Our popular observation beehive exhibit has returned to the Visitor Center!

Each year in the fall the frames in the observation beehive are returned to a hive box located in the field behind the Visitor Center. This is done so that the bees can respond properly to the cooler winter temperatures and not become confused by the warm temperatures found in the Visitor Center during the winter. Colder temperatures and shorter days will prompt the bees to make several behavioral changes including a process of evicting male bees, known as drones from the hive. The sole purpose of drones is to mate with the queen; during the winter the queen produces fewer eggs eliminating the need for drones. Where the drones are not contributing to hive upkeep they are removed to reduce the strain on food supply. 

We recently introduced a new pond-habitat observation tank in our Visitor Center. This tank is a demonstration of the rich and diverse warm water pond and stream habitats that can be found throughout the state of Maine. Every species of fish and other aquatic creatures in the tank were carefully collected from the water sources on the Arboretum property, making it a true reflection of the natural ecosystems that can be found in this region. This unique addition to our indoor Visitor Center space allows visitors to get an up-close view of the aquatic habitats found on the property. As you explore the tank you may encounter some of the following creatures:

Viles Arboretum's Wetland Boardwalk is a breathtaking outdoor attraction that takes visitors on a quarter-mile immersive journey through Maine's natural surroundings. However, the current structure is deteriorating and requires replacement. The project is scheduled to commence in the upcoming spring of 2023, and we seek your support to help us achieve our goal of building a new, professionally designed and engineered boardwalk.

We are grateful to be featured on Chronicle 5 WCVB out of Boston. During their recent visit to Augusta, Maine, Ted took the time to stop by the Arboretum and chat with Ryan and Lauren.

Viles Arboretum is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the 2023 Project Canopy Planning and Education Grant Program to support its groundbreaking “Forest of the Future” research and education project. This innovative project, developed in partnership with the Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District, NRCS, and others, will showcase crucial land management concepts and technologies defining Maine's future woodlands, particularly as the State adapts to the impacts of climate change.

How To Preserve Nature While Visiting Viles Arboretum

The Viles Arboretum is a community favorite place for hiking and all sorts of outdoor activities. This vital historical spot has a long history, including being a collection of working farms at one point many years ago. Now, it is 224 acres of woodlands, grasslands, and natural aquifers that provide safe habitats for many local animal species as well as regional plants and flowers.

This recurring volunteer opportunity aims to make a positive impact on the environment by removing invasive species and promoting healthy plant growth. Invasive plants and pests threaten the natural balance of ecosystems by outcompeting native plants and disrupting the food chain. By working together, we can make a difference in preserving our natural areas for future generations.

Viles Arboretum, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to announce the installation of new conferencing equipment in their three rental spaces. The Arboretum's 224-acre botanical garden, located in Maine's Capital City, offers miles of trails, a rotating suite of programs and events, a full-service visitor center, and a variety of habitats home to flora and fauna of statewide importance. 

Spring is one of the best times to get a handle on invasive species. For herbaceous invasives such as shrubby honeysuckles and bittersweet, they are just beginning to leaf out making them easy to identify without the added risk of spreading seeds that we get in the fall. For our more mobile invasives including insects such as the brown-tail moth, most have not yet left their dormant stages at the start of spring, making it easy for us to get ahead of them before they begin to disperse. Taking the time to control invasives and encourage native species in your own backyard will help create higher-quality habitat for wildlife, and reduce your long-term maintenance costs on your landscape.