COVID-19 and The Arboretum

The Arboretum grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Research, teaching, and event bookings are open, following current University and public health safety measures. The University has paused its screening, masking, and vaccination requirements. Masks may be worn by staff and visitors according to their personal situation.

Please continue to check this page and follow us on social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook) for updated information as it becomes available.  

When Visiting The Arboretum

  • Be patient and respectful towards other visitors and our staff.
  • Be mindful of signage and guidelines.
  • Keep your dog on a leash to protect your pet and our wildlife and grounds.
  • Stay on trails to protect our collections, forest floor, and ephemeral blooms.

Disc Golf

The Arboretum's disc golf course is open to the public. 
** Reservations are not required for disc golf. The course operates as first come first served.**

Disc Golf COVID-19 Suggestions

  1. Ensure a physical distance of 2 metres from people outside your household or social circle.
  2. Bring hand sanitizer with you.
  3. Maxiumum 4 players per group.
  4. Do not approach the tee until it is clear of others.
  5. Do not touch the equipment of others.
  6. Only one disc in the basket at a time.
  7. Retrieve disc out of basket only touching your disc.
  8. Any trash carried in must be carried out.
  9. No congregating in the parking lot before or after play.
  10. Do not damage any plants, trees, or equipment

Donations

You can still support the collections, trails, and other features at The Arboretum! We accept donations onlne through our secure portal at the University of Guelph. Donations support our efforts including plant collections, conservation and education programs, trail and infrastructure upgrades, and our internship program. We are grateful for every gift we receive. 

Donations can also be made specifically to dedicate trees, garden beds, or other features. We recognize this support by placing a small plaque of honour.

To learn more about donations, please visit our Dedications and Donations page.

Purchasing Merchandise and Publications

Arboretum merchandise and publications are still available for purchase online, or in person at the Arboretum Centre. Please note that the University of Guelph is a cash-less site. Visit our Arboretum Merchandise page to learn how to place your order. 

Research

Research at The Arboretum continues according to the University of Guelph and public health guidelines. To learn more about completing research at The Arboretum, check out our Research and Conservation page, or check out our Research Studio event page. 

Room and Outdoor Ceremony Site Rentals

Outdoor ceremonies are permitted in the Conifer Site and the West Lawn. The Arboretum Centre can be booked in the Sunroom, Boardroom or Auditorium. All event bookings will follow the most up to date covid protocols set by our local public health unit and The University of Guelph. 

For availability, rental rates, and to schedule a tour, contact Dawn Ann Webster at 519-824-4120 ext. 54110 or dawnann@uoguelph.ca. You can also visit our FAQ page to learn more. 

Tours

Wednesday Walks happen every week, leaving at Noon from The Arboretum Kiosk at the campus entrance. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to keep up to date on events in the Arboretum.
The location to The Arboretum Kiosk can be found here:https://goo.gl/maps/k9AmLoTkaRR2HvvJA

Trails and Grounds

The Arboretum's trails and parking lots are open between dawn and dusk.

Volunteering at The Arb

If you are interested in becoming a new volunteer at The Arboretum, please fill out our online volunteer form. We will be in touch when we start to reopen the program further.

Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Annual Dedication Service

The Wall-Custance Memorial Forest is still growing! Donations are continuously accepted and commemorative trees are still being planted. The 2022 Dedication Service will be replaced with a pre-recorded video to be released in late September. Click here to view 2021's tree dedication.

Workshops

We now have a range of virtual and in-person educational programs – from noon-hour nature sessions to evening constellation walks, art, eco-psychology, and more! Please visit our Workshops page to learn more about our virtual workshops, registration, and cancellation policies. Please follow us on social media for updates. 

50th Year Celebrations

Founded in 1970 The Arboretum is over 50 years young!  Visit our history website to see photos and stories of how far we have grown!