October 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (ET)

1800 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Member Price: $99 USD

Online registration for this event closed September 29, 2026. Refunds are no longer available for cancellations and/or no-shows.

Non-Member Price: $199 USD

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) is led by the mission to be a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the waters and lands we steward. This mission guides MBGNA’s stewardship of four distinct properties as part of the University of Michigan. These lands include thematic display gardens, a conservatory, restored natural areas, conserved ecosystems, and living collections to support research, teaching, and public engagement while fostering meaningful connections between people and nature.

Focus: Plant Collections & Management

We are excited to have you join us for a day of collections engagement at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The day begins with a strategic framing of our organization and an introduction to our Peony and Bonsai collections. After lunch, enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Melvyn C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden followed by an interactive workshop where we share our process for drafting MBGNA’s Living Collections Policy, and discuss together how to reconcile collections management nuances inherent in complex organizations.

Event Schedule:

9:00 – 10:00 AM: Guests arrive, light refreshments, early conservatory/display garden access

10:00 – 10:20 AM: Opening Remarks on Strategic Planning & Next Steps

10:20 – 10:50 AM: Plant Records History & Collection Policy Process

11:00 – 11:40 AM: Peony Collection Overview

11:40 AM – 12:00 PM: Bonsai Collection Overview

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch (provided) & Conservatory/Display Garden access

1:00 – 1:40 PM: Bonsai Collection tour

1:40 – 2:20 PM: Conservatory Tour

2:30 – 3:30 PM: Conservatory Roundtable Discussion (co-hosted with Holden Forests & Gardens)

2:30 – 3:30 PM: Collections Policy Workshop & Discussion

3:30 – 4:00 PM: Report Out & Wrap-Up

4:30 – 6:00 PM: Optional Post-Event Social

Optional Michigan Gardens Gathering on Wednesday, October 7

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is hosting the fall gathering of the Michigan Gardens group on Wednesday, October 7 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This informal gathering is attended by public gardening professionals from around the region. There is no fee to attend and you are invited to participate if your schedule allows.

Please RSVP by filling out this form: Michigan Gardens Fall Gathering. Any questions may be directed to Doug Conley at dsconley@umich.edu.