Programs Supporting Literacy, Imagination, and the Arts in the Natural World
Playful illustration promoting a free storytime event in the Family Garden, featuring a dressed-up fox reading to a duck and a chick.
Storytime in the Understory

1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 10-10:30 AM

June 4 & 18, July 2 & 16, and August 6 & 20

Pre-School - Elementary suggested

Bring a blanket if you like and come enjoy nature-themed reading. We will meet in the At Home in the Woods Family Garden in the Storytime area! 

In the case of inclement weather, we will meet at the Pavilion (near the Family Garden).

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Promotional graphic for a free event titled "From Waste to Wonder: Waste & Recycling Workers Week" at Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, featuring a recycling truck and children celebrating.
Touch-A-Truck! "From Waste to Wonder" Family Program Series

Tuesday, June 17 | 12-12:45 PM

Location: Meet in the Family Garden Storytime Spot

Help us celebrate Waste and Recycling Workers Week with a behind-the-scenes look at the trucks that keep our community clean. Children will hear stories about the powerful machines we use to manage our trash and then have the opportunity to sit inside a real City of Harrisonburg trash truck. Truck will be parked in the JMU R5 parking lot.

Registration required.

Register Here

Arboretum Explorer Camp 2025

Get your child out of the house and into nature! The Arboretum Explorers Camps feature 5 mornings of active play, nature-based learning, games, crafts and projects, and "snacktivities" in a welcoming outdoor environment. Campers will explore the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in small and large groups and enjoy instruction on a variety of topics presented by Arboretum staff, JMU students, and local naturalists. 

campers and counselor in herb garden at arboretum camp

For rising 1st through 3rd graders: June 16 - 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily

For rising 4th through 6th graders: June 9 - 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily

Registration will open through the JMU School of Professional and Continuing Education Youth Programs at the end of January. 

Register

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)

Children participating in the backpack program
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).

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Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Frances Plecker Education Center
MSC 3705
780 University Blvd
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center: 
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM