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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.
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!
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!
"Dry" (no alcohol) tickets will be available onsite after 3:00 PM for $10.
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.
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. 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 an adult 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+. 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. 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.