Join Penn State Master Gardeners with a leisurely stroll to learn about the trees and plants at The Harrisburg Cemetery Arboretum. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable supportive shoes. Gather inspiration for your garden, get your gardening questions answered, and gain unique experiences of your local gardens and county parks. Also learn to ID plants, pollinators, insects, and diseases. The Master Gardeners are trained and knowledgeable and eager to share their knowledge with you.

Feel free to provide a lawn chair for the discussions after our walk. As gardeners, you may want to share some of your experiences with us at our Q-and-A period, during this time. You are encouraged to extend your experience by taking a stroll through the woods and fields that surround the area of our walk. Whether you are a serious gardener or outdoor enthusiast, you will find this to be a great place for a walk, get some fresh air, and relax!

The grounds function as an arboretum with over 600 cataloged trees, including mature oaks, pines, and native species like paw-paw and hickory, with QR-coded tags linking to botanical information. Laid out in the 19th-century "rural cemetery" style, it features winding paths, lush, mature groves, and prominent, historic monuments. The Dauphin County Master Gardeners assist in replacing invasive species with natives, managing a "middle story" planting initiative, and maintaining the grounds.

The site includes an 1850 Gothic Revival caretaker’s cottage designed by Andrew Jackson Downing. The cemetery is the final resting place for several Pennsylvania governors (David R. Porter, William Findlay, John Geary, George Wolf), U.S. senators, and over 150 Civil War soldiers. It is characterized as a quiet, scenic, and, at times, overgrown historic site that offers a peaceful, wooded landscape in an urban setting.

This program is for all ages, but children should be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

• Pre-registration is required

Location & Parking: Parking for the Historic Harrisburg Cemetery and Arboretum (521 N. 13th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103) is primarily available via street parking on N. 13th Street or adjacent neighborhood streets. There are no large dedicated, paved lots directly inside the historic cemetery grounds; visitors should plan to park in the residential area surrounding the site.

A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and presented by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners.