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Contact: Sarah Bone, 760-878-2194
INDEPENDENCE, Calif. – Manzanar National Historic Site invites the public to a weekend of special events, as part of the North American Japanese Garden Association’s signature “Gardens for Peace” project.
This initiative brings communities together in over 20 Japanese gardens in North America to promote peace. The project is linked to the annual September 21st International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution. Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world.
On-site tours will be led by National Park Service archeologist Jeff Burton. With the help of volunteers and others, Jeff has uncovered over 20 Japanese gardens at Manzanar and has shared their legacy with archeologists, garden professionals, and the public through hands-on preservation projects, presentations, and publications.
The tours will involve up to 3/4 of a mile of walking. Chairs, water, and a porta-potty will be provided at Merritt Park. Visitors should bring snacks and water. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag if they wish to take home some of Manzanar’s historic pears.
Schedule of Events:
Saturday, September 20, 2025
9 a.m.: Rose planting at Merritt Park in Manzanar National Historic Site
Where: From the Merritt Park Parking area, it is a short walk to the Rose Garden.
Details: Tools and supervision will be provided. There will be roses to plant but bring a hybrid tea rose to plant in honor of someone special.
5 p.m.: Welcome Reception
Where: Alabama Hills Café Bar, 325 S. Main St., Lone Pine, CA 93545
Details: No-Host Gathering
Sunday, September 21, 2025
9 a.m.: Guided tour of three of the earliest Japanese Gardens at Manzanar
Where: Meet on the west side of the Manzanar Visitor Center
Details: 1/2-mile walk mostly on old roads to see two barracks gardens (Block 15) and a mess hall garden (Block 9). Wear sturdy walking shoes and sun protection and bring water.
11:00 a.m.: Guided tour of Arai Pond and Merritt Park
Where: Meet at the Arai Pond Parking area
Details: 1/2-mile walk on a sandy trail, old roads, and a hardened pathway. Wear sturdy walking shoes and sun protection and bring water.
Noon: Lunch and informal discussion
Where: Merritt Park, the end point of the morning tour
Details: Chairs and a porta-potty will be provided. Bring your own lunch and beverage.
1:00 p.m.: Dedication of Hiroshima descendant trees at Merritt Park
Where: Merritt Park
Details: Brief presentation by Hiroshima Green Legacy.
1:30 p.m.: Guided Tour of More Gardens, Children’s Village, and Orchards
Where: Merritt Park
Distance: 3/4-mile walk to see the Block 22 and 34 mess hall gardens, the hospital garden, Children’s Village, and the historic orchards. Mostly on cleared paths and old roads with a few short cross-county sections. Return to Merritt Park. Wear sturdy walking shoes and sun protection and bring water. Bring a bag to harvest pears.
Manzanar’s gardens were created by Japanese Americans who were incarcerated at the World War II prison camp as symbols of hope and resilience in the face of racism and wartime hysteria. Although not all of the gardens have been fully restored, the tours will help participants imagine the lush landscapes once created behind barbed wire.
www.nps.gov
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Last updated: August 22, 2025