Arboretum Tour: Second Wind

This Ocean Drive Neighborhood gem on 2.7 acres includes Gingko plantings, forested wetland featuring native Amelanchier canadensis and Acer rubrum, and the owner’s Heritage Collection – specimen trees planted in honor of members of the family inspired by favorite trees planted along Bellevue Avenue. This vibrant, whimsical property is a must see!

NTC Members: Use your membership code to receive $5 off. The code can also be entered to get tickets two weeks before General Admission opens.

Non-Members:  General admission opens to the public on September 6th. To become a member and gain access to early registration click here.

Please note this tour involves standing and walking for the duration of the program time.

We have reserved October 11th as a rain date in case of inclement weather.

Mission: The mission of Second Wind Arboretum is to explore the ways in which a private property can contribute to conservation, education and their community in a meaningful way.

Special Features:

BACKYARD BEES

The Huffmans enjoy the sweet rewards of rearing honeybees in their backyard. Three brightly painted beehive boxes in the northwest corner of the property provide the Huffman family with their own honey.

DOGWOOD CROCQUET COURT

The croquet court, a turf field for playing croquet and other outdoor games, is bordered by Kousa dogwoods and blue hydrangeas. This turf is allowed to grow longer than a traditional croquet court in order to make the management of the area more sustainable: fewer herbicides, less watering, and less mowing.

GINKGO PLAYGROUND

The “Ginkgo Playground” boasts a charming design highlighting colorful hammocks and a large wooden playset. These young ginkgo plantings replace a previous stand of very old native Amelanchier that were damaged in hurricane Sandy.

FORESTED WETLAND

The property also includes a portion of a forested wetland area (once part of a 9-hole golf course called “Ocean Links”). This type of wetland is the least protected wetland type in Rhode Island; the uncultivated swampy area has native Acer rubrum growing along with other native shrubs such as Amelanchier canadensis.