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Environmental Education at Adkins Arboretum

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve on Maryland’s Eastern Shore dedicated to promoting the appreciation and conservation of the region’s native plants. More than four miles of paths along streams, through meadows and native plant gardens and under the shade of a rich bottomland forest attract nature lovers, gardeners, students and birders. The site features over 600 species of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers and grasses.

The Arboretum offers dynamic, hands-on environmental education activities that are richly structured, investigative experiences for grades 4 through 8 based on Maryland Sate Educational Standards (specifically meeting Maryland’s learning outcomes for elementary and middle school and Core Learning Goals in biology , and environmental science). Each program affords uncommon opportunities for meaningful outdoor experiences.

These programs are designed to enhance a young person’s experiences in natural outdoor settings, as well as enrich current academic science curriculum. Through hands-on experiences, explore the wonders and diversities of habitats, including meadows, deciduous and coniferous forests, wetlands, and streams.

Environmental Education has been linked to improvements in academic achievement and shown to encourage stewardship, cultivate a sense of pride and ownership in students, and enriching classroom learning. By integrating the environment into curricula, student academic performance increases, attitudes improve and students demonstrate greater enthusiasm and commitment to learning. The education programs at the Arboretum have been carefully designed to maximize student involvement in examination of their environment. Such exploration develops problem-solving, critical thinking and environmental issue investigation skills, vital to cultivating a profound and motivating awareness of the human-environmental connection.

The Education Department at Adkins Arboretum offers many different learning experiences for people of all ages, focusing on the conservation and appreciation of the region’s native plants. Please be certain your choices are suitable for your grade level, group size, arrival and departure time.  Guided tours, lectures and workshops are also available to school groups, civic organizations and the general public. The Arboretum is pleased to offer these programs and to serve as a living resource for enhancing academic achievement.

For more information on environmental education programs or to plan a field trip, use the links provided below or contact Coreen Weilminster at 410-634-2847, extension “30” or email her at . What to expect from the Arboretum's environmental education programs How to make a reservation and plan for your field trip The field trips