There are many learning opportunities in the Arboretum:
- Curious about Quercus. Learning to Identify Oak Leaves: Examples of leaves you can find in the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. An education exhibit on display in the Frances Plecker Education Center January - March 2026.
- Plecker Pond Loop Self-Guided Tour
- Plecker Pond Loop Self-Guided Tour Text-Only
- What's in Bloom
- Early Spring Blooms Info Sheet (late Feb. - March)
- Late March to early April Blooms Info Sheet
- The Backpack Program
- Our YouTube Page
- Other Educational Resources
- Notes from lecture Plants for Pollinators by Gail Napora
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. To see a highlights of the StoryWalk Project, view the video below. Video Credit: WHSV
Location: From the Family Garden, cross over the stone bridge to find the first page. It's also near the Troll on the John Clayton Trail.
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.
Current Book
Isabella's Peppermint Flowers
written by Susan Leopold
Illustrated by Nicky Staunton
It's spring and Isabella and her sister, Flora, are excited to go flower hunting to look for woodland wildflowers. Discovering their favorite wildflower's scientific name teaches the sisters about Virginia's colonial history, key aspects of botany, and the natural history of spring wildflowers and their role in the ecosystem. This story is for children and parents alike -- for nature has endless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
The flowers featured in this book are blooming in April along the Fern Valley Trail in the EJC Arboretum!
Origins of the StoryWalk
Identification Station
Now for all ages!
Explore the Arboretum with themed activities and basic tools to support your outdoor adventure. 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 Pack
The Explorer Backpacks are being updated for your 2025 Arboretum Adventures! We now have bags for learners of all ages!
Preschool - Elementary
- Animal tracks (raccoon bag)
- Spring (preschool-elementary; Bumblebee bag)
- Winter (preschool; polar bear bag)
- Birds! (preschool; owl bag)
- Birding Basics (elementary; orange duck bag)
- Bug Hunt (preschool; ladybug
- Emerging Entomologist (elementary; ladybug bag)
- Animals in the Day/Animals at Night (preschool; hedgehog bag)
- Urban Animals (elementary; fox bag)
Adult
- Animal Tracks (purple bag)
- Birding 201, contains binoculars (purple bag)
- Spring flowers (red tote bag)
Checkout
Fill out our checkout form and leave a driver's license, car keys, or other unforgettable item with us to be picked up after backpack return.
Explore!
There is no limit! Enjoy the activities that come inside of your backpack and adventure onward!
Return Pack
Once your adventure is over, you can return your backpack(s). Return packs before the Education Center closes at 4 PM.
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
