What are the hours? The grounds of Blandy Experimental Farm are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.
What is this place? Blandy Experimental Farm is a 712-acre University of Virginia research facility. The purpose of Blandy is to increase the understanding of the natural environment through research and education. Blandy is also home to the State Arboretum of Virginia, which occupies the central 172 acres of Blandy.
What is there to do here? There is lots to do at Blandy Experimental Farm! Check our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest information about our programs and events. You can also learn about and appreciate nature by visiting Blandy on your own. There are walking trails, self-guided tours, gardens to visit, and don’t forget to check out the Native Plant Trail.
Do you have walking trails? Yes. Maps are available here and at the information kiosk at the west end of the main parking lot.
Are dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are welcome on a leash. Please clean up after your pet.
Can I ride my horse here? Yes. Blandy has a bridle trail. Please click here for more information.
Where are the public restrooms? There are public restrooms at the Quarters building, and at the Peetwood Pavilion (Peetwood is closed during winter months).
Is the Tuleyries open to the public? No. The Tuleyries is privately owned. Please do not drive into or walk on the Tuleyries property.
Where can I get a map or more information? There is posted information, as well as maps and brochures at the information kiosk at the west end of the main parking lot, near the flagpole.
How do I make a donation? Please visit Online Payments/Donations
Do you offer guided tours? Yes, for groups. Click here for more information.
Can tour buses drive through Blandy? No. Buses are not allowed to drive through grounds due to sharp turns and low-hanging tree branches. Buses must park in the front field parking lot. Enter Blandy from the Route 50 entrance, then turn left into the parking lot at the "Bus & Visitor Parking" sign.
Do you have events and programs? Yes. Please check our calendar of events and programs.
Are there activities for children? Yes! For example, check out our activity pages for young naturalists.
I’m a teacher. Can I bring my class for a field trip? We are dedicated to providing local environmental science education and imparting a sense of place to students. Each Education Program includes an exciting variety of inquiry-based structured learning experiences for school-aged groups from public, private, and home schools. All programs provide hands-on learning experiences through indoor and outdoor activities. Students interact through inquiry discussions and questions to help them apply what they already know to their new experiences. Programs are aligned to Virginia SOL and are designed to complement and enhance what educators are teaching in their classrooms.
Can I get my family/wedding/graduation photos done here? Yes! Professional and amateur photographers should check guidelines for photographers here
May I collect natural items (leaves, sticks, pine cones, ginkgo fruits) on the grounds? No. Collecting is only allowed with individual permission from the Curator.
My plant at home looks sick. If I bring in a clipping, can you help me figure out what's wrong with it? To protect the unique specimens in the arboretum’s collection and reduce the spread of plant pests and diseases, PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY OUTSIDE PLANT MATERIAL TO BLANDY. You can reach out to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office (https://ext.vt.edu/offices.html) for assistance diagnosing plant pests and diseases.
Do you sell plants? Plants are sold at Garden Fair, our annual Mother's Day weekend event.
Are there any indoor exhibits? No. All of our gardens and other areas open to the public are outdoors.
Can we bring a picnic? Yes. We have a picnic area at the east end of the main parking lot.
Is there a way to find specific trees in the arboretum? Yes! Go to Find Our Trees
Who do I contact about doing research at Blandy? Those with questions about conducting research at Blandy should contact Kyle Haynes. Undergraduates interested in the REU program can find information here.