A note about our programs
We hold most programs rain, snow, or shine, unless we notify you otherwise. If you cancel your registration seven days or more prior to the program date, we’ll refund your fee in full. If you cancel within seven days of the program date, we are unable to refund your fee. If the Foundation of the State Arboretum cancels a program for any reason, we will refund your fee in full. Programs open to children/youth require an adult to attend with them and the adult is responsible for their supervision for the duration of the program. Advance registration is required for all programs. Space is limited.
Starting a Wildflower Patch from Seed: How to Seed and Maintain Meadows Large and Small
6:30-8:00 PM Thursday, January 16th
Join our Native Plant Trail assistant curator for a step-by-step presentation on how to start a native wildflower patch from seed. Site preparation, seed mix creation, seeding methods, and continued maintenance will all be discussed, with ample time for questions.
What to expect: A lecture-style talk.
Who can come: The program is designed for adult audiences.
Where to meet: Meet in the library at the Quarters building.
Registration required. Register on Eventbrite!
Our Cherished Chestnuts: The Importance of a Balanced Ecosystem
2:00-3:00 PM Sunday, January 26th
Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate (or tea!) as you find out all about the American Chestnut.
Discover how the decline of the American Chestnut due to chestnut blight reshaped local ecosystems and economies, and learn about how scientists are trying to save American Chestnuts from extinction.
What to expect: An outdoor nature walk (less than 1 mile) with clues to unravel along the way.
Who can come: All ages! No pets, please.
What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Hot chocolate/tea provided!
What’s new at the arboretum?
7:00-8:00 PM Thursday, February 6th
Tune in to this virtual talk to catch up on a few exciting new additions to the arboretum's collection---including a “Moon Tree” grown from a seed that orbited the Moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission!
How to “tune in”: Expect to receive a link to the Zoom meeting during the week of the program through the email used in Eventbrite at registration. Can’t find it? Check your spam folder, or email public programs coordinator Ariel Firebaugh (alf7f@virginia.edu) to request a new link. Still having trouble? We hope to livestream the program on Blandy’s Facebook page.
Register for this program on Eventbrite to receive a Zoom link.
Getting Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count
Free drop in program 1:00-2:00 PM Saturday, February 15th
Learn all about the Great Backyard Bird Count, a community science project tracking wild bird populations. Work with a naturalist to practice collecting data. Leave ready to collect data on the birds in your own backyard! This is a family-friendly, “drop-in” style program—come when you want, and stay as long as you want.
What to expect: An outdoor program with minimal walking.
Who can come: All ages! No pets, please.
What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you wish.
Where to meet: Meet at the bird feeders near the PLC (Parkfield Learning Center). Signs will direct you from the information kiosk in front parking lot to the bird feeders.
Free drop in program. No need to register!
Bodacious Birds
2:00-3:00 PM Saturday, February 15th
Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate (or tea!) and spy on our feathered friends! Find out how birds find food and shelter in the wintertime.
What to expect: An outdoor nature walk (less than 1 mile) with a short indoor activity.
Who can come: All ages! No pets, please.
What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Hot chocolate/tea provided!
Where to meet: Meet at the Blandy library at the Quarters building. Signs will direct you from the information kiosk in front parking lot to the library.
Coastal Plain Fossils (Ages 8+)
2:00-3:00 PM Sunday, March 2nd
Join Virginia Master Naturalist and Environmental Educator Sara Dydak to learn all about fossils! In this program, you’ll find out how organisms become fossils, what types of organisms lived in Virginia millions of years ago, and where to hunt for fossils in Virginia. Then, you’ll sort through sediment collected from the Coastal Plain region of Virginia to search for your very own fossils to take home!
What to expect: An engaging talk, then an activity.
Who can come: This program is designed for youth ages 8+. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver for the duration of the program. No pets, please.
Where to meet: Meet at the Blandy library in the Quarters building. Signs will direct you from the front parking lot near the flagpole and information kiosk to the library.