Bartlett Book Club 

Our next meeting is April 3, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm, in the Silver Education Center. We will be discussing The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger and having a book swap between members.

Please bring a wrapped book with clues as to what it might be written on the wrapping. Members are also welcomed to bring any snacks, dishes, or drinks they wish to share with the group.

Currently Reading:

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben

Are trees social beings? In The Hidden Life of Trees forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration that he has observed in his woodland.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Bartlett Arboretum Book Club is a bimonthly program that brings readers and nature lovers together in one place.

    What we read is up to you! At each meeting, members vote from a selected list of nature, plant, gardening, or wildlife themed books, to determine what the next one will be. If you would like to join the club, please have read this book before the meeting date; we will be discussing our thoughts on the book as a group then.

    The nature aspect of this club won’t be only limited to the books we choose. At the meetings, there will be additional activities such as book swaps, plant repotting, and propagation! Guest speakers will also be brought to the meetings, to offer additional educational information or an important diverse perspective.

    This is a low commitment book club. We hope the two months between meetings will give our members enough time to finish the book. But even if you don’t, it’s no problem. Come anyway and discuss what you did get to or hear what others have to say about the book.

  • We will meet in the Adult Classroom in the Silver Education Center. When the weather warms up again next year, we will meet outdoors within the arboretum grounds.

  • This meeting is Thursday, February 6th, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. We meet every other month, on the first Thursday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Please arrive shortly before 6:00pm, so we can get started promptly.

  • Yes: wine and light snacks will be served. If you wish to bring snacks or a dish to share with the group, please email William beforehand as to what you’ll be bringing.

    If you have any questions about the club, please email our educator William Carter at wcarter@bartlettarboretum.org