Maine's Capital Area

This major project became a three-year odyssey when we first realized that the entire structure needed to be replaced.  We also learned along the way that removing the original structure would also be a major project, far more involved than originally thought.  We rolled up our sleeves and with generous volunteer help from the Augusta Bird Club, summer interns, various work crews and a lot of sweat, we have finally accomplished this project and will hold a grand opening on November 10^th. 9 – 11:00. Meet at the Visitors Center or drive down Piggery Road and meet us on the right at the two new granite post and chain entrance.

This popular Arboretum feature is used all the time by thousands of visitors each year. Bird watchers, nature photographers, visitors seeking a quiet place surrounded by nature and the list of uses goes on.  Special thanks to the many individuals who have contributed financially to this project including the Augusta Nature Club, Kennebec Savings Bank, the Betterment Foundation, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Recreational Trails Fund. In many ways, the completion of this project is a major milestone for Viles. It’s truly a foundation piece as we move into our next decade of building relationships with visitors from all over Maine. It features in every one of our educational programs and many of our events and adds a very special resource in support of all that we do here in connecting people to nature.

The Viles Arboretum is centrally located in Augusta, Maine on 224 acres of fields, forests, wetlands and with botanical collections from around the world. We offer an ever-changing selection of inspirational exhibits, educational and practical programs for the general public and for schools. We focus on interactive, creative and hands-on teaching with a focus on botany and natural history.  Our goal is to unlock everyone’s natural ability to understand the nature of our world through your own eyes and by using your own intellect.

We strive to make our 224 acres of fields, forests and wetlands, play a key role in contributing to the quality of life for Maine citizens and visitors from every corner of the world. Our presence contributes significantly to the quality of life in and around Augusta and beyond and our newly installed Art Trail presents the largest publically accessible display of outdoor art sculpture in Maine.

You can learn more about the Arboretum and its programs, or how to become more involved by checking our website at www.vilesarboretum.org, checking our Facebook page or simply by stopping in or calling us at 626-7989.