LANCASTER, PA — The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum at LancasterHistory will host their 2025 Annual Dinner on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The evening of fellowship and fun will take place from 6-9pm at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster, 2400 Willow Street Pike in Lancaster. Proceeds benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum (pronounced “tan’-jer”) is an 11-acre arboretum featuring a multitude of plant specimens and garden features on the grounds of LancasterHistory and President James Buchanan’s Wheatland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Arboretum includes over 100 species of trees from all over the world as well as two Pennsylvania State Champion trees, pollinator gardens, and an American Conifer Society Reference Garden. The Arboretum is cared for and conserved by the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary of LancasterHistory.

The Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum will begin at 6pm with cocktails, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30pm, and the main program, awards, and raffle drawings around 7:30pm. The evening also includes a fascinating presentation, "In Celebration of the Humble Serviceberry" by local tree enthusiast Len Eiserer.

Eiserer's presentation will focus on how serviceberries (Amelanchier) are crucial players in native landscapes, providing food for pollinators and songbirds. Serviceberries also played important roles in American history as a key food staple for Indigenous peoples and as a harbinger of springtime. Eiserer will tell attendees about the history and importance of the underrated, underutilized, and wonderful serviceberry.

Len Eiserer received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and his doctorate in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College. He has taught for 38 years and currently teaches at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). He maintains the website, Tree Treasures of Lancaster County, and serves on the board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum.

Tickets to attend the Annual Dinner for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum are $65 per person. Ticket purchase includes access to the event, a plated dinner (salad, sides, main entree, and dessert), and the main presentation by Len Eiserer. Raffle tickets may be purchased during the cocktail reception at 6pm with cash. Proceeds from the dinner and raffle benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

Dinner includes: Salad with sun-dried cranberries, garden vegetables, & balsamic vinaigrette, herb roasted potatoes and seasonal roasted vegetables, a main entree (choose one: chicken piccata, New England style baked haddock, or grilled vegetables and pecorino cheese ravioli), and crumb-topped apple pie with whipped cream. It is a cash bar.

To purchase tickets to the Annual Dinner for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, please visit our website or call (717) 392-4633, ext. 133. Any food allergies or special dietary needs should be communicated before the event to Emily Miller at (717) 392-4633, ext. 133 or emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org. RSVP by April 1, 2025. Reservations are held upon receipt of payment.

Join us for a wonderful evening celebrating the Tanger Arboretum on April 16!