Be sure to visit our registration request page to view our catalog of programs and 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 540-837-1758 ext. 290 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
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.
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! Water bottle filling stations will be coming soon. Until then, visitors may refill water bottles from the taps in any of our public restrooms.
Program Structure:
For 1 to 2 classes visiting Blandy: Allow 90 minutes for each program (which includes pre-program orientation and restroom break), unless otherwise stated in the program description. We can lead two programs at one time– one in the Parkfield Learning Center and one at Peetwood Pavilion. 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 most programs except the following: Water Quality Technology and Science Explorations.
- 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
Call 540-837-1758 Ext. 242 or email schprog@virginia.edu if you have questions about program structure.
Fees: Program fees vary from $4 to $9 per student, depending on the program selected. Please see our catalog for details.
Our Facilities Include:
- 175-acre Arboretum collection featuring over 1,000 species of native and non-native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants
- Parking area designated for school buses
- Picnic area with tables for ~80-100 people
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms in Quarters, Parkfield Learning Center, and the Peetwood Pavilion.
Sample Rotation Schedule
Explore Ways To Integrate Your Blandy Experience Into Your Curriculum
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 to follow. These clusters can be used as a teaching unit.
