Summer time is here, bringing that Virginia humidity and heat. Here are some ideas for how to keep cool and visit your Arboretum during the summer… and maybe explore some areas you have yet to see!

Beeches and Chestnuts: Beeches, oaks, and Chinese chestnuts offer dappled light and plenty of shade. Bring your crayons and paper to make some tree bark rubbings! This part of the collection is easy to access from Wilkins Lane Loop Drive.

Maple Collection: The large, mature maples offer lots of cool shade. Bring a picnic and watch the tree swallows and purple martin flying over the open fields towards Lake Arnold. The maple collection is located across Wilkins Lane Loop Drive from the Horse Paddock.

Ginkgo Grove: Many people only visit our ginkgo collection in the fall. These trees are delightful year-round! In summer, the ginkgoes offer a quiet place to read a book with your back against a sturdy ginkgo trunk or on one of our benches in the grove. 

Check out this map to find out where to find these shady retreats.