Fees 

Note that we have a program mimimum of 10 students. 

Cancellation Fee: Programs will be held rain or shine, except for severe weather. If weather conditions are questionable, we will contact you. Cancellation within 5 weeks of your scheduled date will result in a charge of the minimum program fee (equivalent to ten students) per class per program booked.

Facilities

Our facilities include:

• 172-acre Arboretum collection featuring over 1,000 species of native and non-native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants
• Parking area (including loading and unloading) designated for school buses
• Picnic area with tables for 80-100 people
• Wheelchair-accessible restrooms in Quarters, Parkfield Learning Center, and the Peetwood Pavilion.

Information About Programs & Integrating Your Blandy Experience Into Your Classroom

Click on the individual program link for program overviews and cluster lessons which consist of several recommended activities to do before your field investigation at Blandy as well as synthesis and review lessons after. These clusters can be used as a teaching unit. 

Elementary

Early Explorers (PK-K) 

Let's Sprout (K-2nd)

Mammals (K-2nd)

Incredible Insects (2nd-3rd)

Scoop on Soil (3rd)

It's for the Birds (2nd-4th)

Snake Savvy (3rd-4th)

Rocks Talk (5th)

Vivid Virginia (3rd-4th)

Flower Functions (4th)

Middle School

Watershed Investigations (6th)

Arborsleuth (6th-8th)

Young Ecologists (7th)

High School

Water Quality Technology (9th-12th)

Science Explorations (9th-12th)                               

Environmental Science Investigations (9th-12th)   

Self-Guided

Self- Guided Backpacks (varies)

At- a- Glance Table of Education Programs

Helpful Information to Discover More!

Be sure to visit our registration request page to start the process of signing up for one of our preK-12 programs.

If your school group or summer camp is planning to visit for a self-led exploration, please contact Emily Ford at 434-243-3611 or emilyford@virginia.edu so we are aware of your planned visit and can provide guidance and suggestions for your visit. 
The following documents provide essential information to make your visit a success. 

Blandy Guidelines and Etiquette

Chaperone Duties

There is no charge for adult chaperones up to 1 per 4 children. Additional chaperones will be charged as participants in the program. Exceptions to the maximum chaperone limit are adults assisting students with special needs and teacher assistants. Our requested adult to student ratio is 1:5 (preK-5th), 1:7 (6th– 8th) and 1:9 (9th-12th). All chaperones must be registered and approved per the visiting school’s policy.

Map of Blandy

Safety in our Outdoor Education

As part of UVA’s Single-Use Plastics Reduction Strategy, Blandy Experimental Farm has eliminated single-use plastics, such as plastic straws and cutlery, 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. 

Program Structure:
For 1 to 2 classes visiting Blandy: Allow 90 minutes for each program (which includes pre-program orientation), unless otherwise stated in the program description. We can lead two programs at one time. There are three time slots available (10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). Please arrive 15 minutes before the program start time. 
For 3 to 5 classes visiting Blandy: The Education team at Blandy Experimental Farm has developed Rotation Schedules for many of the programs offered at Blandy. With these schedules, Blandy staff and teachers share the responsibility for leading students through the program activities. Rotation schedules are:

• Intended for schools bringing 3-5 classes in one day
• Planned for maximum student engagement
• Available for many of our programs
• A typical rotation will take about 2-3 hours. Call or email for more information.
• Arrival time is 9:40 a.m. for program briefing and restroom visits

Sample Rotation Schedule

Call 434-243-3611 or email schprog@virginia.edu if you have questions about program structure.