Jul 13, 2007
Highstead Arboretum
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A sanctuary founded in 1982 by Mr. and Mrs. James Dudley of Redding continues to flourish as a place to study the woodland habitat and the native species to be found there. The arboretum is open to members who may participate in programs offered regularly or use the research materials available in the timber-frame barn that was built in 1995. The barn also houses a space for lectures and exhibits, the arboretum office, a workshop and a propagation greenhouse. The herbarium has more than 1000 specimens and the reference library contains more than 900 volumes. Of special interest on the grounds are the native tree and shrub collection, the laurel collection and the azalea collection. One of the arboretum’s more interesting exhibits is an area surrounded by eight-foot-tall fencing that has allowed the understory to regenerate absent deer browsing. There's a self-guided tour of the native tree and shrub collections that takes about an hour and a half to complete. Membership fees begin at $25.
Details
Highstead Arboreum is at 127 Lonetown Road (Route 107) in Redding, the second driveway on the left after the Redding Country Club. To make an appointment to visit, call 203-938-8809. For more information, visit www.highsteadarboretum.org.
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