BOSTON--Over the next few weeks, the canopy covering Harvard Yard will fade faithfully into its fall shades.

It will be impressive, but at a Harvard-affiliate just across town the canopy will be even more impressive.

At the Arnold Arboretum in Boston's Jamacia Plain neighborhood, autumn means 130 different kinds of maples, and almost as many different colors.

The changing colors draw people to the Arboretum all fall.

"It's a nice way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and have a nice walk outdoors," said Ellen S. Bennett, the arboretum's manager of horticultural information.

The Arboretum, which is held in trust by the University and funded by its own endowment, is a research and educational institution that manages 265 acres of trees, shrubs and vines. Founded in 1872, the arboretum was planned as a part of Boston's Emerald Necklace park system. It collects trees and plants from around the world for education and display.

More than 5000 kinds of plants are cultivated in the collections, with more than 15,000 individual plants, making it the largest and best documented woody plant collection in North America. Special collections include lilacs and bonsai.

"It's a great place to just come and clear your mind and relax and learn more about plants and the outdoors," Bennett said.

Though the park is open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk, the urban forests' visitor's center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. The Arboretum is located one block northeast from the Forest Hills end of the orange line. But leave lunch at home--picnics, fires and barbecues are prohibited.

The Arboretum offers guided tours of the grounds, as well as lectures and courses on horticulture.

The Arboretum is a popular destination for both tourists and Boston locals. Reggie W. Price described the landscape as "romantic, beautiful and exotic."

Some visitors said colorful plants and trees are more sparse at this time of the year.

"Spring is better, but it's always nice," said Jennifer A. Love.

But Kim R. Wright said early October's crisp weather makes for a great visit to the park.

"When I come here, I like to read--it's nice and quiet and peaceful," said Wright. "It's a good time of year to be over here."