Programs, Workshops & Walks

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.

Firefly Walk

8:00-9:30 PM Thursday, June 26th

Everyone loves fireflies, but how do they make their light, and why? Enjoy the light show while learning about these fascinating insects.

What to expect: An outdoor nature walk. We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.

Who can come: This program is suitable for all ages.

What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight if you wish. Bug spray recommended.

Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.

Canceled due to weather: Firefly Festival

8:00-9:30 PM Monday, June 30th

Rain Date: Same time Tuesday, July 1st

Explore the fascinating world of fireflies with outdoor crafts, activities, games, and a short nature talk. As dusk falls, we'll catch and release fireflies and watch them in action.

What to expect: A family-friendly program with crafts, activities, and firefly programming.

Who can come: This program is suitable for all ages.

What to bring: Firefly/bug-inspired attire encouraged! Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight if you wish. Bug spray recommended.

Where to meet: The courtyard at the Quarters building.

Blandy Field Notes: Grasslands Galore!

5:30-6:30 PM Thursday, July 10th

Blandy Field Notes is a monthly program series (second Thursday of the month) where you can join the arboretum’s curators in the field for a deep dive into fascinating plants and ecological phenomena. Each session will involve close observations of specific plants or animals, guided by experts in botany and ecology. This program is aimed at naturalists of all skill levels and will take place in an informal, outdoor setting in which discussion is encouraged. Join us as we follow our curiosity about the natural world – we’ll see you in the field!

In this month’s Field Notes, we’ll dive into the warm season grasses growing in Blandy’s Native Plant Trail. Participants will learn to identify various native grasses, and we’ll talk about the importance of grasses and grasslands in Virginia’s ecosystems.

What to expect: An informal outdoor program with a talk and an activity.

Who can come: This program is designed for adults and children aged 12 and older, but all are welcome. No pets, please!

What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a full water bottle.

Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.

Night Hike

8:00-9:30 PM Thursday, July 24th

8:00-9:30 PM Saturday, July 26th

Same program offered twice.

Explore the arboretum on a guided nature walk. Who knows what we’ll discover?

What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain in variable light conditions.

Who can come: All ages! But no pets, please!

What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight if you wish.

Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.

Introduction to Nature Journaling

10:00-12:00 Saturday, August 9th

Nature journaling is a great way to document your discoveries in nature, connect to the landscape around you, and even contribute to science! Plus it’s really fun! In this program, you’ll learn how to record details in nature and write a poem through simply observing and wondering about the natural environment. You'll leave with your very own journal, including prompts to keep you journaling over the next few months! All materials provided.

Not an artist? No worries! Nature journaling is all about making observations and connecting with the natural world around us. No artistic skills necessary!

What to expect: A nature journaling program for beginners. We'll spend part of the program inside and part of the program outside.

Who can come: This program is designed for ages 8+. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please!

What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a water bottle if you wish.

Where to meet: Meet at the Blandy library in the Quarters building. Signs will direct you to from the front parking lot near the flagpole and information kiosk to the library.

Blandy field notes: Boardwalk with flowers

Blandy Field Notes: Flowering Giants of the Wetlands

5:30-6:30 Thursday, August 14th

Flowering giants of the wetlands. In this month’s Field Notes, we’ll explore the vibrant flowering plants and shrubs in Blandy’s wetlands. These impressive plants can reach tremendous heights and sport a dazzling array of flowers that host an equally dazzling array of pollinators.

What to expect: An informal outdoor program with a talk and an activity.

Who can come: This program is designed for adults and children aged 12 and older, but all are welcome. No pets, please!

What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a full water bottle.

Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.

Around the World in Ten Trees

10:00-11:30 Thursday, August 28th

Got the travel bug? Here’s your chance to see unique trees form around the world without leaving the Clarke County! Find out about the ecology and cultural significance of trees from Asia, Europe, North Africa, and across North America as you explore the arboretum with a naturalist. Depending on how fast we walk, we’ll see eight to ten trees.

What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.

Who can come: This program is designed for adults and children aged 8 and up. No pets, please!

What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a full water bottle.

Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.