Annual Appeal

Dear Friends,

On a recent walk through the Arboretum, I met a woman who shared that she was facing some health challenges. She told me that before each doctor’s visit, she makes a point to stop at the Arboretum because it eases her stress, clears her mind, and helps her prepare for what lies ahead. As we spoke, we could hear the joyful squeals of a toddler who was watching a rabbit hopping through the gardens. The woman looked at me and said how grateful she was for this sanctuary, and how witnessing the child’s happiness lifted her spirits.

The Arboretum is more than a garden; it is a living classroom, a sanctuary, and a gathering place where nature and community meet. Thanks to your generosity, it continues to touch the lives of all who visit.

Your generosity is already making a difference. This year, our education programs reached over 4,500 children and adults, sparking curiosity about the natural world and fostering deep appreciation for environmental conservation. Many of our urban students do not have access to green spaces. As they explore the gardens and woodlands you often hear them saying, “This is the best day of my life,” and “I wish I could live here, it is so beautiful!” These programs are life-changing experiences that broaden horizons, build confidence, and plant seeds of possibility in young minds.

But we need your help to continue this vital work. Since the Arboretum receives no financial support from the City of Summit, every bloom, every program, every path maintained is made possible only with the support of people like you. With rising costs for educational materials, garden maintenance, and program expansion, we must raise additional funds to maintain our current level of service and to reach even more children who need these transformative experiences.

When you support Reeves-Reed Arboretum, you are investing far more than gardens and programs. Your donation creates lasting impact by:

Nurturing Environmental Stewards: Every child who participates in our programs becomes an ambassador for environmental conservation, taking their knowledge home to families and communities. By prioritizing access for underserved communities, we are ensuring that environmental education is available to all who are interested.

Strengthening Communities: Our public gardens provide a gathering place that brings people together across cultural and economic divides. Whether through art exhibits, summer concerts, or wellness events, the Arboretum provides respite and connection for all.

Advancing Sustainability: By protecting trees and wildlife, using eco-friendly gardening methods, and teaching children and adults how to care for the environment, we model a greener way of living, inspiring the community to carry these practices into their own lives.

Every donation, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference. Whether you are a longtime supporter or discovering our mission for the first time, your contribution helps us cultivate not just gardens, but hope, curiosity, and environmental consciousness in the hearts of people both young and old.

Will you help us plant seeds for the future? With your tax-deductible gift, we can continue to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and provide peace and connection to everyone who visits. Together, we are growing a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for all.