Friends of the Arboretum Lecture
"Sliding Through the Years"
Mark Weathington
- Thursday, February 12, 2026 — 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Come "slide" through the years with Mark Weathington, director of the JC Raulston Arboretum as he takes a look back — one click at a time.
In celebration of the JC Raulston Arboretum 's 50th Anniversary, we are dusting off the classic slide projector (yes, we still have them in the storage closet) and paying tribute to the format that once defined these lectures. We will limit him to one slide carousel and ask him for a slide list to print out for handouts just to complete the full effect of a throwback Friends of the Arboretum lecture.
Through this intentionally retro presentation, Mark will "slide" through his horticultural and professional journey from Blacksburg, Virginia to Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum. He reflects on the people, places and plants that shaped his career, proving that while technology may change, a good story—and a good slide—never goes out of style.
Friends of the Arboretum Lectures are a member benefit and open to JCRA Members and their friends. Not a JCRA Member? Support the gardens today for our 50th Anniversary or you can come as our guest, because every plant lover is our friend!
Lecture starts at 6:30 pm with time at the end of the lecture for questions and time to catch up with the JCRA community.