Outdoors starting to open up

Visitors will face some restrictions

Holden Arboretum will begin welcoming members next week with some restrictions.

Holden Forests Holden Arboretum& Gardens has announced it will begin to welcome members to the Holden Arboretum on May 12 but with restrictions.

The general public will be welcomed back within approximately two weeks after this date as the arboretum continues to carefully reopen the grounds in Kirtland to the Northeast Ohio community, according to a news release.

The Cleveland Botanical Garden will remain closed until further notice.

Holden stated that its decision to reopen the arboretum to members is being guided by direction provided by Gov. Mike DeWine, Dr. Amy Acton and Responsible Restart Ohio. Holden will continue to adhere to the public health guidelines provided by federal, state, and local authorities, the release stated.

Those who would like to visit the grounds with others must limit their guests to people they live with, and the maximum group size is 10 people.

Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask or facial covering when visiting and they must comply with the state-mandated six-foot physical distancing rule.

Visit holdenarb.org regularly as visitation guidelines may change based on experiences once open to members and the public, the release stated.

Reservation process for members

New timed-entry reservations are required to visit the Arboretum grounds. Beginning May 5, members must make a reservation in advance at holdenarb.org.

Reservations are free-ofcharge to members who can visit the grounds Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last reservation/ entry will be 4 p.m.

Planning a visit

Members must enter through the main entrance and park in the main parking lot only.

Visitors are asked not to approach Holden staff when on the grounds.

Those who have a question are asked to call 440946-440, ext. 224.

It is recommended that visitors bring water and snacks as food and beverages are not available for purchase on site.

All buildings will remain closed, including the Visitor Center. Restrooms are not available.

The Murch Canopy Walk & Kalberer Emergent Tower also will remain closed until further notice.

As always, dogs must be on leash and bring bags for pet waste as well as water for the pet.

Holden Forests & Gardens is made up of two of Northeast Ohio’s environmental and cultural institutions — the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden — whose mission is to connect people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities.

FILE Nature-lovers will soon be able to again enjoy the sites of The Holden Arboretum, like the big weeping willow tree on the edge of Lotus Pond. Holden has announced plans to gradually re-open its grounds but with restrictions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.