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Dear friend of the arboretum,

July is traditionally a month for honoring our forbears who had vision and gave generously to the future.

Dorothy and John Knippenberg envisioned their beloved Laurelwood Gardens as a park where the public could enjoy its open land and extensive unique plantings, and learn about nature. Their gift of 30 acres was accepted by the Township of Wayne knowing it would take resources and community involvement to preserve, maintain and improve the property. This Wayne Township park is now recognized
for the valuable asset that it is. Wayne Township, Friends of
Laurelwood Arboretum members and volunteers and community members from the area and beyond have stepped up to ensure that the Knippenbergs’ vision continues to thrive.

Laurelwood Arboretum is now recognized as a premier horticultural site having received the coveted Arbnet Class II Arboretum status. ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards.

The arboretum is open every day 8:00 AM to dusk,
weather permitting.

There are 7 pedestrian gates that are always unlocked.
The most commonly used are located on Home Hill to the
right of the Knippenberg Center and on Long Valley Road
near the exit from the Pines Lake Drive West parking lot.

The Knippenberg Center for Education 
is open April 7 - October 31
Tuesday through Sunday, 12 Noon - 4:00 PM

Private Tours

‘Squirt’ by Vivian Collens

Email us to ask about dates, times and fees. 

Installation of Bat Boxes

Scarlett Reyes and Clare Lepo 

Girl Scouts Clare Lepo and Scarlett Reyes installed four bat boxes at the arboretum in two locations. Each girls earned her Silver Award for this project.  They mounted the boxes on 16-foot poles and then installed the poles in 3-foot holes, securing them with concrete.  Clare and Scarlett  researched what was needed for this project and how it would benefit the bat population and the arboretum.  The girls and their families did all of the work and have definitely enhanced  the health our ecosystem. A job well done!  

Environmental Preserve Planting

On Saturday, June 13, the Leo's Club from the Wayne Hills High School came to Laurelwood to volunteer. Horticultural Manager Joan Scott Miller led the group in cleaning up and planting in the Environmental Preserve. The group planted irises, cavex and penstemon digitalis. Using shovels, a wheel barrow and pitchforks, the six girls did a fine job planting in Laurelwood Arboretum. Thank you Leo's Club!

Environmental Preserve Improvement 

A bridge was constructed at the Environmental Preserve by our staff members. Eddy, who led the project, was assisted by Yeurdy and Sean, along with our volunteer Site Manager Gary.

Joan, our Horticultural Manager, was responsible for procuring all the necessary supplies and materials for the project.

The successful completion of the bridge enhances access to the upper pond area and reflects the teamwork and dedication of our staff and volunteers.

New Jersey hosts some of the most renowned gardens in the country. From our major highways, most are easily enjoyed on a day trip.

“A garden is a grand teacher...above all it teaches entire trust.” Gertrude Jekyll

‘A garden is a friend you can visit anytime.” anonymous

The Garden State Gardens Consortium was established by many of the state’s gardens to increase the public’s awareness of and appreciation for the beauty and the horticultural, educational, artistic and historic value of New Jersey’s public gardens.

Through the consortium’s website you can access information and link to the websites of each member garden.

The consortium has created a Garden State Gardens Passport. It’s fun! Visit all the listed gardens and receive a complimentary gift from the consortium.

The Gardening Season Has Begun

Gavin and his loving handler Linda DeYoung took many walks in Laurelwood interacting with the visitors, especially children. Gavin came for many family and children’s events in the arboretum, most recently during the Read Across America event. Children were enthralled by the experience of reading to dogs and they enjoyed their company. Particularly heartwarming was that any child who had hesitation around dogs or reading had a pleasant experience. Gavin
will be missed by Laurelwood’s visitors, staff and volunteers.

You can support our annual springtime campaign
by donating online at laurelwoodarboretum.org

or you can give via a donor-advised fund, make a gift of stock,
bonds or mutual funds, or transfer funds from your IRA.

Donations to Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum help to support the park's maintenance, operations and public programs.

Dues and donations are deductible for income tax purposes
to the extent allowed by law.

Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Keep Our Arboretum Green!

Copyright © 2026 Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum.
All rights reserved.

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