Nestled in the heart of our community, the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is a place where nature, beauty and tranquility come together. While some of you may have strolled its paths or attended one of our seasonal events, others may not yet realize that this treasure exists — right in your own backyard.
As you pass through the stone pillars into the garden, it quickly becomes clear that the arboretum is more than just a collection of trees and plants. It is a living, breathing tribute to the natural beauty of East Texas — a thoughtfully cultivated space where native landscapes, beautiful gardens, and educational programs invite you to slow down, explore, and connect.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, the arboretum offers something for everyone — from peaceful walks and wildlife sightings to hands-on learning and seasonal color that changes with every visit.
Just like any living thing, the arboretum is constantly changing with the seasons. Every time you walk through the garden, you will notice something different. In early spring, the garden was brought to life by thousands of colorful tulips. Visitors were delighted by the beautiful rows of red, yellow, pink and purple blooms as winter turned quickly into spring.
Over the past few weeks, our dedicated staff and volunteers have been working hard planting hundreds of caladiums and calla lily bulbs throughout the garden. These vibrant additions promise to bring a burst of stunning color as summer unfolds.
This summer also brings the return of one of our most beloved Arboretum traditions — summer science camps! Designed for students ages 6–12, these nature-based camps offer two one-week sessions filled with discovery, creativity and outdoor adventure.
Each day features a unique science theme, including favorites like Bird Day, Butterfly Day, and Mushroom Day. Led by experienced elementary school teachers, campers enjoy hands-on learning, fun crafts, special guests, and plenty of outdoor games and exploration. Whether a child is a budding biologist, a nature lover, or simply loves to play and learn, our summer science camps offer an unforgettable experience.
For the first time this summer, the arboretum is proud to host a Bonsai exhibit on display in the Nature Center lobby June 20 through July 3. This special exhibit, presented in partnership with the Gregg County Master Gardeners and the Longview Bonsai Society, showcases the beauty and artistry of bonsai — miniature trees cultivated with patience, care and tradition.
As a complement to the exhibit, we are hosting a free introductory program, “Master the Possibilities,” set 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 in the Nature Center conference room. This session is perfect for anyone curious about bonsai and will include inspiration, answers to your questions and fun door prizes. Both the exhibit and program are free and open to the public.
We’re thrilled to announce a new event for this year — the first annual Pickle in the Pines Pickleball Tournament, benefiting the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center! This two-day indoor tournament will take place Aug. 23 and 24 at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this exciting event promises friendly competition, community spirit, and plenty of fun — all in support of a great cause.
Registration opens soon, and spots are expected to fill quickly due to limited availability. Be sure to follow us on social media (www.longviewarboretum.org) and stay tuned for updates, registration links and more details as they become available.
We hope you will take the time to come out and visit the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center this summer. We are a true East Texas treasure and a vital addition to Longview. We invite you to join us as we strive to “Inspire our community through nature, art, and education to grow a better world.”
— Claire Bissell is executive director of the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center.