About Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Where nature meets history
Reeves-Reed Arboretum engages, educates, and enriches its visitors so they become better stewards of nature and the environment. This mission is achieved through the care and utilization of an historic estate and garden.
History
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Its estate and gardens represent design trends by prominent landscape architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Lenni Lenape Native Americans passed through the property on their route from the coastal areas near Elizabeth, NJ to Schooley’s Mountain, further inland. During the Revolutionary period, the area was adjacent to the Old Sow Revolutionary War Cannon and the Signal Beacon atop Beacon Hill.
Learn more about these early eras, as well as the Wisners, the founding family of “The Clearing” (as the Arboretum was originally called) and the Reeves and Reed families.
Prehistory
History: A Legacy of Landscape
Landscape Architecture
Horticulture
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is dedicated to preserving the past and imagining the future of American gardening. Our landscapes include natural woodlands, open vistas that owe much to 19th century visionaries like Andrew Downing and Frederick Law Olmsted (Olmsted’s partner Calvert Vaux actually produced the first design for the property), and more formal gardens that exemplify the Country Place movement of the early 20th century.
The Historic Gardens
The Contemporary Gardens
Horticultural Highlights
Freeman Medal Collection
The Woodland Trails
The Goats Are Coming!
Letter from the Director
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on all that we accomplished last year, and I am filled with gratitude for the generosity and support our Arboretum community has given us.
In the year to come, the Arboretum will continue to grow as a place of beauty, learning, and connection. We look forward to welcoming you back for new programs, fresh blooms, and meaningful moments in nature, along with the unveiling of A Path for All this spring! I can’t help but smile thinking about the lengthening days and the joy of being together again in the gardens. I hope you feel the same.
With gratitude,
Jackie Kondel, Executive Director
Our Staff
Jackie Kondel – Executive Director
Phone Extension: 1515
Email: j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Marilyn Kelly – Environmental Educator
Phone Extension: 1313
Email: m.kelly@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Flora Attardi – Financial Administrator
Phone Extension: 1212
Email: f.attardi@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Nicki James – Rental and Events Coordinator
Phone Extension: 1414
Email: n.james@reeves-reedarboretum.org
John Beirne – Curatorial Director of Horticulture & Facilities
Phone Extension: 1818
Email: j.beirne@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Althea Llewellyn – Director of Education
Phone Extension: 1920
Email: a.llewellyn@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Anita Bobba – Website and Database Administrator
Phone Extension: 1001
Email: a.bobba@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Daniel Phillips – Woodland Horticulturist
Phone Extension: 1818
Email: d.phillipsrra@gmail.com
Meg Brown – Assistant Horticulturist
Phone Extension: 1818
Donna Ricca – Environmental Educator
Phone Extension: 13137
Email: d.ricca@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Trish Cassin – Volunteer Coordinator
Phone Extension: 1616
Email: t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Doreen Schindler – Marketing and Social Media Manager
Phone Extension: 1717
Email: d.schindler@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Kim Cerf – Development Director
Phone Extension: 1921
Email: k.cerf@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Dave Snyder – Grants Writer
Phone Extension: 1616
Email: d.snyder@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Julieanne Frascinella – Deputy Director of Horticulture
Phone Extension: 1919
Email: j.frascinella@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Chris Tarashuk – Facilities
Phone Extension: 1818
Email: N/A
Jenny Gaus-Myers – Environmental Educator
Phone Extension: 1313
Email: j.gausmyers@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Marilyn Wirtz – Office Manager
Phone Extension: 1010
Email: m.wirtz@reeves-reedarboretum.org
Board of Trustees
Todd Lenart – President
Jennifer Cornforth
JR Parker
Lydia Schulz – Vice President
Mike Elsman
Tanya Peress
Scott Silver – Treasurer
Sonja Shaffer Gamgort
Stacie Powers
Christine Lam – Secretary
Laura Hughes
Tracy Reilly
Jackie Kondel – Executive Director
Grier Hynes
Geoff Richards
Thomas MacMillan
Kristin Shea
Lee Clay
Priti Mehta
Laura Wangerin
Owen Hunter Codey
Cara Natale
Trustee Emeriti
Mrs. J. Kent Blair
Mr. Scott Hayward
Mrs. Patty Olsen
Ms. Suzanne David
Mrs. John H. Huneke
Mrs. A.T. Quantz
Mr. Robert F. Ehinger
Mr. Robert Keller
Mr. Charles Reed, Jr.
Ms. Ann Thoke Espy
Mr. Pascal Lalonde
Mrs. Joseph Reed
Mr. Andrew Gottesman
Mrs. Robert A. Malin
Mr. George K. Ross
Ms. Victoria Perla Guagliardo
Mr. Cameron McClearn
Mr. Tom Ucko
Careers
Environmental Educator
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is seeking a full-time environmental educator to join our dynamic education team and assist in the planning and implementation of its children’s educational programs.
The Environmental Educator will:
- Develop and deliver a variety of hands-on outdoor environmental education programs for pre-schools, after school clubs, families, scouts and school groups.
- Help develop seasonally appropriate environmental programming for the public.
- Lead school field trips, scout groups and children’s birthday parties as needed.
- Assist with the day-to-day logistics of our summer camp as schedule allows.
- Create activities for our large seasonal family events.
- Collect, analyze, and report data for program evaluation.
- Provide general support to the organization as necessary and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Demonstrated experience in formal and/or informal teaching, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Must be a skilled and effective communicator (oral, written, and visual) and comfortable speaking in front of groups of all ages.
- Passion and experience working with pre-k and elementary age students.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently and with a team
- Must be willing to work weekends.
- We welcome candidates with specialized skills or areas of concentration to apply.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
To apply, please send cover letter, resume and two references to Althea Llewellyn, Director of Education, at a.llewellyn@reeves-reedarboretum.org. No calls please.
Application deadline: February 9, 2026
Target start date: March 1, 2026
There are no full-time positions available at this time.
FRONT GATE ATTENDANT
Front Gate Attendant – Paid
Dates: April 1 – April 15, 2026
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is excited to welcome visitors to Daffodil Days, our annual display of 50,000+ blooming daffodils. We are seeking friendly, detail-oriented Front Gate Attendants to serve as the first point of contact for guests during this special event.
Key Responsibilities:
Greet visitors warmly and provide a welcoming first impression
Collect admission fees and process payments (cash, credit, mobile) accurately
Provide receipts, visitor guides, event brochures, and maps
Answer basic questions about the Daffodil Bowl, bloom conditions, event activities, and Arboretum policies
Monitor guest numbers and assist with attendance tracking
Help with light setup and cleanup of the entry area as needed
Qualifications:
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Comfortable handling money and transactions
Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
Work Schedule & Conditions:
Seasonal, for the duration of Daffodil Days (April 1–15)
Two 4-hour shifts per day: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and/or 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (or full-day 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Flexible scheduling; must be available for at least 2–3 shifts
Shifts may be cancelled due to inclement weather
How to Apply:
Email Trish Cassin at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org or call 908-273-8787 x1616 to apply.
There are no part-time positions available at this time.
Junior Camp Counselor
Junior Camp Counselor – Unpaid
The Junior Counselor supports the Camp Teacher and Lead Counselor in all aspects of camp, including set up, camper arrival, crafts, games, hikes, dismissal and clean up. The Junior Counselor helps to ensure that campers are both engaged in activities and following camp procedures. The ideal candidate is personable, energetic, and dependable and has an appreciation of nature as well as experience working with children.
Basic Requirements:
•Be at least 14 years old
•Be available for at least 4 weeks of camp*
•Attend a short training session prior to first week of camp (dates tbd)
•Be available to work all 5 days of any camp session from 8:30am-1:30pm
How to Apply:
Complete the attached application and email Trish Cassin, Volunteer Coordinator, at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org.
Once we receive your application, you will be contacted by a member of our Education Team to arrange a brief phone, video or in-person interview.
NOTE: The application process is necessary for all those interested in a Junior Counselor position, even if applicant has been an RRA Junior Counselor in the past
*RRA Summer Camp begins June 9th and runs through August 22nd. (There are no camps the weeks of June 23rd and 30th.)
Seasonal Gardener
Seasonal Gardener – Paid (April–October)
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, a public arboretum and historic former estate with landscapes designed by Calvert Vaux, Ellen Biddle Shipman, and Carl Pilat, is seeking an experienced gardener to join our team for approximately 24 hours per week. This seasonal position runs from March through November.
Position Overview:
The gardener will assist with planting, mulching, watering, deadheading, cleanup, and routine maintenance of beds and other planted areas. Interacting with visitors is part of the role, so candidates who can represent the Arboretum in a friendly and engaging manner will be highly valued.
Basic Requirements:
Interest in horticulture and developing garden management skills
Functional gardening knowledge and experience with ornamental plants used in Northeast gardens
Ability to perform heavy physical labor (lifting up to 50 lbs.) in all weather conditions
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Experience working with volunteers and interacting with the public
Strong communication skills
Valid driver’s license
Must be 18 years or older
Preferred/Advanced Qualifications:
Knowledge of plant material and horticulture techniques
Horticultural or environmental education or certification (or current enrollment in related courses)
Ability to safely operate hand tools and power equipment, including line trimmers and backpack blowers
Duties & Responsibilities:
Watering new plantings and nursery stock
Planting seasonal bulbs, annuals, tropicals, and herbaceous/woody perennials
Maintaining display beds and supporting native ecosystem restoration
Invasive plant removal, weeding, edging, and mulching
Trail maintenance and rebuilding
Propagation and planting of historic tree specimens
Water feature maintenance
Serving as an ambassador for the Arboretum to the public
Other duties as assigned
Hours & Compensation:
Part-time, temporary position (April–October)
Approximately 24 hours/week; some weekends may be required
$16–$19 per hour
Apply:
Send your resume to j.beirne@reeves-reedarboretum.org.
Join us and gain prestigious experience at one of New Jersey’s historic arboretums!
Front Gate Attendant
Front Gate Attendant – Paid
Dates: April 1 – April 15, 2026
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is excited to welcome visitors to Daffodil Days, our annual display of 50,000+ blooming daffodils. We are seeking friendly, detail-oriented Front Gate Attendants to serve as the first point of contact for guests during this special event.
Key Responsibilities:
Greet visitors warmly and provide a welcoming first impression
Collect admission fees and process payments (cash, credit, mobile) accurately
Provide receipts, visitor guides, event brochures, and maps
Answer basic questions about the Daffodil Bowl, bloom conditions, event activities, and Arboretum policies
Monitor guest numbers and assist with attendance tracking
Help with light setup and cleanup of the entry area as needed
Qualifications:
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Comfortable handling money and transactions
Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
Work Schedule & Conditions:
Seasonal, for the duration of Daffodil Days (April 1–15)
Two 4-hour shifts per day: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and/or 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (or full-day 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Flexible scheduling; must be available for at least 2–3 shifts
Shifts may be cancelled due to inclement weather
How to Apply:
Email Trish Cassin at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org or call 908-273-8787 x1616 to apply.
There are no seasonal or internship positions available at this time.
Financial Reports
The 2024 Form 990 is available upon request.
Sponsors
Many thanks to our supporters!
