- Visit
- Things to Do
- Learn
- Arboretum
- Research
- Support
- About
- People
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.
Introduction to Nature Journaling
10:00 AM-12:00 PM 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: Flowering Giants of the Wetlands
5:30-6:30 PM 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 AM 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.
August Bird Walk
8:00-10:00 AM Friday, August 29th
Scout for birds with Blandy Director Dr. Dave Carr!
What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.
Who can come: Adults and children aged 12 and up. 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: Seed Dispersal
5:30-6:30 PM Thursday, September 11th
How do plants move from place to place? The answer may surprise you! Over hundreds of thousands of years, plant species have developed unique partnerships with a diverse group of seed dispersers, from ants to woolly mammoths. We’ll explore the fascinating stories of seed dispersal in this month’s Field Notes program, including the story of pawpaws!
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.
Tales on the Trail: Pawpaws and Pints
1:00-5:00 PM Saturday, September 13th
Discover North America’s largest native fruit at Blandy’s first pawpaw fest! Sip pawpaw beer from Winchester Brew Works as you stop at interactive stations to find out all about this quirky Appalachian fruit. Then join a naturalist on an expedition to the Pawpaw Trail—the remains of a storied 1940s pawpaw orchard that gave rise to some of the most popular pawpaw cultivars on the market today. Ticket fees will help support trail improvements and interpretation. Pawpaws, pints, and a good cause? Sounds like the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon!
Featuring:
- Interpretive walks to the Pawpaw Trail every half hour (1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 PM). Expect to walk 0.5 miles i over gravel and dirt paths.
- Small batch pawpaw beer supplied by Winchester Brew Works
- Fruit tasting
- Pawpaw crafts and activities
- Info on pawpaw natural history, wildlife value, and human uses
- Blandy’s role in the history of pawpaw cultivation
- Pawpaw seedlings available to purchase
- And more!
Advanced registration recommended. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door ($25 for participants aged 21 or older, $5 under 21).
Event is rain or shine. No refunds within two weeks of the event.
We’re dividing this event into two time slots to assist with event logistics: 1:00-3:00 and 3:00-5:00. Please try to arrive during your registered time slot. It’s ok if your plans change for the day and you’d like to come at a different time—just let us know!
What to expect: An informal program with pawpaw-themed educational activities. An optional 0.5 mile nature walk to the Pawpaw Trail over gravel and dirt paths. Restrooms will be available at the event.
Who can come: This is a family-friendly event (of course, pawpaw beer is only available to those who are 21+ with ID). No pets, please!
What to bring: Bring a full water bottle, dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
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. 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.