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September 23, 2026

Bus Trip to Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, PA

Friday, September 25

Bus departs the Arboretum parking lot at 10:00 AM

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN US ON THE BUS TO CHANTICLEER!

Please join the Friends on a bus trip to Chanticleer, a 35-acre Pleasure Garden in Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley - Chanticleer has been touted as one of the most beautiful public gardens in the United States.

We'll depart the Arboretum at 10:00 AM sharp and plan to arrive at Chanticleer around noon, in time for lunch. We'll leave Chanticleer at 5:00 PM for the trip home.

There is no restaurant on the premises, so please bring your own lunch and make sure it's easily carried as there is no provision for storing lunch bags. Note that Chanticleer follows a strict carry-in, carry-out policy and no trash receptacles are provided. You are welcome to picnic in any of the garden's four designated picnic areas, first come first served.

Following lunch, beginning at 1:30 PM, we'll be broken up into smaller groups of 10-12 with each group assigned a guide to lead us on a 90-minute tour of Chanticleer's distinct yet unified garden areas, each designed by a horticulturist. The first floor of the Rosengarten estate's main house is also on the tour. At Chanticleer, the gardeners lead the design and create ever-evolving displays rich in texture, form and color. The gardens include, but are not limited to the Teacup Garden, Bell's Woodland, a Ruin Garden, a Gravel Garden, the Pond Garden, Minder Woods and more!

Please keep in mind that this is a 1-1/2 mile long walking tour over varied garden terrain, including turf, gravel, stone paths, uneven surfaces, occasional inclines and some stairs.

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear; you might consider bringing a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, a walking stick, rain gear, and, of course, a camera! The tour will take place rain or shine.

Restrooms, water fountains, and water bottle refill stations are available throughout the garden. There is a small gift shop featuring books, postcards, magnets, etc.

Click here for a link to Chanticleer's website: https://chanticleergarden.org/garden/#garden-overview

For more information and to register, click on either of the photos of Chanticleer. The upper photo is courtesy of Chanticleer.

The lower photo, taken by Chanticleer's Lisa Roper of the soft puffs of witchgrass (Panicum capillare) along the elevated walkway is very inviting - can't you just visualize yourself strolling along this lovely path?

Cooking Demonstration: Hassle Free Holidays with Chef Paul Gatzke

Saturday, October 3 - 1:00 PM

In person at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

ONLY A COUPLE OF SEATS LEFT FOR CHEF PAUL'S PROGRAM

Chef Paul will prepare a collection of easy, quick and make ahead of time holiday party fare.

Together you'll make baked Brie, a festive holiday charcuterie board and some other hassle free yummies for easy and stress-free holiday entertaining.

For more information and to register, click on Chef Paul's photo.

2026 Annual Tree Symposium

Saturday, November 7 - 9:00 - 3:30 PM

In person at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Join us for our Annual Tree Symposium, generously sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts.

This week we're featuring the third speaker in our distinguished lineup:

1:00 PM - Forests Adrift: Currents Shaping the Future of Northeastern Trees, presented by Dr. Charles D. Canham

The northeastern United States is one of the most densely forested regions in the county, yet its history of growth, destruction and renewal are for the most part poorly understood, even by specialists. In his talk, Dr. Canham helps us understand both the impermanence and the resilience of the northeastern forest ecosystem. We'll explore critical threats that include logging, fire suppression, disease, air pollution, invasive species, and climate change.

Dr. Canham is senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York. His expertise is in forest ecology and management and he studies the dynamics of forest ecosystems and how they respond to a wide range of human impacts.

Dr. Canham's book, Forests Adrift, will be available for purchase at the Symposium.

For more information about the other presentations, the speakers, CEUs for this program and to register, please click on the tree icon.

Cooking Demonstration: Learn to Make Fresh Mozzarella Cheese with Chef Sal Pisani

Saturday, November 14 - 1:00 PM

In person at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Chef Sal Pisani, owner of Jersey Artisan Co. brings his considerable skill as a cheesemaker to the Arboretum in this class where we will learn to make mozzarella cheese.

His Jersey Artisan Cafe, located right here in Morris Plains, was born from a deep passion for the time-honored traditions of Southern Italy, passed down through generations. He is committed to using locally sourced ingredients that support the region's ecosystem and farming community.

For more information and to register, click on the photo of Chef Sal.

MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION PROGRAM

Bruce Crawford Retirement Lecture: Lessons Learned from Plants

Wednesday, October 7 - 1:00 to 2:30 PM

In person at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Save the Date and plan to attend Bruce Crawford's retirement lecture. If you know Bruce, you can be sure this will be an informative as well as an entertaining program!

Click on the program flyer for more information and instructions on how to register. Or call 973 326-7601 for information.

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FRIENDS VIDEOS AT THE ARBORETUM

Click here for a brief video by Lisa Bencivengo featuring Bruce Crawford, Manager of Horticulture Division of Cultural and Environmental Resources at the Morris County Park Commission in which he discusses the All American Garden at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Be sure to subscribe to our channel.

You can view all our videos in our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe.

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WATCH PREVIOUS ZOOM PRESENTATIONS

Several of our previously recorded events are available to watch on-line.

See our Prerecorded Events page for more information and to register.

Retail Partners

When shopping at our fine Retail Partners, please remember to present your Membership card at the beginning of your check out transaction. Our Retail Partners need to enter the discount at the beginning of that process.

If you have not yet used this wonderful Member Benefit, you can view our full list of Retail Partners by clicking here.

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You can register and pay on line on our Events page and Membership page and subscribe to this newsletter here: complete directions for subscribing.

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CONTACT US HERE

PARK INFORMATION

• Frelinghuysen, Willowwood and Bamboo Brook Arboreta grounds are open 7 days a week, from 8am to dusk


• The Haggerty Education Center building is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM, except for Federal holidays. Click here for information and updates.


• HUNTING IN THE PARKS - See the Morris County Park Commission website.

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