Dear friends of the Arboretum,
Fall is nearly upon us! As autumn creeps in, we are eager to see the foliage change, greet students as they pass through the arboretum, and offer a myriad of exciting programs for all ages. If you have visited the Arboretum this summer you have noticed that we have completed another series of projects: the Pond Restoration by Mast Landscaping, a new Welcome Sign at the R5 parking lot entrance, and most recently, a beautiful new art exhibition in the Frances Plecker Education Center. We are excited to welcome the community to our annual Fall Plant and Bulb Sale, celebrate our 15th Annual Harvest Fest, and continue our community and campus partnerships. We look forward to seeing you soon; whether you are taking a leisurely stroll, taking part in an educational field trip, or attending a program or special event. May our forest be your sanctuary.
Todd Martin, PR and Marketing Specialist
Thank you, Donors!
Each fall we have the wonderful opportunity to take a look back on the last fiscal year (July 2022 - June 2023) and recognize all of our donor contributions, big and small. We appreciate each gift, which keeps the Arboretum's mission moving forward: to be a public garden that preserves native plants species, provides opportunities for research, and promotes knowledge of the botanical and natural world for people of all ages.
$50,000 & Up
The Estate of Dr. Ronald Carrier
$5,000 & Up
Friends of Pi Beta Chi | Dr. Deanna Bowman | Anonymous | Ms. Adriana Scafetta
$1,000 & Up
Mr. Charles Wymer & Mrs. Diane Wymer | Dr. Oliver Hyman | Mr. Van Temple | Ms. Gail Napora & Mr. Nicholas Napora | Anonymous | Mr. Roland Berg & Mrs. Elizabeth Berg | Ms. Martha Clymer | Mrs. Laura Dansby & Mr. H. Bishop Dansby | David Family Foundation | Middle Atlantic Chapter American Rhododendron Society
$300 & Up
Mr. Douglas Hulvey | Mrs. Towana Moore & Mr. Mack Moore III | Mrs. Teru Gilbert & Mr. Charles Gilbert | Mrs. Frances Helvin & Mr. Stephen Helvin | Maj. Stephen Scranton | Ms. Lynn Whitmore | Ms. Sarah Domingus & Mr. Jeff Domingus | Ms. Barbara Lewis | Ms. Kathy Thompson & Mr. Tommy Thompson | Ms. Barbara Shifflett & Mr. David Conley | Mrs. Lillie Wauford & Mr. Mark Wauford
$100 & Up
Ms. Pam Brock & Mr. J. Chrisman Brock | Mr. Patrick Brennan & Mrs. Kimmera Brennan | Mrs. Susan Brown & Mr. Michael Brown | Mrs. Susan Deputy & Dr. Glenn Deputy | Mr. Thomas Mack & Mrs. Lesley Mack | Mr. M. Clay Moritz Jr. & Ms. Diane Moritz | Mr. Philip Stokes | Mr. Vincent Ventimiglia Jr. | Mr. Mac Hart | Mr. David Forrer & Mrs. Patricia Neese | Dr. Roger Hall | Mrs. Avra Kaslow-Leigh & Mr. Kevin Leigh | Ms. Launie Lambert | Mr. Peter Salmon & Ms. Jane Salmon | Ms. Julia Stutzman Coronado & Mr. Carlos Coronado | The Blackberry Herbarium LLC | Ms. Debby Boyle | Ms. Jeanne Hammer | Dr. Barbara Kreutzer & Dr. David Kreutzer | Dr. Sandra McDonald | Ms. Anne Murphy | Mr. Stephen Roethe | Ms. Milla Wisecarver | Ms. Ginna Bauhan & Mr. Hobart Bauhan | Ms. Rebecca Dickinson | Ms. Sandra Dutemple | Mrs. Julie Frattarola & Dr. John Frattarola | Ms. Kathleen Green | Mrs. Sally Hietanen & Mr. Paul Hietanen | Mrs. Joanne Hutton & Mr. Timothy Hutton | Mrs. Sherry Leffel & Mr. Eugene Leffel Jr. | Mr. Wayne Olson | Mrs. Maria Paulus & Mr. John Paulus | Mr. Thomas Rogowski & Mrs. Sherry Rogowski | Mrs. Sandra Rose & Mr. A. Lawrence Rose | Mrs. Pamela Sanders & Mr. Greg Sanders | Mrs. Carol Shura & Mr. Walter Shura | Mrs. Elisabeth Swanbery & Mr. Adam Swanbery | Ms. Janet Trettner | Mr. Wayne Wenger | Mrs. Denise Whitman
$50 & Up
Ms. Ellen Motley & Mr. Michael Motley | Lisle Family Trust | Ms. Beverly Stickles & Mr. Edward Wright | Mr. John Daly & Mrs. Vicky Strickland | Mr. Rich Keffert & Ms. Terri Keffert | Mr. Ronald Arehart & Mrs. Catherine Arehart | Mr. Lawrence Bowers Jr. | Mr. Thomas Bowles & Mrs. Patricia Bowles | Mr. David Evans | Mr. Dale Gasque | Ms. Lois Johnson | Mr. Richard Strauss & Mrs. Lucille Strauss | Mr. Richard Walter | Bridgewater Village Residents Association | Mr. Edwin Bumbaugh & Ms. Jane Cox | Mrs. Stacie Calder & Mr. John Calder | Mrs. Karen Craun & Mr. William Craun Jr. | Mr. Michael Flaherty Jr. | Mrs. Peggy Fridley & Mr. William Fridley | Dr. Robert Geary Jr. & Mrs. Anna Rose Geary | Ms. Rosemary Grace | Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson & Mr. James Jackson | Mrs. Claire Kluskens & Dr. Michael Kluskens | Mrs. Glenda Kohlhafer-Regan & Mr. Harvey Regan | Mr. Stephen Long & Mrs. Jennifer Long | Ms. Linda Matkins & Mr. Michael Reynard | Mrs. Mary May | Ms. Elizabeth McCue & Mr. John McCue | Mrs. Linda McDonald & Mr. Andrew McDonald | Ms. Karen Milne | Ms. Lynn Moseley | Mrs. Anne Nielsen | Dr. John Rader & Mrs. Mary Rader | Mr. Bruce Stambaugh & Ms. Neva Stambaugh | Mrs. Carolyn Swaney & Mr. Dennis Swaney | Ms. Patricia Swecker & Dr. Arnold Kahn | Mr. Taylor Troxell & Mrs. Kelly Troxell | Mr. Lloyd Willis & Mrs. Margaret Willis | Mr. Robert Wood & Ms. Cheryl Wood | Mrs. Linda Wymer & Mr. John Wymer
Under $50
Dr. Dudley Bonsal | Mr. Phil Kniss | Ms. Lynn Masinick | Ms. Elaine Smith | Ms. Ilse Ackerman | Ms. Shari Arehart & Mr. Jay Arehart | Mr. Paul Argyros & Ms. Lynn Argyros | Ms. Eleanor Baker | Ms. Brenda Sipe Barb | Ms. Donna Bedwell & Mr. Michael Bedwell | Ms. Kathy Belcher | Ms. Linda Bell | Ms. Pamela Beverage | Ms. Alison Bodkin | Mrs. Frances Boninti | Ms. Lois Born & Mr. Mark Born | Ms. Miriam Bradley | Mr. Mark Briehl & Mrs. Pam Briehl | Ms. Lee Brown | Ms. Holly Buchanan | Ms. Beth Cayer & Mr. Jon Cayer | Ms. Jocelyn Chan | Ms. Susan Helene Clark & Ms. Marilyn Clark | Ms. Elizabeth Clay | Mrs. Linda Combs & Mr. Randy Combs | Ms. Katherine Cottam | Mr. Willard Daniels | Mr. Jon Trevor Elliott | Dr. Chiara Elmi | Ms. Roberta Farrell | Mr. Michael Fortson | Ms. Jan Fox | Ms. Cathy Gardner | Ms. Diana Garrera | Ms. Amy Goswick & Mr. Glen Goswick | Ms. Carissa Gredler | Ms. Karen Gross | Mrs. Tanya Hammar & Mr. Thomas Hammar | Ms. Adrienne Hooker & Mr. Dave Wang | Ms. Liesl Hostetter & Mr. Loren Hostetter | Ms. Cynthia Jenkins | Ms. Anna Maria Johnson & Mr. Steven Johnson | Mr. E. (Larry) Kaufman & Mrs. Rebecca Kaufman | Ms. Theresa King & Dr. Lamont King | Ms. Joanne Koterwas | Mr. Erik Leer | Ms. Ann Leith | Dr. Kendra Letchworth-Weaver | Ms. Anne Lindell | Robin Lyttle | Ms. Bonnie McConkey | Ms. Danielle McIntyre & Mr. Nicholas Furness | Mr. Eric Miller & Mrs. Jennifer Miller | Ms. Cynthia Neilsdttr | Mr. David O'Boyle & Ms. Sandy O'Boyle | Mrs. Anastasia O'Shea & Mr. Michael O'Shea | Mr. William Parker & Mrs. Margaret Parker | Dr. Elizabeth Pass | Mr. Wayne Patt & Mrs. Barbara Patt | Mr. Matthew Phillippi & Mrs. Erin Phillippi | Ms. Sharon Poff | Mrs. Cheryl Polen & Mr. William Polen Jr. | Ms. Gail Price | Ms. Sarah Pritchard | Mrs. Emily Robinson & Dr. John Robinson | Ms. Meagan Seal | Mr. Pongracz Sennyey, Mrs. Catherine Sennyey & Ms. Julia Sennyey | Mr. Matthew Sibley & Ms. Elizabeth Chenevey | Ms. Natalie Smith Mrs. Pamela Sponaugle | Mr. Philip Stetson & Mrs. Arlene Stetson | Ms. Nancy Stikes | Ms. Carolyn Stutzman & Mr. Richard Stutzman | Ms. Christy Tabor | Mr. Stephen Talley & Mrs. Emily Smith-Talley | Ms. Keala Timko & Mr. David Timko | Mr. Phil Troska | Mrs. Mary Beth Warner & Mr. Kevin Warner | Ms. Cynthia Westley | Dr. Jennifer Willey & Mr. Scott Willey | Ms. Laura Yordy & Mr. Eric Thies | Ms. Sophia Zukrowski | Mrs. Kathleen Fovargue & Mr. Arthur Fovargue | Ms. Kristi McDonnell | Ms. Donna Wampler | Mr. Christopher Ackley & Ms. Kelly Ackley | Mrs. Edith Bentley & Mr. George Bentley | Ms. Jennifer Dehoff | Gloth Scouts of Piscataway, NJ | Mrs. Donna Howell & Mr. David Howell | Ms. Barbara Panigot & Mr. Joseph Panigot | Mrs. Karen Richardson & Mr. Jonathan Richardson | Ms. Allison Smith | Ms. Ramona Stahl & Mr. David Corwardin | Mr. Eric Nickel & Mrs. Jaclyn Nickel | Ms. Jan Sievers Mahon | Dr. Lori De Hertogh | Ms. Holly Haney & Dr. Bob Kolvoord | Ms. Cathy Thomas & Mr. Jay Thomas
A Slideshow of Summer Programming and Projects
Open by clicking the first picture and scroll through with the directional arrows on the side
Fall Wine and Cheese Recap Video
Fall Plant and Bulb Sale
Do you enjoy discounts and the opportunity to shop early at our Annual Plant Sales?
Consider becoming a Member of the Arboretum!
Other benefits with your EJC Arboretum Membership:
- Reciprocal Admissions Program. A current EJCA membership card entitles you to special admission privileges and discounts at 300 gardens throughout North America and the Cayman Islands. These include nine public gardens in Virginia alone, among them: the Norfolk Botanical Garden; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Maymont, both in Richmond; Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria; and Glen Burnie Gardens at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester. For a complete garden list, visit: American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admission Program
- Subscription to Better Homes & Gardens or Martha Stewart Living (Offered by APGA, American Public Gardens Association). Free one-year, print magazine.
- Supporting the educational programming and upkeep of your favorite urban forest!
September-October Exhibition
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Welcomes
JanetLee Wright and Mia Ackerson
JanetLee Wright's Exhibit
Mia Ackerson's Prints
To view and or purchase works by JanetLee and Mia, please visit the Frances Plecker Education Center from Monday thru Friday from 8am to 4pm.
Kind Words
"We love the StoryWalk and Little Free Library" - Marty, Ben and Theodore
"My first walk here, so beautiful"- Whitney
"Beautiful walkable gardens and nature trails in a small town." - Darrin
"A true gem in the Shenandoah Valley. Make sure you visit here at this free spot whenever you come. They always have awesome plants, and it is never too crowded. You get to see some pretty wild plants and they have some nice and easy walking paths to see everything." -Mark
"Beautiful place to visit even if you don't want to buy anything. Peaceful place to visit. A great place for flower and garden lovers"- Diana
An absolutely beautiful garden. Great place for a picnic. The facilities are clean. And the whole place is well kept. - Thomas
Outstanding! Lovely paths to meander amongst beautiful trees and flora.- Tina
General Events
Soundscapes of the Night
Friday, September 22nd | 7:15pm | Free
Join us for a night walk in the woods to view the local bats of the Arboretum. We'll use specialized equipment to eavesdrop on their ultrasonic songs as we meander. This program is made possible thru a partnership with Bat Conservation & Rescue of Virginia and Headwaters Master Naturalists. To learn more about bats, their habitat, and what we as a community can do to save our bats, please register below to join us for this special program. Meet at the Pavilion parking lot.
The Blackberry Herbarium Home Apothecary Series Presents
Sage and Friends | Food as Medicine
Saturday, September 23rd | 10:00 am-2:30 pm
Discover the powerful medicine of common culinary herbs- like sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano- and how to grow, harvest and dose these herbs in foods to naturally maximize their benefits to overall wellness. Join us for a morning plant walk and identification here at the Arboretum, journal, discuss plant medicine, and take home printed materials and herbal preparation of the day.
Harrisonburg Songtuary
Saturdays, September 23rd and October 21st at 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Harrisonburg Songtuary is a community song circle that seeks to propagate co-enchanting cohorts of contemplayful singers, sponsored by the Arts Council of the Valley and the Office of Creative Propulsion. We appreciate when you let us know you’re coming, and we hope the web RSVP is convenient for you as well! Songtuary takes place at the EJC Pavilion.
Soundbathing with Connie Magee
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023| 5:30pm
Location: Ernst Tree Terrace
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.
Bring a yoga mat or chair, blanket, jacket and hat. This program will be held on the Ernst Tree Terrace
Registration fee: $25
Remarkable Trees Field Trip Virgin Spruce Forest
Gaudineer Knob and Scenic Area-Monongahela National Forest
Saturday, October 7th, 2023 | 8:00 am-5:30 pm | $35 per person
Travel by van to a National Natural Landmark in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest, Gaudineer Knob and Gaudineer Scenic Area. This magical 140 tract of red spruce and mixed hardwood forest contains 50 acres of virgin red spruce and virgin and second growth yellow birch, beech, sugar maple and other hardwoods including 250-300 yr. old trees. Meet at Frances Plecker Education Center
Hunters of the Night- A Look at Virginia's Owls
November 3rd | 6PM | FREE
Join us for a night of owls! We'll learn about the common species that inhabit Virginia, discover their calls, and look at the special adaptations these birds have to make them efficient predators after dark. We'll then venture outdoors to try and hear/see one of the owls that live in the Arboretum. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight. This program is led by Rich Wood of the Augusta Bird Club. Meet at Pavilion parking lot.
Youth Programs
Storytime in the Understory
Monday, October 2nd | Monday, October 16th | 10:00am-10:45am | FREE
Bring a blanket if you like and come enjoy nature-themed reading. We will meet in the At Home in the Woods Family Garden in the Storytime area! In inclement weather, we will meet inside the Frances Plecker Education Center. Program for pre-School - early elementary.
Nature Study Program
Monday(s) Sept 18th| Oct 2nd, 16th and 30th| Nov 13th and 27th | Dec 11th 3:30pm-4:00pm
We'll meet at the family garden for a short nature walk to find one of our native plants! We will make careful observations, learn some facts and lore, and do a little relaxed sketching. Bring a notebook or paper and some colored pencils. Rain or Shine; meet in the Pavilion.
15th Annual Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 28th| 11am-2pm | FREE
Join us for our annual Harvest Fest, a fun fall festival the whole family will enjoy. ¡Acompáñenos en nuestra Fiesta de la Cosecha anual, un diverting festival de otoño que disfrutará toda la familia!
Games| Storytime| Activities| Crafts
JUEGOS | HORA DE CUENTOS | ACTIVIDADES | ARTESANÍAS