Elementary School Field Trips

The Garden is not offering Discovery programs during summer. Groups that would like to visit are encouraged to schedule a self-guided Independent Garden Exploration.

Please note the Garden will not have Butterflies LIVE! in 2024 or 2025. This is due to the Garden’s THRIVE: Growing the Garden’s Future Expansion of the Conservatory and grounds, which will result in a year-round butterfly house and additional displays and gardens. We look forward to bringing you these wonderful improvements.

We will begin accepting reservations for Discovery programs for the 2024-25 school year in August.

Availability & Pricing

  • Hour long programs are offered Monday-Friday at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:45 a.m.
  • Three programs are available during each time slot for up to 25 students per program.
  • The cost is $10 per student; the minimum group charge is $100.
  • One adult per five students is admitted free to cover teachers and designated chaperones.
  • Additional adults are asked to pay Garden Admission and are welcome to enjoy the Garden independently during the guided program. Please limit the number of adults accompanying each guided program to five, including teachers. Additional adults can accompany their child before and after the guided program.
  • Programs take place outdoors, rain or shine. Please have everyone dress for the weather.

Registration

To register, contact our Youth Program Logistics Coordinator, Laura Lee Folman, at [email protected] or 804.262.9887 x322 with the following:

  1. Your name, email address, and phone number, contact person’s information (if it is someone other than yourself).
  2. Your organization’s name and mailing address.
  3. Which program topic you would like.
  4. The number of classes you would like to bring.
  5. The total number of students who will attend.
  6. Your top three choices of program dates in order of preference (please include the program time(s) you prefer as well).

Program Offerings

Garden Explorers
K

Availability: Sept. – May

Tree Traits
K - 2nd

Availability: Sept. – May

Small Sprouts to Garden Giants
1st

Availability: Oct. & Mar. – May

Plants, What Good Are They?
2nd

Availability: Oct. & Mar. – May

Go with the Flow
2nd-3rd

Availability: Sept. – May

Inquiry Into Nature
3rd-5th

Availability: Sept. – May

Tallying Up Trees
3rd -5th

Availability: Sept. – Oct. & Mar. – May

Watershed Wonders
4th-5th

Availability: Sept. – May

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