The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum at LancasterHistory will host their 2025 annual dinner on Wednesday, April 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster. Proceeds will benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum 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. The arboretum includes more than 100 species of trees from around the world, 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 dinner event will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the main program, awards, and giveaway drawing at around 7:30 p.m. The event will also include a 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 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 HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. He maintains the website Tree Treasures of Lancaster County and serves on the board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum.

Ticket purchase includes access to the event, dinner, and the main presentation. Giveaway drawing tickets may be purchased with cash during the cocktail reception. Proceeds from the dinner and giveaway drawings will benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

The dinner will include a salad with sun-dried cranberries, garden vegetables, and balsamic vinaigrette; herb roasted potatoes and seasonal roasted vegetables; the choice of 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 by Tuesday, April 1, visit http://www.lancasterhistory.org 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. Reservations will be complete upon receipt of payment.