum has designated 2010 as the Year of the Tree. This seemed a natural choice and a way to bring all our programs…environmental, horticultural, cultural, and historical together with a clear focus. In describing Reeves-Reed Arboretum to the Summit Common Council, Board President Vickie Guagliardo said “this was Summit’s first green organization.” Our new strategic directions challenge the Arboretum with developing the next generation of our planets stewards by using our historic site to teach practical ways of protecting the environment. Celebrating the Year of the Tree is a wonderful way to connect the Arboretum’s future with our past. 

Throughout the 2010 Reeves-Reed Arboretum we will launch new programs while we maintain and preserve our historical landscaped gardens. We will preserve and protect our landmark trees, AND plant saplings. Just as we show the interconnected aspects of our natural environment, we will weave together the best of our past with a new vision for the future in all of our programs. 

We will still offer the best in gardening and horticultural classes but with the added benefit of helping you select plants and fertilizers that will make your gardens shine and our environment healthier. There will be exhibitions of botanical painting and photography alongside contemporary environmental art. A new podcast will let the trees talk to children teaching history, geology, and environmental science. 

“Catch!” calls the once-ler. He lets something fall. “It’s a Truffula Seed. It’s the last one of all…Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air. Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack. Then the Lorax and all of his friends may come back.”

If you haven’t visited the Arboretum recently, it’s time to come back, to celebrate the Year of the Tree, and maybe even plant a few seeds for a healthier planet. 

Gayle Petty-Johnson, Executive Director