Programs Supporting Science and Understanding of Environmental Systems
"From Waste to Wonder" Family Program Series
Munch, Crunch! Decomposers at Lunch
Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 1-1:45 PM
Location: Meet in the At Home in the Woods Family Garden Storytime Spot
Join us for a fun and interactive adventure all about decomposers, nature's tiniest recyclers. We will start with a storytime featuring wiggly worms, fantastic fungi, and busy beetles, learning how they break down old food and plants to keep our earth healthy. Then we will engage in hands-on learning with a vermicompost bin, feeding our wiggly friends lunch. If the weather cooperates, we'll conclude with a scavenger hunt search for nature's cleanup crew in action. Perfect for curious nature detectives. Come ready to explore!
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
Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 18 | 11 AM - 2 PM
FREE
Location: All around the Arboretum
Parking: R5 Parking Lot or Ballard Parking Deck
Accessible Parking at the Frances Plecker Education Center
The Arboretum's annual Harvest Fest is a great, family-friendly way to spend JMU Homecoming before the big game! Bring the whole family for a host of fun educational activities from many our of community and on-campus partners! Explore the Underground Classroom, decorate cookies, participate in some citizen science, games, crafts, and more. No registration.
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
