Squirrel Fest logoJoin us for our first ever Squirrel Fest!

September 19, 11am to 2pm

We welcome the JMU and local community to join us. Participate in the following ways:

  • Attend! It's free and registration is not needed.
  • Open Mic: Perform a squirrel-themed song or poem (originals encouraged!). Register to perform here! (Lyrics must be family-friendly and submitted in advance.)

 

 

black Eastern Grey Squirrel in tree at EJC Arboretum at JMU

 

Celebrate these quirky critters at the Arboretum! Activities for all ages.

  • 11am: Squirrel Haiku Workshop @ pavilion
  • 11:30am: Storytime in the Understory @ Reading area of the Family Garden
  • Noon: Open Mic for Squirrel songs and poems @ pavilion
  • 12:30: Five Senses Tour from the perspective of a squirrel. Meet at the pond bridge.
  • 1pm: Arboretum History Tour. Meet at the pond bridge.
  • Exhibit on all 4 species of squirrels that live in the Arboretum (Yes, FOUR!)
  • Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter on StoryWalk
  • Lash together a tiny raft to reach Owl’s island (like the squirrels in Squirrel Nutkin!)
  • Tote Your Harvest: craft a no-sew tote bag from an Arboretum t-shirt and store up provisions like a chipmunk!
  • Face Painting
  • iNaturalist project: Going Nuts for Black Squirrels
  • Treasure Hunt (choose a simple map or orienteering course) and Scavenger Hunt along the trails of the Arboretum
  • Acorns Sink or Float: What does that mean for a squirrel? hosted by JMU Tree Campus
  • Shenandoah Nature Journal Club: journal with us!
  • Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia: learn how bats and squirrels live in the same habitat
  • JMU Birding Club: learn how birds and squirrels compete for resources
  • Eat like a Squirrel! make a fun treat
  • Welcome table for guests and volunteers
  • Squirrel merch

Back to Top