It's salamander season again at Viles Arboretum! As the ground warms and spring settles in, our Eastern Red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) are becoming active again! These small but mighty amphibians have been tucked away underground all winter, and now they're venturing closer to the surface. This spring, we'll host a series of hands-on volunteer events where you'll have the opportunity to search for salamanders, record their numbers and sizes, and help monitor the health of our forest.
Here at Viles Arboretum, we're proud to steward many different varieties of apple trees in both our Heritage and Ancestral Apple Orchards. Apples have a long fascinating history in America, and perhaps no figure is more closely associated with their legacy than "Johnny Appleseed."
Viles Arboretum is excited to once again partner with the Maine Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation to offer American chestnut seedlings for sale as part of the ongoing effort to restore of this iconic species.
Ever wondered how the red botanical tags at Viles Arboretum got there? This winter, we set out to update plant records, armed with old maps, handwritten notes, and plenty of patience. What seemed like a simple tagging project quickly became a journey through the history of the Urban and Community Forestry Collection—revealing just how much the landscape has changed since 1992.
Viles Arboretum has been thriving, with busy trails, numerous events, and a bright outlook for the future. As we look ahead to 2024, there are a couple of areas that need attention so this years appeal is focused on two key areas: enhancing trail accessibility and building climate change awareness in our community. These initiatives will ensure that more visitors, regardless of mobility concerns, can fully enjoy the Arboretum, while also deepening our role in educating the community about the critical challenges posed by climate change. This year’s appeal is dedicated to these efforts, helping us create a more inclusive and informed space for everyone who visits. Both projects require significant resources, and we can't do it alone. Together, we can create a place where everyone can learn, grow, and connect with nature.
In the coming weeks, Viles Arboretum will be removing five Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) trees from our grounds. These trees, planted in 1986, line the edge of the Heritage Apple Orchard along the Inner Loop. And although their size and presence are striking, these trees have become invasive, outcompeting native species and posing a threat to the local ecosystem. We will be selecting one or more species of native flowering trees to take their place, providing beauty while supporting Maine's natural biodiversity.
We envision the Arboretum to be a place where individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to recreate, explore, and learn about nature. We need your help to get there!
Viles Arboretum is pleased to announce the soft launch of Hortis, an innovative plant accessioning software that will streamline and enhance the management and accessibility of the Arboretum’s diverse plant collections. This new tool marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to preserve and share our living collections with the public.
Join us at Viles Arboretum on August 24th for a crucial volunteer event focused on removing the invasive plant Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), a striking but problematic plant species poses a significant threat to native plants and wildlife, disrupting the delicate ecosystem balance of our wetlands and habitats across the state. Here’s what you need to know about this perennial herb, its impact on local ecosystems, and strategies for managing its spread.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the winner of the Maine State Flag Redesign Contest – Adam Lemire of Gardiner – on Monday and unveiled his design which was chosen as the model design for the potential new flag. Lemire says "...the final design is primarily based on an Eastern White Pine in Governor’s Grove at Viles Arboretum...” Viles Arboretum neither supports nor opposes the changing of the state flag. However, as part of our mission is to provide inspirational opportunities through conservation, we are honored that the potential new flag was inspired by our space.
