Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Visitor Information

*Notice: December 20- January 6, the Frances Plecker Education Center will be closed for JMU's winter break. The Arboretum grounds will remain open from dawn to dusk.

Hours of Operation:

Arboretum Grounds & Trails:
Everyday, Dawn to Dusk | Free & Open to the Public

Frances Plecker Education Center:
Closed for Winter Break (December 20, 2024 - January 6, 2025)

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

Visitor Resources

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. You can find this exciting feature by walking thru the Family Garden, just past the Troll. To see a highlights of the StoryWalk Project, view the video below. Video Credit: WHSV

Location: Next to the bridge in the Family Garden.

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