Arboretum Facility Use Policy

 

The Arboretum maintains a strict policy of allowing only events and/or groups that directly relate to our institutional mission to use our facilities. Groups are welcome to use our picnic facilities on-site but are encouraged to notify PHA staff when arriving with 20 or more guests. We ask groups to take any trash generated by their event off-site with them to eliminate undue costs to the Arboretum.

Weddings

The Arboretum is not available for weddings or commitment ceremonies. The Arboretum maintains a strict policy of allowing only events and/or groups that directly relate to our institutional mission to use our facilities and grounds.

Memorial Ceremonies

The Arboretum is not available for memorial ceremonies. The Arboretum maintains a strict policy of allowing only events and/or groups that directly relate to our institutional mission to use our facilities and grounds.

Photography & Videography

Commercial/professional photography and videography are permitted at the Arboretum with prior approval only. A $150/year Photography Membership is required. Sessions must be scheduled one week in advance. Party maximum is 20 people. Arboretum admission is waived for members of the group. Please notify PHA staff how many photographers and guests will be in your group, the start time and duration of your session, and where on the grounds the shoot will take place. Please keep feet and tripods out of garden beds, and avoid blocking paths. Please refrain from climbing on stone walls, or disturbing plants. Please carry out any trash that is produced during your visit. You are responsible for the members of your party adhering to the Arboretum’s policies. Contact us at [email protected] for permission and location specifications.

The Far Barn

The Far Barn (circa 1855) serves the principal function as our education and event facility. Because of its historic significance to the Arboretum we limit its use strictly to functions within the PHA mission. It is not available for outside parties, weddings or as a rent to use facility.
We regret not being able to offer it to other not-for-profits but must do so to protect and preserve the structure, and also limit our liability from outside user groups as detailed in our institutional commercial insurance policy.

Education Building and Botany Lab

This facility (circa 2016) follows the same guidelines as the Far Barn. We regret not being able to offer it to other not-for-profits but must do so to protect and preserve the structure, and also limit our liability from outside user groups as detailed in our institutional commercial insurance policy. The building houses an herbarium, which has over three thousand specimens of dried, pressed, plants.  These museum quality specimens are available for study for cooperative scientists at the discretion of the Executive Director.

The mission of the Polly Hill Arboretum is to perpetuate the experimental tradition in horticulture established by Polly Hill by sharing knowledge of plants and scientific procedure through educational programs, research, plant conservation, and exploration. The Arboretum seeks to preserve its meadows and woodlands, to promote an understanding of its collections, and to encourage their utilization for scholarship, observation, and the enjoyment of all.