Frequently Asked Questions at the Acton Arboretum
Q. Are there any maps of the Arboretum?
A. Yes. Maps are posted at the entry kiosks. For a printable map, click here. For an interactive map, click here.
Q. What are the rules and regulations?
A. Please click here for the Town of Acton conservation land rules and regulations.
Q. What are the hours of operation?
A. All of Acton’s conservation lands are open dawn to dusk (one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset). It is not lawful to be in Acton conservation land after dark.
Q. Are there other conservation lands with trails in Acton?
A. Yes, please visit trails.actonma.gov to learn more!
Q. Are Arboretum trails and gardens handicapped-accessible?
A. Some trails and gardens are handicapped-accessible. Please click here for a detailed assessment.
Q. Is alcohol permitted?
A. No.
Q. Is professional photography permitted?
A. It is a complicated issue. Please click here if you are a professional photographer and want to learn more.
Q. Are dogs permitted?
A. Yes. Owners must have control and abide by Acton By-laws, here. Dog owners are expected to keep eyes on their dogs at all times, prevent them from harassing other visitors, and pick up after their pets. Dog owners not in compliance will be asked to leave and may be reported to law enforcement if a dangerous situation arises. If you observe a dangerous animal at the Acton Arboretum, please call 911.
Q. May I pick the flowers?
A. No. You know the old adage: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
Q. May I climb the trees?
A. No. Many of the trees here are delicate, rare species that can be seriously damaged by climbing. Please leave the trees intact for all to enjoy.
Q. May I get married at the Arboretum? Do you allow weddings?
A. Yes, but it is not recommended. No reservations. No tents, arbors, furniture or alcohol allowed. No tossing rice or other items on the grounds. Carry in and carry out all trash. We recommend the “Leave No Trace” ethic. There are no bathrooms, running water, or shelter. We do not recommend gatherings of more than 25 people, due to very limited parking. Please call 978-929-6634 or email nr@acton-ma.gov for more information. We do heartily recommend NARA Park as an alternative site. It has all of the above, plus a beautiful swimming pond, gardens, and allows reservations. Please contact recreation@acton-ma.gov or 978-929-6640. If you are just coming by for a few minutes, and want to gather a very tiny group briefly, then by all means, enjoy the Acton Arboretum—and congratulations!
Q. May I teach a class or run a program at the Arboretum?
A: Permission is required. Public conservation lands purchased with State funding are subject to Article 97 of the Massachusetts constitution. Organized sports or profit-making businesses are not permitted at the Arboretum or conservation land in general. Some exceptions include horticultural walks, wildlife appreciation, and nature programs offered through the Town of Acton conservation or recreation programs. Please contact the Conservation office at 978-929-6634 for more information.
Q. May I bring a large group or student field trip to the Arboretum?
A. Yes, with planning. Please click here to read more.
Q. May I donate a tree or plant?
A: Yes! There are several ways to donate to enhance the Arboretum for the benefit of all. Sometimes families or friends want to donate a tree, shrub, spring bulbs or perennials to be planted at the Arboretum. Please click here for more information on donating trees or plants.
Q. May I donate a bench?
A: Yes. Benches at the Arboretum are purchased from one company in one style, made from solid teak for reliable durability. These cost about $800.00 each, and are assembled and installed by town staff. An appropriate location is collaboratively selected. Memorial plaques are not used at the Arboretum for aesthetic purposes.
Q. May I become a member?
A: Yes! Please click here to purchase a membership to the Friends of the Acton Arboretum. Members receive our beautiful, informative newsletter twice per year and the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting a free, public, natural resource that brings joy to all who visit and take the time to notice nature. Memberships also make great gifts!
Q. May I donate money?
A: Yes! The Friends of the Acton Arboretum, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that is run by volunteers. We raise money and collect dues for membership. All funds go towards improving the Arboretum. People may donate to a particular project, such as irrigation, gardening tools for volunteers, professional tree care, parking lot paving, new garden creation, picnic tables, boardwalk/bridge/arbor construction or repair. When the Friends receive a donation, it will go into the general fund and be allocated towards whatever projects are underway or anticipated in the near future. People may designate their donation to go towards something in particular. Contact us and we will help you decide!