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A Sense of Wonder Sundays - New Programs for Families

When you take time to reflect on your own childhood, the memories often include summer vacations spent at the beach or mountains, or hte hours of free play outdoors, whether in a vacant lot, a favorite creek, or a special patch of woods.

Playing outdoors, building stick forts, chasing frogs, and digging in the dirt aren’t just fun, they actually help children develop emotionally and intellectually. Rachel Carson recognized the power and value of playing outdoors when she wrote A Sense of Wonder. She believes that “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” As parents or mentors, you needn’t be knowledgeable about nature—just enthusiastic—to keep your families interested in going outside.

Though its beauty and serenity inspires each person differently, the Arboretum’s woods, wetlands, meadows and cultivated gardens are alluring to all ages. Starting this September, the whole family is invited to the Arboretum for a fun-filled afternoon. Program topics will include family gardening, overcoming obstacles to getting outdoors, seasonal interests, and the natural history of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. If you’re lucky, you may glimpse your child’s “inborn sense of wonder”—and rediscover your own.

Pre-registration is required. Call 410-634-2847, extension 0 to register.

Winter/Spring Sessions   
Fee: $5 per person members, $7 per person general public

The Natural Year—Nature Journaling for All Ages

Sunday, January 25

11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Make a resolution to document the natural year in 2009. Start by creating your own nature journal and participating in journaling activities that will stimulate your creativity. This family program works best with children who can draw or write. Outdoor exploration will give us much to think about and document in our new journals. Pack a lunch and dress for both indoor and outdoor activities.

 Alive in the Dead of Winter

Sunday, February 22

11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

 The quiet of winter may be upon us, but life is thriving at the Arboretum. Come to learn about which plants are blooming despite the cold, and explore the Arboretum grounds for signs of animal activity. We’ll engage in activities that demonstrate why snow is a welcome blanket for many animals, which plants can melt the snow, and what it takes for animals to find suitable shelter. Pack a lunch and dress for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Gearing Up to Garden with Kids

Sunday, March 29

11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.            

Spend an afternoon in the Arboretum’s Children’s Funshine Garden. We’ll discuss resources for gardening with children, learn how the children’s garden exhibit was designed, do a little routine garden preparation, and, if the weather is right for planting, plant the Three Sisters garden plot. Pack a lunch and dress for both indoor and outdoor activities.

WOW! Wetlands are Wonderful

Sunday, April 26

11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.