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A note about our programs:
We hold most programs rain, snow, or shine, unless we notify you otherwise. If you cancel your registration seven days or more prior to the program date, we’ll refund your fee in full. If you cancel within seven days of the program date, we are unable to refund your fee. If the Foundation of the State Arboretum cancels a program for any reason, we will refund your fee in full. Programs open to children/youth require an adult to attend with them and the adult is responsible for their supervision for the duration of the program. Advance registration is required for all programs. Space is limited.
Winter Migrants Bird Walk
8:00-10:00 AM Friday, October 31st
Around this time of year, birds from northern forests fly south in search of overwintering grounds. Join Blandy Director and birding enthusiast Dr. Dave Carr in search of juncos, sparrows, finches, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and more!
What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.
Who can come: Adults and children aged 12 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please!
What to bring: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can withstand morning dew on the grass. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from Blandy.
Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.
Snow Bird Walk
8:00-10:00 AM Friday, November 21st
Our winter residents have come home to roost! Join Blandy director and birding enthusiast Dr. Dave Carr in search of Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Northern Harriers, and others.
What to expect: We will walk about a mile over gently rolling terrain.
Who can come: Adults and children aged 12 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please!
What to bring: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can withstand morning dew on the grass. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from Blandy.
Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.
Leave Those Leaves!
Will be rescheduled for Winter 2026!
Tired of raking? You can leaf it alone! In this program, we’ll find out all about the insects and invertebrates that shelter in leaf litter, especially during the winter. After a short talk in the library, we’ll venture out to collect leaves from the forest floor. Then back to the library, where we’ll use science-y tools to search for tiny creatures and learn about their fascinating, leafy little lives.
What to expect: A library program with an outdoor expedition.
Who can come: All ages! Minors must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. No pets, please.
What to bring: Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Where to meet: Meet in the library at the Quarters building.
Winter Tree ID and Holiday Potluck with Sustainability Matters
1:00-3:00 Sunday, December 14, 2025
At Blandy Experimental Farm
Join us and our co-hosts, the State Arboretum of Virginia (Blandy), for our most popular event of the year: our annual winter tree identification walk & potluck at the State Arboretum of Virginia on Sunday, December 14 at 1pm. This approximately 90-minute guided walk and tree ID primer, led by a Virginia State Forester, will ensure you never again mistake an oak for a walnut, or a spruce for a fir!
A holiday-themed potluck and social hour with fellow nature nerds will follow the walk. Please bring a snack or dessert to share!
Attendance is limited to 30, and previous years' walks filled up far in advance. Get your tickets now before we share this invitation with our entire mailing list! Tickets are $20 for members of Sustainability Matters or of the Foundation of the State Arboretum, a $5 discount from the regular price.