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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.
Warbler Walk
8:00-10:00 AM Friday, September 19th
Late September/early October is close to the peak of fall songbird migration. Join Blandy Director and birding enthusiast Dr. Dave Carr in search of southbound warblers, vireos, hawks, and more!
What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.
Who can come: Adults and children aged 12 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please!
What to bring: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can withstand morning dew on the grass. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from Blandy.
Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.
Blandy Field Notes: Fall Color
5:30-6:30 PM Thursday, October 9th
The golden ginkgoes get a lot of attention at Blandy in the fall, but there are plenty of other pretty colors around here! Join us for a little leaf peeping at the Community Forest as we find out about the physical and chemical changes native trees undergo to get ready for winter.
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. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. 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.
Spooky Arboretum Night Hike
7:00-8:00 PM Friday, October 10th
Find out all about bugs, bats, and things that go “bump” in the night as you explore the arboretum with a naturalist. Family-friendly!
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. 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.
Ginkgoes!
7:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, October 21st
There’s just something about ginkgo trees, isn’t there? Delicate leaves and glorious golden fall color make ginkgoes a “fan favorite” around the world. Come learn about these quirky living fossils at this interactive science talk, just in time for Ginkgo Gold! Speaker: Ariel Firebaugh, Director of Scientific Engagement.
What to expect: A science-y talk in the library.
Who can come: This program is designed for ages 12+. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please!
Where to meet: Meet in the library at the Quarters building.
Winter Migrants Bird Walk
8:00-10:00 AM Friday, October 31st
Around this time of year, birds from northern forests fly south in search of overwintering grounds. Join Blandy Director and birding enthusiast Dr. Dave Carr in search of juncos, sparrows, finches, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and more!
What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.
Who can come: Adults and children aged 12 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please!
What to bring: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can withstand morning dew on the grass. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from Blandy.
Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.
Snow Bird Walk
8:00-10:00 AM Friday, November 21st
Our winter residents have come home to roost! Join Blandy director and birding enthusiast Dr. Dave Carr in search of Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Northern Harriers, and others.
What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.
Who can come: Adults and children aged 12 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please!
What to bring: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can withstand morning dew on the grass. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from Blandy.
Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.
Leave Those Leaves!
2:00-3:00 PM Saturday, November 22nd
Tired of raking? You can leaf it alone! In this program, we’ll find out all about the insects and invertebrates that shelter in leaf litter, especially during the winter. After a short talk in the library, we’ll venture out to collect leaves from the forest floor. Then back to the library, where we’ll use science-y tools to search for tiny creatures and learn about their fascinating, leafy little lives.
What to expect: A library program with an outdoor expedition.
Who can come: All ages! Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please.
What to bring: Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Where to meet: Meet in the library at the Quarters building.