Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
When the city of Harrisonburg comes to mind, it’s often thought of in relation to James Madison University. Harrisonburg is very much a college-town, and many of the residents here are students (like me!). What many people don’t realize is that there’s so much more to this city than a university. Many attractions can be seen in Harrisonburg, and one of my favorites is the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. While this attraction is considered to be a part of JMU, it is open to the public and would make a simple – yet beautiful – trip any weekend in this approaching fall weather.
Not only does the arboretum have a large pond with ducks you can feed, there are also many fall events that happen there. On Saturday, October 17th there will be a “Remarkable Trees Field Trip” departing from the Frances Plecker Education Center to take a trip to the C & O Canal to see beautiful fall tree colors and the canal. Also inside of the arboretum is a labyrinth that anyone can take the path up to and check out.
If you ever need a relaxing place to go on your weekend, look nowhere other than the arboretum. Bring a loaf of bread down to the peaceful pond and relieve some stress by feeding ducks or kicking back on a bench and simply breathing in the world around you.
The arboretum offers a beautiful and relaxing glimpse into Harrisonburg outside of JMU, and is especially pretty during the fall season. According to Dr. Carrier, President Emeritus of JMU…
“…this piece of land, this arboretum, is dedicated to stabilizing and balancing the lives of those who visit it. This space is also dedicated to the needs of ordinary people who seek renewal and who simply need an infusion of nature to better handle their days.”
--Dr. Ronald Carrier, JMU President Emeritus, at an Arboretum ceremony in 1997
