About Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Where nature meets history

Reeves-Reed Arboretum engages, educates and enriches its visitors so that they become better stewards of nature and the environment. This mission is achieved through the care and utilization of an historic estate and gardens.

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.

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

Three Reeves-Reed gardens are maintained as closely as possible to their original appearance to retain their historic footprint.

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The Contemporary Gardens

From the bold plant combinations along the Welcome Walk to the more traditional Perennial Border, Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s many garden environments offer old and new.

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Horticultural Highlights

There’s always something in season at Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Here are 9 plants you won't want to miss during your visit.

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Freeman Medal Collection

Several of our plants have won the Montine McDaniel Freeman Horticulture Medal, the Garden Club of America's Plant of the Year award for native plants.

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The Woodland Trails

The Arboretum features almost 6 acres of woodland and nearly a mile of trails. Witness the tallest tulip poplar in Summit, as well as native shrubs and herbaceous plants.

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The Goats Are Coming!

The goats will return in October, so be sure to come for a visit and meet our friends from Green-Goats Farm in Rhinebeck, New York!

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Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

What a magical evening we shared at this year’s ART in the Garden! It was filled with art, music, the beauty of our gardens, and the warmth of our community coming together. To those who have already shown their support through attendance, sponsorship, donations, or volunteering—thank you. There is still time to make a gift to our most important fundraiser of the year! Every gift, no matter the size, plants seeds for our shared future.

Until next time,

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

Althea Llewellyn – Director of Education
Phone Extension: 1920
Email: a.llewellyn@reeves-reedarboretum.org

John Beirne – Curatorial Director of Horticulture & Facilities
Phone Extension: 1818
Email: j.beirne@reeves-reedarboretum.org

Lisa Lukas – Environmental Educator
Phone Extension: 1313
Email: l.lukas@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
Email: m.brown@reeves-reedarboretum.org

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

Kate Goldberg – Executive Assistant
Phone Extension: 1414
Email: k.goldberg@reeves-reedarboretum.org

Marilyn Wirtz – Office Manager
Phone Extension: 1010
Email: m.foehrenbach@reeves-reedarboretum.org

Michelle Hom – Environmental Educator
Phone Extension: 1313
Email: m.hom@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

Suzanne Bober

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

Development Director

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Development Director will plan and implement all development and communications initiatives to ensure that budgeted funding goals are met. This individual is a key member of the team and will work closely with the Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet RRA’s annual revenue goals.
Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to develop advancement strategies and goals.
In partnership with the Executive Director, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, foundations, and corporations for major, capital, and planned gift support.
Develop effective donor communications and case materials.
Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
In partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees cultivate and steward donor and sponsor relationships.
Work with the Executive Director and Development Committee to plan and execute new or expanded development opportunities, such as planned giving, memberships, etc.
Develop, oversee, and implement the annual appeal from concept to completion.
Oversee special events that engage donors and raise funds for the Arboretum.
Provide oversight, guidance, and support to other development/communications staff members, as appropriate.
Lead the development of sponsorship materials and generate leads for individual programs.
Draft sponsorship proposals, conduct meetings and pitch opportunities with prospective sponsors.
Together with the Arboretum staff, organize events to attract new donors and develop new campaigns to bring in more revenue to the organization.
Work to retain, renew, and upgrade current sponsorships.
Attend RRA events to build personalized relationships with current and prospective donors and sponsors.
Seek opportunities in the community to develop relationships and build RRA’s visibility.
Prepare monthly donor, attendee and membership reports and provide insights and analysis as needed.
Assist in other areas as needed or assigned.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Positive outlook, and strong interpersonal skills and experience in establishing and cultivating excellent relationships with colleagues, partners, donors, and trustees.
Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and presentation skills.
Well organized with the ability to take initiative, set priorities, problem solve, and to work independently with a keen attention to detail.
3-5 years of progressively advanced fundraising experience
Ability and willingness to participate in morning, evening, and/or weekend events as schedule may require.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher).
Familiarity with DonorPerfect, a plus.
Bachelor’s degree required.

COMPENSATION:

Competitive salary, health insurance, retirement plan

To apply, please e-mail resume and cover letter to j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org. No phone calls, please.

There are no full-time positions available at this time.

Rental and Events Coordinator

Reeves-Reed Arboretum is one of the largest green spaces and the only public garden in the City of Summit. It is a non-profit conservancy dedicated to preserving the 13.5-acre historic estate and gardens and to promoting environmental and horticultural education for children and adults. The Arboretum is listed on both the National and New Jersey Historic Registers.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Rental and Events Coordinator plays a key role in supporting the Arboretum’s mission by managing all external rentals of the Arboretum’s facilities along with organizing a variety of internal events. This part-time position requires excellent organizational skills, strong customer service, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. The Coordinator will serve as the main point of contact for clients, vendors, and internal staff regarding all event logistics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Rentals and Facility Use

• Serve as the primary contact for all facility rental inquiries, including weddings, corporate meetings, private events, and photo permits
• Coordinate rental bookings, contracts, and payment schedules
• Conduct site tours with prospective clients and maintain communication throughout the planning process
• Liaise with vendors and clients to ensure all set-up and event requirements are met
• Be on-site as needed to supervise event setup, breakdown, and execution

Arboretum Events

• Assist in the planning and execution of organizational events, fundraisers, and other special events including coordinating with contractors and vendors as necessary
• Coordinate with vendors interested in offering programs at the Arboretum including scheduling and serving as their point of contact for their event
• Develop event timelines and coordinate logistics, staffing, and vendor relationships
• Work collaboratively with the marketing team to promote events
• Act as a host and ambassador at events as needed (these may take place outside of normal work hours including evenings and weekends)
• Ensure a welcoming and well-organized experience for all attendees
• Assist in other areas as needed or assigned

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Positive outlook, and strong interpersonal skills and experience in establishing and cultivating excellent relationships with colleagues, partners, donors, and trustees.
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Well organized with the ability to take initiative, set priorities, problem solve, and to work independently with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to participate in morning, evening, and/or weekend events as schedule may require.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher).

Equal Opportunity Employer: Reeves-Reed Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

+To apply, please e-mail resume and cover letter to j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org. No phone calls, please.

There are no part-time positions available at this time.

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

Paid

Seasonal Gardener

Reeves-Reed Arboretum—a public arboretum and historic former estate located in Summit, New Jersey, 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 is a temporary, part-time position running from Mid-May through November.

Job Overview:

Duties include planting, mulching, watering, deadheading, cleanup, and routine maintenance of garden beds and other planted areas. As a team member of the Arboretum, interaction with visitors is an important component of the role. Candidates who are friendly, engaging, and able to answer questions from the public will be given special consideration.

Ideal candidates will have experience with ornamental plants commonly used in Northeastern gardens, be familiar with basic gardening techniques, and be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Apply now and add this prestigious arboretum experience to your resume!

Basic Requirements:

Interest in learning more about horticulture
Some prior gardening knowledge
Ability to perform heavy physical labor (lift up to 50 lbs.) in all weather conditions
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Comfortable working with volunteers and interacting with the public
Strong communication skills
Valid driver’s license
Must be 18 years or older

Advanced Requirements:

Knowledge of plant material and horticultural techniques
- Demonstrated by horticultural/environmental education or certification, or
- Current enrollment in related coursework
Ability to safely operate hand tools and power equipment (e.g., line trimmers, backpack blowers)

Duties and Responsibilities: