Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Summit, New Jersey, United States

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Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, New Jersey, is a 13.5-acre historic estate known as "The Clearing," originally developed in 1889 by John and Fanny Wisner as a country estate with landscaping designed by Calvert Vaux, co-designer of Central Park.

The site is listed on the National and New Jersey State Registers of Historic Places and reflects design trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, blending natural woodlands, formal gardens, open vistas, and recreational features. The arboretum honors the region’s natural and cultural history, with trails winding through glacial bowls and native habitats, complemented by gardens that have evolved to support native and ornamental plants.

It serves as a public green space dedicated to environmental education, horticulture, and conservation, hosting events, educational programs, and community activities that promote stewardship of nature. Recent initiatives include the “A Path for All” project for improved accessibility to allow everyone to enjoy the gardens safely and comfortably, keeping alive the estate’s tradition of sharing its beauty and biodiversity with the public.