The Reading Public Museum was founded in 1904 to provide a cultural center for fine arts and sciences. The Museum and Arboretum have and continue to be an educational and recreational focal point for the public and local schools. The facility, grounds and collections provide a dynamic three-dimensional laboratory and a source of relaxation.

When the Museum building was opened to the public in 1928, John Nolen, a prominent landscape architect from Harvard, developed long range plans for the park surrounding the Museum. Many specimens were donated from Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum and from Mr. Bertrand Farr, who contributed generously from his superb collection of botanical specimens. The plantings were carefully located throughout the park, and during that same year, the Arboretum was made an accredited station for the United States Bureau of Plant Industry.

Many of the 65 distinctive specimens on the map of the park today are from the original planting. The trees which are labeled show both scientific and common names. Large exotic trees are interspersed with indigenous trees and shrubs, serving as an exterior laboratory for anyone wishing to observe the natural world.

The Wyomissing Creek, which flows through the Arboretum and Park, is one of Berks County’s most visited places. Seasonal changes in the 25 landscaped acres invite leisurely walks along the many pathways or silent contemplation on foot bridges that crisscross the creek.

During springtime in the Arboretum, flowers of all sizes and colors burst forth as sunlight and rains increase air and soil temperatures. Bulbs, herbaceous and ground plants catch the year’s early sunlight to produce their flowers and seeds. Spring breezes assist in fertilization of the early flowering trees and shrubs whose fruit matures through autumn.

As Spring becomes Summer, the growth flush of leaves produces deeper shaded areas, important to the life cycles of the understory and ground plants. Flowers and warming temperatures capture the attention of insects and other invertebrates. Bird life, including nesting is at its highest point. Mammals, reptiles and amphibians become more active and are a common sight throughout the park.

Summer’s warmer temperatures and lesser precipitation bring new changes. The Wyomissing Creek attracts life at or around its banks – plants, trees, insects, animals and humans. Later flowering varieties of plants and trees provide a contrast of color to the green. Insects and birds fertilize flowers as the warm breezes of Summer become cooler and daylight shortens.

Autumn provides a spectacular show of colors through brilliantly colored leaves and fruits. Conifers and marsh plants increase the landscape’s form and texture. Migration changes the many species of birds and waterfowl that are present in the park during the entire year.

Chilly winds and frosty mornings bring cooler shades of color. Sudden snowfalls and magical ice formations in The Wyomissing Creek and on the plants and trees around it, make winter a time of enchantment. Underground, the roots of the trees are preparing for the Spring, while bulbs await a rebirth.

The Museum has gone through many changes since its founding, but one of its main purpose continues to be the teaching and enlightenment of the community and visitors to this area. The Museum accepts and uses volunteers to accomplish many of its daily operations and projects. Please inquire if you wish to become a Friend of the Museum or volunteer your time to improve this fine place for future visitors and residents.

Remember that one of the many highlights of the Arboretum is nature in a learning environment. Any time is a good time to take pictures in this park, but please do not pick the flowers or disturb the wildlife.

Enjoy your experience in this natural landscape and always be respectful of nature and it processes!

Links:
Trudy’s Garden
Volunteer Gardening Groups