Visitor Guidelines

We encourage all visitors to explore the arboretum and enjoy our various gardens and collections. Feel free to walk on all the trails and gravel roads within the arboretum, as well as any mowed grassy areas. While visiting, please remember that the arboretum is a living museum and outdoor laboratory. We ask that you respect the collection by following these rules:

• For school groups, summer camps, etc. If you would like to request a staff-led field investigation program, please click here. To learn more about our programs, visit here.
• For large groups (those in school buses, charter buses, or groups larger than 25) planning to visit for their own self-guided exploration, please contact us at blandyoffice@virginia.edu so we are aware of your visit and can provide you information on parking and areas to enjoy as well as areas to avoid.
• 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.
• Park only in designated areas.
• Do not climb trees or stone walls.
• Do not disturb plant tags or labels.
• Do not pick flowers or collect any plants or plant parts, including seeds, leaves, pine cones, and acorns.
• Do not disturb wildlife, including snakes and insects.
• Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Please carefully consider the personality of your pet before deciding to bring them to Blandy.
• Owners must clean up after pets.
• Horses must stay on marked bridle trail.
• Drive only on designated roads and park only in designated parking areas. Do not park under or near trees.
• Do not walk in garden beds.
• Remote control vehicles, including aerial drones, are prohibited.
• Team sports and games are not permitted.
• Bikes and scooters (except mobility aids) may only be ridden on paved and gravel roads.
• Hunting, fishing, night hiking, overnight camping, grills, and fires are prohibited.

As part of UVA’s Single-Use Plastics Reduction Strategy, Blandy Experimental Farm has eliminated single-use plastics, such as plastic straws and cutlery, single use plastic and polystyrene food service containers, disposable plastic bags, and single use plastic water bottles. Please join us in our efforts by bringing a refillable water bottle when you visit, and by bringing compostable or reusable food containers and utensils for your next picnic. Water bottle filling stations will be coming soon. Until then, visitors may refill water bottles from the taps in any of our public restrooms.

In case of emergency, dial 911.

Photographer Guidelines

Amateur and professional photographers are welcome at the State Arboretum of Virginia. No permits or fees are required, but donations are encouraged. A donation tube is near the information kiosk adjacent to the main parking area. There is no charge for admission except during special events. Engagement photos, senior portraits, etc. are welcome. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times.
To assure the enjoyment of all visitors, please follow these guidelines:            

• Leave absolutely No Trace. If you bring it with you, take it with you, even if it's organic.
• No glitter, confetti, color powder, or chalk outlines.
• Please respect the collection. This is an outdoor research laboratory and living museum. Do not pick flowers or plants, or remove any signs or plant labels, as this may cause a botanical identity crisis.
• Do not step or stand in garden beds, or pose subjects in trees or on stone walls.
• If you turn or move a bench, please return it to its original location.
• Tripods are allowed, but please do not block walkways or paths when other visitors are present.
• Avoid buildings during business hours. Only staff and residents are allowed upstairs in the Quarters.
• Photographers may not block or reserve any area for their exclusive use. More than 150,000 visitors come to the Arboretum every year. Expect company, especially on weekends. You can check our Reservation Calendar to see if there are any scheduled events that may impact your plans.

If you have any questions, email blandy@virginia.edu.

Thank You!

Petiquette

• Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times.
• Please carefully consider the personality of your pet before deciding to bring them to Blandy.
• Do not allow pets to approach other pets or visitors.
• Owners must pick up pet waste.
• Keep pets out of garden beds and research areas.