Last Sunday’s ice storm has kept Adkins Arboretum inaccessible all week, and allowed Staff to work from the warmth and comfort of their homes.

Except for three key members of the team, that is.

Leslie Cario, Director of Horticulture & Natural Lands, Lucas Scott, Land Steward, and Aidan Hughley, Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps – Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Member have dedicated the past several days to assessing conditions and making the Arboretum safe for Staff, Volunteers, and Visitors to return.

The Land Stewardship team reports that an inch-thick coating of ice covers snow at the Arboretum. In many places, their equipment, like the skid steer and tractor, don’t even leave tracks.

The team has not yet assessed the trails, as their efforts have mainly been focused on the driveway, parking lot area, and Wetland Bridge. In areas where they have broken through and cleared the top layer of ice, the sun has melted some of the snow, which refreezes overnight.

With very cold temperatures expected to continue and the nightly refreezing slowing progress, Executive Director Ginna Tiernan has decided that the Arboretum will be closed to the public until next Tuesday, February 3.

Your patience is appreciated while our Land Stewardship team works hard to make Adkins safe. Our Staff are itching to return, and we know you are, too!

With the possibility of more snow this weekend, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for weather-related updates and announcements.

Thank you, Leslie, Lucas, and Aidan, for braving the cold and clearing the way!