From Waste to Wonder Family Program:
Tuesday, December 16 | 11 AM - 11:45 AM | Register here.
FREE
Location: Frances Plecker Education Center
Parking: R5 Parking Lot or Ballard Parking Deck
Accessible Parking at the Frances Plecker Education Center
"From Waste to Wonder:" Reusing Materials to Creat Amazing Gifts
Join us and our friends from the Rockingham County Landfill for a series of fun and engaging programs with stories, crafts, and hands-on activities designed for preschool and early elementary age students and their families.
Get creative and gift from the heart! Come to this special storytime focused on reusing materials to create amazing gifts. Children will enjoy fun holiday stories and make their own one-of-a-kind craft to give to someone special. It is a great way to learn about reusing materials to green our holidays while making thoughtful handmade treasures.
Programs Supporting Science and Understanding of Environmental Systems
Nature Journaling
Every other Tuesday at 2 PM (Sept. 9 & 23; Oct. 7 & 21; Nov. 4 & 18)
FREE, No registration
Location: Meet at the Pavilion in the At Home in the Woods Family Garden
General Parking: JMU R5 lot, 664 University Blvd. (5 min. walk)
Accessible Parking: Pond parking lot
Nature Journaling is the act of recording your own intentional observations of the natural world through images, words, and measurements. Each session will feature a new focus or prompt. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite art supplies and unlined journal, but basic supplies will also be made available. Instruction level will be aimed at late elementary/middle school students, however all ages (including adults) and whole families are welcome. Led by Kelli Hertzler, Education Coordinator at the Arboretum. Come to just one or all sessions.
Annual Event - Fun for the Whole Family
The Backpack Program
Pre-School - Elementary
Explore the Arboretum with themed activities! This program is FREE. Backpacks are located in the lobby of the Frances Plecker Education Center, Monday - Friday (8 AM - 4 PM)
How It Works
Pick A Backpack
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Flowers
- Exploring Trees
- Forest Mammals
- Butterflies
- Insects
- Macroinvertebrates
Checkout
Leave a driver's license or car keys with us, to be picked up after the backpack is returned.
Explore!
Enjoy the backpack's activities and adventure onward!
Return Backpack
Once you're ready to depart the Arboretum, you can return your backpack(s).
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
