Every other Tuesday from 10-11 am. Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese practice of relaxation in nature, has been shown to improve immune response, mental performance, and creativity. Enjoy an easy, mindful walk through beautiful Arboretum trees in a special environment. Shanta Gabriel has worked in the field of alternative health for 40 years and has been leading groups in nature since 2012. Please meet at our Visitor Center and dress for the weather, this program is held outdoors.

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Join PHA Curator/Assistant Director Emily Ellingson for a hands-on journey exploring the science and art of creating herbarium specimens. In addition to managing the living collection, Emily oversees PHA’s herbarium, a documented collection of dried plants that are used for scientific study, and are often viewed as works of art. In this two-session workshop, participants will first explore PHA’s living collection and learn how to document, collect, press, and dry plant specimens. Participants will return to the Arboretum a week later and learn the art of labeling and gluing their own specimens to archival paper. Participants will take home up to three herbarium specimens. 

This is a two part workshop. Please plan to attend both sessions. All materials provided. 

Please pre-register this class has a maximum of 10 participants. Sign Up Here

Please join our friendly and knowledgeable docents on a tour of the grounds and plant collections. Learn about our founder Polly Hill, and visit some of the special locations found throughout the our campus. Tours begin at the Visitor Center and typically take 45 minutes to an hour. We look forward to hosting you!

No registration required, tours are included with admission. Tours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am from June through September.

An opening reception and tour are scheduled for June 5 from 4:30-6pm.

Art in the Arboretum is an exhibit designed to showcase views and interpretations of the Polly Hill Arboretum by 11 artists who are full-time residents, seasonal residents, or regular visitors to the Island. This year’s show will feature photographs, sketches, and paintings. The weatherproof replicas, along with information about each artist, will be displayed on the grounds in the location where the original piece was inspired. The exhibit will be on display through October 31, 2025. 

Based on the ancient movement practice of Chi Kung, Balance in Nature is a one-hour opportunity to allow the focused and relaxing movements to strengthen your core, quiet your mind and help you ground so you can more easily absorb the beauty of nature. This class is taught by Kanta Lipsky.  Please meet at our Visitor Center and dress for the weather, this program is held outdoors.

Class sizes are limited. Check the website for cancellations. 

 Sign Up Here

Please join our friendly and knowledgeable docents on a tour of the grounds and plant collections. Learn about our founder Polly Hill, and visit some of the special locations found throughout the our campus. Tours begin at the Visitor Center and typically take 45 minutes to an hour. We look forward to hosting you!

No registration required, tours are included with admission. Tours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am from June through September.

Explore the wonders of nature through stories, songs, and hands-on activities at our magical nature-focused story time! Set amidst the beauty of the lush gardens, this outdoor gathering invites children and families to gather in the heart of The Polly Hill Arboretum. Little ones will be enchanted by tales of trees, animals, and the changing seasons. After the reading and songs, we’ll take a short stroll or play simple games, sparking curiosity and a love for the natural world. Don’t forget to dress for the outdoors and bring a sense of adventure! Ideal for children ages 0-5, but all are welcome. Please meet at the Far Barn.  

Presented in partnership with The West Tisbury Library

Free for everyone. Sign Up Here

Please join our friendly and knowledgeable docents on a tour of the grounds and plant collections. Learn about our founder Polly Hill, and visit some of the special locations found throughout the our campus. Tours begin at the Visitor Center and typically take 45 minutes to an hour. We look forward to hosting you!

No registration required, tours are included with admission. Tours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am from June through September.

Every other Friday, June 13 through September 19, 10-11am

Learn more about the Arboretum and its plant collections on guided walks led by PHA collections staff. These specialized tours are designed to offer an in-depth experience, each focusing on a different aspect of the Arboretum.

Included with $10 admission (free for PHA members). Meet at the Polly Hill Arboretum Visitor Center.

Join PHA staff, Grounds Manager Ian Jochems and Horticulturist Jack Morgan, for an informative walking tour focused on Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) on Martha’s Vineyard. This public event will provide an in-depth look at BLD—what it is, how it affects beech trees, along with different treatments and methods that have shown promising results.

Following a brief informational session, participants will embark on a guided tour through the arboretum to observe ongoing research and management efforts over the past three years, along with the results seen so far. This tour is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for their own trees.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and light trail walking.

$15 ($10 for PHA members). Please pre-register. Sign Up Here