Visitor Information
University Boulevard Construction: Please anticipate delays while traveling University Boulevard due to an ongoing contruction project. At times, this project also will impact the Arboretum's Education Center parking lot and Pavilion parking lot. The R5 lot will be open, but spaces are extremely limited during the academic year. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please register for events in advance so we can communicate parking details including visitor parking permits if applicable.
Hours of Operation:
Arboretum Grounds & Trails:
Everyday, Dawn to Dusk | Free & Open to the Public
Frances Plecker Education Center:
Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 4 PM
Parking:
Visitor parking is available in the JMU R-5 lot on University Boulevard, in the Frances Plecker Educational Center lot, and in the Family Garden/Pavilion lot.
Parking is not available along University Boulevard
StoryWalk at the Arboretum
On May 5th, 2023, the StoryWalk opened at Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
This project was made possible by efforts from the Harrisonburg Urban Wood Group, JMU Design Build Dukes and staff at Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Each of the bookmarks and Reading Roost were built by JMU students in Professor Nick Brinen's Architechural Design Class. To see a highlights of the StoryWalk Project, view the video below. Video Credit: WHSV
Location: From the Family Garden, cross over the stone bridge to find the first page. It's also near the Troll on the John Clayton Trail.
What is StoryWalk®?
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT.
Current Book
Señorita Mariposa
written by Ben Gundersheimer
Illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero
Señorita Mariposa means “Miss Butterfly” in English. The story follows monarch butterflies on their migration path from Canada to México, underscoring the importance of these beautiful creatures.
Monarch butterflies appear right here in the Arboretum! Where there are flowers, keep your eyes open for their vibrant wings!
Señorita Mariposa is written in both Spanish and English.
Señorita Mariposa está escrito tanto en español como en inglés.
Origins of the StoryWalk
Identification Station
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
