Viles Arboretum

Photograph courtesy of Ryan Martin.

The Bar Harbor Garden Club is pleased to present “Land Stewardship, Environmental Education and Community Engagement – An Arboretum at Work” with Ryan Martin, Executive Director of Viles Arboretum on Thursday, January 13, 2021, by Zoom.   Ryan will speak about the history, mission, research, botanical collections, programming and how to get involved with the excellent work of Viles Arboretum in Augusta, Maine.

Viles Arboretum is located on 224 acres and its history goes back to 1835. The property is a consolidation of several farms which provided crops and livestock as well as occupational therapy and exercise for psychiatric patients at a State Hospital. Today, no longer a hospital farm, the arboretum provides a botanical garden, six miles of trails, dozens of plant collections, a network of ponds, a granite quarry, and sculpture exhibit – all designed for education, recreation, and inspiration.

Learn more about the Arboretum’s current educational and horticultural programs such as their popular holiday ornament decorating, Maine maple celebration, community garden and bird walks. An iconic stand of trees is featured in an old growth forest including heritage apples, chestnuts, conifers, sycamores, and larch specimens. Viles is also known for its special emphasis on young people and youth with their highly popular Discovery Room and Camp Stewards Summer program. Both provide opportunities for learning, enrichment, and creative play for children of all ages to explore crafts, games, nature, science, and the great outdoors.

Prior to joining as Executive Director, Ryan Martin was a classroom horticultural science teacher (grades 6-12) and adjunct professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Kennebec County Community College. Ryan’s career stems from a belief that every child deserves access to Maine’s Great Outdoors. A “Source Sustainability Award” recipient (2018), Ryan has held leadership roles with California-based green media company, ‘The Lexicon of Sustainability’, UMaine Cooperative Extension, Maineshare, and most recently developing international educational programs with New Hampshire based ‘The Tilton School’. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems. Ryan lives in Hallowell with his wife and two young children.

The Club meeting will begin with a brief business discussion at 1:00 P.M. and the talk will follow at 1:30 P.M. All are welcome to join the meeting and presentation. This presentation is one of the monthly programs offered by the Bar Harbor Garden Club to the public, but non-members are asked to make a reservation by emailing president@barharborgardenclub.org or call 207-460-8496.