(KIRTLAND) March 10, 2026 – Get ready to experience spring in all its beauty at the Holden Arboretum. Immerse yourself in the emerging tree canopy on the Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Family Emergent Tower beginning April 1, discover colorful blooms in our cultivated gardens, and explore 3,500 acres through a guided tram tour or miles of hiking trails.  From onsite experiences to classes and events, spring comes to life at Holden Arboretum. The Arboretum hours are Tuesdays – Sundays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The first official day of the spring season is Friday, March 20, 2026. 

PHOTOS – ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS 

SPRING EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES 

MURCH CANOPY WALK AND KALBERER EMERGENT TOWER – OPENING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 

Two of the top outdoor attractions in Northeast Ohio are back! The Kalberer Emergent Tower is 120 feet, or 12 stories tall and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area to Lake Erie. The Murch Canopy Walk invites guests on a 500-foot-long elevated walkway that is built 65 feet above the forest floor. This immersive experience takes guests in and out of the forest canopy to experience everything from the middle of a mature forest to a raised view of streams and the forest floor. 

FREE ADMISSION DAY – ARBORETUM OPEN HOUSE, SATURDAY APRIL 25 

Celebrate trees with one of the best living museums in the country! Enjoy free admission to the Arboretum from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., live music, food trucks and a free tree seedling giveaway while supplies last. More information to come. 

HOLDEN GROWN PLANT SALE – SATURDAY MAY 16 & SUNDAY MAY 17 

Whether you are trying to naturalize your landscape or enhance a corner of your garden, this event will offer Holden-grown plants, including over 80 species of native wildflowers, ornamental perennials, shrubs, and trees, including staff favorites and selections from our living collections including rhododendrons, spicebush, milkweed, skullcap, wild senna, wild columbine, toad lily and many, many more! A curated selection of artisans selling nature-inspired wares will round out this spring shopping experience. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own boxes and containers to transport their plants home. Holden Grown Plant Sale hours are Saturday, May 16 from noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Returning by popular demand, Holden Forests & Gardens members can access the sale early, on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Event included with admission. 

TRAM TOURS 

Starting on Saturday, April 25, Arboretum Tram Tours will give guests an overview of the campus and gardens, with a focus on seasonal highlights. You may also learn a little history and information about the scientific work that happens behind the scenes. Cost: $11 per adult, $8 per child. Tours are scheduled throughout the day every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday May through October, and tickets can be purchased in person at the Arboretum’s Corning Visitor Center. Visit holdenfg.org/tram-tours for more details and information about booking private tours. 

WORKING WOODS FIELD DAY – SATURDAY JUNE 6 

Learn about woodland stewardship while walking through the Working Woods Learning Forest at the Holden Arboretum. Join guided tours to explore how forestry, research, and conservation initiatives impact our Northeast Ohio forests, or explore on your own, and connect with regional natural resource organizations and professionals. More information about Working Woods Field Day. 

OUR GARDENS 

Whether you’re a budding plant-lover or a deep-rooted botanist, our gardens offer something special for everyone. As winter gives way to spring, our campus awakens with bursts of color and life. Beginning in May, we will highlight a different garden area or flower at its peak during our new Gardens Alive! series, offering special activities, learning experiences, and unique ways to enjoy our collections. At Holden Arboretum, look forward to one featured weekend each month filled with themed activities, food trucks, and festivities that showcase the beauty of our landscapes. From wildflowers and peonies to the stunning Butterfly Garden, Gardens Alive! is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant blooms of the season. Visit holdenfg.org for details. 

IT’S POPPIN’ 

Beginning in March, The Holden Forests & Gardens Horticulture and Collections team will be providing a weekly bloom report for the Holden Arboretum. “It’s Poppin’” will be your guide for exploring the vibrant colors, subtle smells and overlooked beauty in our gardens. Follow along each week on holdenfg.org, Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. Let us know what you find poppin’ on your next visit! 

GET GROWING WITH SPRING CLASSES 

• DEEP DIVE TOURS AT LEACH RESEARCH STATION: With over 2,300 accessioned plants, the David G. Leach Research Station in Madison, OH is a treasure trove of unique trees, shrubs, and other botanical gems. New this spring, join Rhododendron Collections Manager Connor Ryan for a monthly tour of the grounds, focusing on a different plant group or theme each time. Learn about each plant’s biology, identification, and use in the landscape, then join us for light refreshments and conversation after the tour. All tours include informational handouts to help bring your learning home. 

• Friday, April 17: Golden Oldies: Magnolias at Leach Research Station 

• Friday, May 15: Rhododendrons & Azaleas to Know & Grow 

• Friday, June 19: After the Dust Settles: Plants to Continue the Show 

Tours are located at Leach Research Station in Madison, OH. Cost: $10 per member, $20 per nonmember. Leach Research Tours Registration. 

• STEBBINS GULCH: A HIKE THROUGH GEOLOGICAL HISTORY: Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., experience the wonders of the woods on a guided hike through one of Holden Arboretum’s preserved natural areas. We’ll descend into the ravine and follow the streambed as it cuts through bedrock dating back millions of years, keeping an eye out for unique geological features and fantastic natural beauty. This is a rigorous hike that requires sturdy footwear. Tall, waterproof boots are recommended. For safety reasons, traction cleats (Yaktrax, Crampon, etc.) or micro spikes (Kahtoola, Black Diamond, etc.) are also highly recommended. Participants will not be permitted on the hike without proper gear. Terrain: 2.0 miles, rugged, steep hills, slippery rocks, fallen logs, areas of deeper standing water. Weather will affect trail conditions. Age: Adult, children 12 years & over. All minors must be accompanied by a participating adult. Cost: $12 per member, $22 per nonmember. Stebbins Gulch Hike Registration. 

• FROM KOMBUCHA TO WILD FERMENTED SODAS: On Wednesday, April 22 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., join this immersive workshop to learn about the ins and outs of crafting bubbly beverages with creativity and fun flavors. Guided by Trevor Ring of Community Cultures, participants will learn how to make kombucha and wild-fermented soda utilizing seasonal ingredients. Walk away with the confidence to make these products on your own, some starter cultures, and a jar of wild soda to ferment at home! From Kombucha to Wild Fermented Sodas Registration. 

SUMMER CAMPS 

We are excited to provide day camps at the Holden Arboretum this summer for children ages 4 – 13. Each unique themed camp is packed with outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and physical and creative activities that will get kids connected and excited about nature. Full List of Summer Camps Here  

The Holden Arboretum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Arboretum is closed on Mondays. Admission is $21 for adults, $15 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for Holden Forests & Gardens members.