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 Festival

8:00 - 9:30 PM Thursday, June 18th

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. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times.

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.

Knit Along: Flora and Fauna of the Farm

7:00-8:00 PM Thursdays in July

Join Blandy ecology graduate students/fiber artists for a knit along throughout July!

You'll learn about native bees, butternut trees, blackgum, moths, and more as you complete a one-of-a-kind cowl inspired by the flora and fauna of Blandy.

Program dates/times:

Thursdays in July, 7-8pm, Peetwood Pavilion

July 2- Series kickoff, pattern introduction
July 9- Native bees
July 16- Butternut
July 23- Blackgum
July 30- Spongy moths

Can't make every session? No problem! Stop by for as many or as few programs as you like. We'll get you caught up!

Where to meet: Peetwood Pavilion

Directions: From Blandy's main entrance on Route 50, follow the curvy paved road to the main parking lot near the flagpole and information kiosk (overflow parking lot in the grassy field nearby). Peetwood Pavilion is a large white building with a green roof located around 400 feet away from the main parking lot, in the direction opposite the flagpole. A map of Blandy is available here.

Audience: Open to any and all fiber artists/ knitters hoping to join in on making this cowl! Note that this is not a learn-to-knit class, and participants should feel comfortable with color work, knitting and purling, and knitting in the round. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times.

What to bring:

Yarn
Sport/ DK, your choice (but maybe pick from stash and/ or support your LYS!)
2 Colors!! Otherwise it will be a monochromatic Blandy Cowl!
Should need about 255 yds/ 230m/ 98g for each color.

Needles

US size 4 [3.5mm], 24”[60cm] circulars (or not if you choose to knit flat)
Feel free to size up to a US 5 (3.75mm) or US 6 (4mm) if you knit a bit tighter!

Notions

Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.

Love and curiosity for research and Blandy’s flora & fauna!

Free program series. RSVP for updates and to receive a free copy of the project pattern.

Firefly Walk

Thursday, July 2 8:00-9:30 PM

Everyone loves fireflies, but how do they make their light, and why? Enjoy nature's 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.

Audience: This program is designed for ages 5+, but all are welcome. 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 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.

Blandy Celebrates Pollinators!

11:00 - 1:00 Sunday, June 14, 2026

Come celebrate pollinators!

We'll start out the day with a Pollinator Walk at 11:00 AM led by Blandy graduate student and bee enthusiast Willow Lovecky. After a short 15-minute presentation to go over the bee basics, we'll explore the wonderful diversity of bees at Blandy by going on a meandering walk to the Pollination Garden and Dwelling: Shenandoah Valley (the Bee Wall).

The adventure continues after the walk with a scavenger hunt and other hands-on activities from 11:30-1:00 near Peetwood Pavilion. These activities are designed for both young and young-at-heart naturalists. Stay to complete as many as you like!

If you wish, make a day of it and bring lunch or snacks to enjoy in the nearby Picnic Grove after the program.

What to expect: An optional guided walk at 11:00, followed by casual, drop-in style activities from 11:30-1:00. Stay for 15 minutes or stay all day!

Audience: This program is designed for ages 5+, but all are welcome. 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 full water bottle.

Where to meet: Meet at Peetwod Pavilion (map of Blandy).

Registration not required, but RSVPs appreciated!

Night Hike

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

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.

Audience: This program is designed for ages 5+, but all are welcome. 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 flashlight if you wish.

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