Table of Contents
- "Dear Friends" Letter
- Updates on Maintenance & Projects
- New Supporter Levels
- How Do Plants Survive the Winter?
- February Art Exhibition
- 19th Annual Frances Litten Botanical Lecture & Reception
- Upcoming Adult Programs
- Upcoming Family & Kids Programs
- Giving Day on February 27th!
- April Wildflower Walks
- Spring Celebration Plant Sale
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ― John Steinbeck
Dear Friends of the Arboretum,
As winter slowly loosens its cold, snug grip on us, it's important to appreciate what winter makes us thankful for: warmer days, greener pastures, and the buzzing and hums of wildlife. But rather than viewing this season as a stepping stone to the next, perhaps it should be viewed as the time for introspection, recuperation, and planning. With each season we implore you to reflect, but what makes winter so unique is the sense that life has come to a halt (especially after a heavy snowfall). In those still moments, we can truly take stock of the year behind us and form new hopes and goals for the year ahead.
A new year presents new opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Last year, we set our focus on the Great Garden Giveback, a fundraising campaign to support the installation of new garden beds like the Black Squirrel Stumpery and the Native Shade Garden. In 2025, the Arboretum staff strives to learn from and lean into our triumphs of the year prior to fortify and diversify our programs. From our traditional offerings like Brown Bag Lunch Lectures to newer programs geared towards citizen science initiatives, we hope to encourage more meaningful connections between the community and the natural world within this space.
Our endeavors would not be successful without the support of our donors, volunteers, and visitors who make up the community of supporters who have served as the backbone of the Arboretum for the past 36 years. Though every year brings about a new focus and goals, recognizing and showing gratitude towards our supporters has always been a priority. This year is no different. In fact, we hope to grow this community substantially by offering more membership options and benefits in addition to our diverse programming. With your continued support, we can and will succeed in our efforts to inspire outdoor engagement at the Arboretum.
— Arboretum Staff
Updates on Maintenance & Projects
In 2024, our incredible landscaping team, led by Megan Bell and Owen Hartwig, executed the installation of three new project areas and over 3,300 plants!
- The Black Squirrel Stumpery: A matrix of predominately native ferns with a splash of woodland perennials such as coral bells, skull cap, and native bleeding heart.
- The Native Shade Garden: The first garden bed entirely composed of native plant species.
- The Hillside Wildflower Garden: Seeded rather than planted, the goal of this area is to reduce turf grass & increase the productivity of our soils and thus the ecosystem.
This year, our team is aiming higher!
In addition to a targeted attack on the Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), our landscape managers have their sights set on the following projects in 2025:
- Additions to the Black Squirrel Stumpery: A matrix of plants will be installed in the area between the Stumpery and a residential neighborhood that borders the Arboretum.
- Transform the annual bed: Across from the Pond, a collection of perennials and shrubs with dark characteristics (foliage or flowers) will be installed in the bed that has been historically used for annuals. This will require less maintenance once established, reduce the need for mulch, and improve drainage during flood events.
- A Meadowscape in the Sinclair Garden: The hillside near the Sinclair Garden will be seeded and planted with native shrubs, grasses, and herbaceous perennials to help combat erosion and improve stormwater drainage.
Cultivation with Air Pruning Tables
Inspired by the work of Cornelius Deppe and Johnathan McRay at the Silver Run Forest Farm, our landscape managers are experimenting with cultivation using an air pruning table.
In nature, when roots are exposed to open air (in the absence of high humidity), they dry up and die. The death of the root tip triggers the new growth of more fibrous, lateral roots. Air pruning is when this natural process is harnessed to cultivate plants.
Benefits of air pruning:
- Stronger root systems
- Less transplant shock
- Faster growth after transplant
- Prevents root bound plants
- Less susceptible to root rot and disease
This year is full of potential and with the support of our donors, volunteers, staff, and visitors, we strive to achieve the goals set forth in both our landscaping and educational endeavors!
We are introducing NEW supporter levels!
In 2025, we have raised our donation threshold for membership from $35 to $50 or more per-year to become a Member of the Arboretum. As a token of our appreciation, if you become a member this year, you will receive a coupon to claim a FREE quart-sized perennial plant during our seasonal plant sale!
New Levels + Better Benefits:
- Supporter of the Arboretum ($15-49/year)
- Student Member of the Arboretum ($30/year)
- Friend of the Arboretum ($50-249/year)
- Patron of the Arboretum ($250-999/year)
- Lifetime Member of the Arboretum (one-time donation of $1,000)
How Do Plants Survive the Winter?
As we reach for our warmest coats and pairs of mittens this chilly time of year, it's only natural to be concerned for our more vulnerable plants. But no need to fear—indigenous perennial plants, which have natural defense mechanisms against extreme temperatures, are just as prepared as we are to take on the frigid breeze.
Many perennial plants slow their metabolism during the winter, shifting them into a state known as dormancy. Much like a squirrel might collect acorns in the fall to prepare for hibernation, plants too use stored energy from the summer to nourish themselves during the winter. What's more, plants create a sort of antifreeze by storing unused sugar in their cells, to prevent those cells from completely freezing over.
But these plants don't have to take on the freezing temperatures alone—snowfall is a vital source for protecting plants throughout the winter season. A blanket of snow can insulate plants in the soil, retaining moisture in the soil and preventing it from freezing. This protection can prevent root damage. Under a deep layer of snow, plants are also safeguarded from strong gusts of wind.
Protecting sensitive plants
As perennial plants have natural defense mechanisms to withstand winter, there is no need to take measures to protect them. However, this is not the case for recently planted or potted perennials, tropical plants, and food crops. Some key protective measures include:
- Moving Plants Indoors: If plants are transportable, consider moving them to a warmer location, such as a garage or porch.
- Using Coverings: Lay a tarp, blanket, or other covering over immovable plants to protect them during freezing nights.
- Investing in Hoop Tunnels: Structures such as hoop tunnels and cold frames keeps heat in the soil, preventing plants from frost damage.
As winter comes to a close, perennials will come out of dormancy and—if you've protected them—your other more sensitive plants will be ready to bask in the sunshine once again!
Learn more about protecting your plants at https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-protect-plants-frost-and-freeze.
February Art Exhibition
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Presents
Mary Hairston
Mary Hairston is a local Rockingham County artist and has lived in the area for 18 years. She is a small business owner, blogger, and mother of three busy children. She works from her home studio just outside Harrisonburg with her three cats and guinea pig. Although she grew up all over the world as a Navy kid, she loves calling the Valley home. She has owned her art business, Marydean Draws, since 2015. She started her business to pass on the encouragement she finds in nature, her faith, and her friends.
Mary's art exhibit can be found in the Frances Plecker Education Center through February.
Open Monday through Friday from 8 am - 4pm
You're Invited!
19th Annual Frances Litten Botanical Lecture
Invasive Plants, Biodiversity Loss, and Climate: Restoring Our Natural World One Vine at a Time
Lauren Taylor, Executive Director of Blue Ridge PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management)
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 7-8 PM
Festival Conference Center Ballroom
What do western wildfires, plant blindness, and mass extinctions have in common? The complex — and controversial — world of invasive plants. Over 30,000 plant species have been introduced into North America since 1492, and unfortunately some do not play nicely with others. In this talk we'll explore the impacts of invasive plants on wildflowers, pollinators, birds, and forests; and the difference you can make right in your own garden.
Registration not required, but helps us plan accordingly.
Meet Your Speaker
Lauren Taylor is the executive director of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), Virginia’s first Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA). Covering 12 counties and 3.6 million acres, Blue Ridge PRISM provides education, outreach, and training for land stewards, community groups, students, HOAs, and volunteers across the Commonwealth.
Lauren’s journey with invasive plants began a decade ago as a volunteer with Conservación Patagónica helping build the new Patagonia National Park, one of the largest grasslands restoration projects in the world. In the United States, her experience with invasive plants includes extensive volunteering with removal on both public and private lands.
Lauren is also the founder and owner of Beloved Brook Natives, a local ecotype native plant micro-nursery in Greene County, Virginia, where she lives with her two English Shepherd rescues.
Members' Reception
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 5:45-7:00 PM
Members Free / $15 for Non-members
Come mingle with other supporters of the Arboretum, get a chance to chat with Lauren Taylor before the lecture, and enjoy a delicious selection of hors d'oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. The first twenty (20) members to arrive will receive one (1) drink ticket to redeem at the bar. Thereafter, wine and beer will be available for purchase at our cash bar.
Arboretum Members are allowed to bring along a guest. Non-members are asked to make an individual donation of $15 or more before February 18th.
Cash or check donations will be accepted at the Frances Plecker Education Center, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Registration required. Limited to 80 guests.
ADULT EVENTS
Click here to jump down to Kids & Family Events
Tai Chi
Select Saturdays, February - March | 8-9 am | $15 per session
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Tai chi, or Taijiquan, is an ancient Chinese martial art originally created for combat and self-defense. Tai chi has since evolved into a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Join Grayson Pritchard of Blue Heron Healing Arts as he guides you through the flowing motions and breath work of tai chi.
Master Gardeners Talk Series: Winter Seed Sowing
Saturday, February 8th | 1:00-2:00 PM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Set your garden up for success this year with helpful tips and resources from the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners. Join us at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for a series of talks through the seasons!
Sound Bathing
Select Tuesdays, February - June | 5:30-7:00pm | $25 per session
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Using gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, voice, drums, shakers, and chimes, Connie Magee will take you on a sound journey that will relax and de-stress you and bring your whole being back into a state of harmony on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Connie Magee is a multi-modality massage therapist, medicine woman, Yoga Instructor, and meditation teacher.
Baguazhang
Select Tuesdays & Thursdays, February - March | 5:30-7 PM | $15 per session
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Baguazhang is an 18th century Chinese martial art inspired by a form of Taoist meditative circle walking. This form of internal martial arts is characterized by constant circular movements and change, and the ability to fight while being on the move. A relative of Taijiquan (Tai chi) and Xingyiquan, Baguazhang is considered the most circular and spiraling system of Chinese martial arts (kungfu).
Birding 101 with the Rockingham Bird Club
Saturday, February 15th | 10:30-11:30 AM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join Mike Donaldson of the Rockingham Bird Club for a brief overview of local birds and how to find them, and then go out into the Arboretum to do some scouting for the bird count! This is an adult orientated program, but any interested kids are more than welcome to join in on the fun! There's a family & kids birding program at 11:45 also, see Family & Kids Events listings below.
Kokedama Ball Workshop
Sunday, March 2nd | 1:00-2:00 PM | $35/adult + $10/kid
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Learn the art of creating unique Japanese moss ball planters! All materials will be provided. Don't miss this opportunity to get creative and make your own stunning kokedama to take home!
Bonsai Club
Tuesday, March 4th | 6:00-8:00 PM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Have you always wanted to explore bonsai as a hobby or are just curious about the art? Join presenters Clark Driver and Simon Jilg at the Frances Plecker Education Center for a short lecture, bonsai displays, and door prizes!
Master Gardeners' Talk Series: Notable Native Trees
Saturday, March 8th | 2:00-3:00 PM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Learn all about notable native trees with the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners!
Nature's Narratives Book Club
Choose the time that works for you: Wednesday, March 19th at 4:30 PM or Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 PM
Meets at Frances Plecker Education Center
First Book: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Join our friends from the Rockingham County Landfill for a quarterly, relaxed book club for environment lovers. Each session we'll explore riveting, mostly nonfiction books about nature, the environment, wildlife, and sustainability. We will have engaging discussions where you can share ideas, discover new perspectives, and connect with other eco-minded readers. Whether you have finished the book, just started it, or are just curious about the topic, all are welcome. Future dates/times will be negotiated by group members.
Spring Cleaning: Scrub Smarter, Not Harder
Saturday, March 29th | 1-2 PM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Sustainable Solutions for the Home Series: Join our friends from the Rockingham County Landfill for a series of programs to show us how to reduce our waste and discover eco-friendlier options for our homes.
Learn new ways to keep harmful chemicals out of landfills! The event will feature an engaging presentation on ecofriendly cleaning alternatives, followed by a hands-on workshop where participants will create and take home their own nature cleaner to make a home shine naturally, and a reusable wax wrap. Help protect the planet while discovering sustainable solutions for your home.
A Beginner's Guide to Growing, Harvesting & Processing Your Own Medicinal Herbs
Saturdays, April 12th, April 26th, and May 10th | 10:00-11:15 AM
Non-Members: $20 per class / $50 for all 3 classes
Arboretum Members: $15 per class / $40 for all classes
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join Bioregional Herbalist, Jen Tullo of The Blackberry Herbarium for an in-depth 3-part series: A Beginner's Guide to Growing, Harvesting and Processing Herbs for Food & Medicine!
Class 1 | April 12th: Plan and Grow a small, perennial herb garden that is low maintenance and high yielding. Participants will take home garden bed design, tips and tricks, and a list of local growers from which to source herbs. All are invited to start their home gardens during the series!
Discovery Walk: Herpetology Day!
Saturday, April 12th | 12 PM (Kids & Families) & 1 PM (Adults) | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join us for an informative walk and survey of the Arboretum's reptiles and amphibians with Master Naturalist Chris Asquith!
Master Gardeners' Talk Series: Landscaping with Native Plants
Saturday, April 12th | 2:00-3:00 PM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join us at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for an informative talk on landscaping with native plants! Get helpful tips and resources on native plants from the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners.
Family & Kids Programs
Birding for Kids!
Saturday, February 15th | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
If you watch birds, you never have to be bored. They're everywhere! Learn to identify birds by shape, size, and color, and practice your spotting skills with our binoculars. We will use recycled materials to make a bird feeder to take home, and see what Arboretum birds are out and about. You'll have what you need to keep your eyes open everywhere you go for your new nature friends.
STEM Day: From Soil to Sky
Saturday, February 22nd | 10 AM - 3 PM | FREE
Valley Mall in Harrisonburg
Organized by Harrisonburg City Public Schools, come down to the Valley Mall to enjoy our indoor birding activity and engage with over 40 other STEM exhibits for kids of all ages!
No registration required!
From Waste to Wonder Family Programs
From Waster to Wonder is a series of family oriented programs lead by our friends from the Rockingham County Landfill!
Join us at the Arboretum for a series of fun and engaging programs with stories, crafts, and hands-on activities designed for preschool and early elementary age students and their families.
From Waste to Wonder: Environmental Heroes
Tuesday, February 18th | 11-11:45 AM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Introducing environmental heroes who work to protect the planet. One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul will be one of the books highlighted. We'll have some hands-on activities and a craft with an Eco Hero badge.
Neighborhood Forest: Free Tree Giveaway!
Registration OPEN until March 15th | FREE
Tree pickup will be in the Frances Plecker Education Center during the week of Earth Day (April 22nd)!
EJCA is partnering up with Neighborhood Forest again this year to get free trees into the hand of kids in the Shenandoah Valley! Sign up before March 15th to get a free native tree to plant at home and watch grow along with your child.
Herpetology Program for Families
Saturday, April 12th | 12-1 PM | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join us for an informative walk and survey of the Arboretum's reptiles and amphibians with Master Naturalist Chris Asquith!
Giving Day is just around the corner!
Show your appreciation with a gift on JMU's Annual Giving Day on Thursday, February 27! Your gift, small or large, will help us continue serving our community as a reliable source of enjoyment and learning.