This Article is Geared Towards Summer

Five Things to Do Right Now at the Acton Arboretum

Is it Summer Yet?

From quaint garden nooks to adventurous trails, here are five must-do activities to immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

1. Embark on an Aromatic Adventure: Take a fragrant stroll along the "fragrance loop", where every step is accompanied by the delightful scents of lilacs, hyacinths, peonies, lavenders, and azaleas. Feel free to pause, close your eyes, and take in the aromas.

2. Discover the Secrets of the Esker: Traverse the top of an esker, a fascinating geological feature left behind by receding glaciers. As you walk this long, narrow, raised gravel ridge, ponder the forces of nature that shaped this unique landscape.

3. Engage in Some Historical Herbology: Near the old Craigin house foundation, immerse yourself in the history and wonder of a typical 1700s herb garden. Discover medicinal, culinary, and strewing herbs that were vital to life in centuries past.

4. Frogs, Turtles, and Duckweed, Oh My!: In the summertime, one of the ponds becomes a spectacle of nature. Covered in a blanket of green duckweed, this pond comes alive with frogs and turtles. It's a perfect spot for both budding naturalists and those young at heart.

5. Decipher the Forest Stones: Scattered inconspicuously by the Highland/Bog Loop trailside, discover the "Forest Stones" – 22 field stones, each inscribed with a single word. It's a quiet treasure hunt that pays homage to an art exhibit from 1995, and it's up to you to interpret their meaning.

Whether you're a passionate botanist or just seeking a tranquil retreat, the Acton Arboretum offers something for everyone. So grab your walking shoes, invite a friend, and embark on a journey through one of Acton's most cherished green spaces.