Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses and relax in our beautifully landscaped park, away from the noise and light pollution. The moon will begin to cover the sun at about 2:07 pm on April 8th. By about 3:20 pm, the sun will be completely covered for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. By 4:30, the show will be over.

Beginning at noon, the arboretum will be hosting two Rochester area poets for a poetry reading in the gazebo – a kickoff to our Poetry Trail initiative. Jennifer Maloney and Jonathon Everitt will be sharing original works of their art.

Jennifer Maloney, from Greece, just had her first book published by Clare Songbirds Publishing House, entitled Evidence of Fire. The collection includes expressions of human pleasures, pain and traumas. The writing arts provide these outlets and the Poetry Trail looks to provide a space where these human experiences can be shared; letting others know they are not alone in their life journeys.

Jonathan Everitt, from Webster, began writing in grade school. Solitude is critical to his creative process; however, he embraces the idea of community and sees the Poetry Trail venue as a place for writers to gather and to share their work, as well as to wander the arboretum grounds.  His work is diverse, historical, sometimes humorous as well as sensitive to the entire human experience.

Afterward, there will be open readings, where the public is invited to share their works. If the weather is inclement, the readings will be moved to the Curry Building.

The Curry Building will be open from 11am to 5 pm for complimentary hot and cold beverages.