“Plants of the Arboretum” program set Sunday

The UW Arboretum is inviting families to enjoy springtime blooms while learning about ecological invaders through naturalist-led activities and games Sunday, May 22 starting at the Visitor Center.  

The free program, “Plants of the Arboretum,” will take place between 12:30-3:30 p.m., and include indoor learning about plants, a walk through a native garden, and hiking to Leopold Pines to pull garlic mustard.

Staff will guide children to observe the diversity of botanical colors and textures, helping to create a booklet of plants sighted on the hike.

“We will see, smell, and touch. This hands-on experience is what they take with them,” says Jennifer Mitchell, coordinator of the Arboretum’s Earth Partnership for Families.

Invasive plant species—what they are and the importance of their removal—will also be examined.

“This is a really good way to teach children that they can help out just a little bit,” Mitchell says. “Clearing out one patch of garlic mustard prevents hundreds of seeds that could have been spread and grow into hundreds of more plants, and they were a part of stopping this.”

“Plants of the Arboretum” is designed for differing interest levels and children across a range of ages.