The Arboretum's preschool program introduces 3- to 5-year-olds to natural world and principles of ecology and conservation. Classes are offered as a session of six programs led by popular teacher Jenny Houghton.

Enrollment is limited to 15 children, so early registration is recommended. The fee for a session of six classes is $45 for members and $55 for the general public. Each class includes a snack and a craft. Register online by clicking a link at the bottom of this page, or call 410.634.2847, ext. 0.

Session 1: Tuesdays, 10-11:15 a.m. Session 2: Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m

Sproutin’ Spuds
April 12 and 14
Do vegetables have eyes? Potatoes do! Explore the amazing spud and help plant a potato barrel in the Funshine Garden. We’ll also make potato print bandanas sure to wow family and friends.

Compost Cake
April 19 and 21
Celebrate Earth Day by mixing up a batch of compost! We’ll read the delightful children’s story Compost Cake, conduct a compost experiment, and scatter compost on the Funshine Garden’s rainbow bed for a great start to the planting season.

Ladybug, Ladybug…
April 26 and 28
…Don’t fly away! We’ll collect ladybugs in the meadow, learn to recognize the rare nine-spotted ladybug and other more common varieties, and make ladybugs from recycled egg cartons.

May Day
May 3 and 5
Search for lady slipper flowers in the woods after a lesson on these native orchid beauties. We’ll make a bouquet of paper flowers and celebrate spring by dancing around a woodland maypole.

Shapes in the Forest
May 10 and 12
Did you know that the leaves of the redbud tree are shaped like hearts? Or that flowing water can shape pebbles into smooth ovals? We’ll look for shapes on a forest scavenger hunt and create nature shape books to take home.

Terrific Turtles
May 17 and 19
The wetlands are warming up, and the turtles have returned! “Build” a turtle, learn about the turtles in your neighborhood, and meet aquatic creatures of all kinds as we explore the Arboretum wetland with nets and buckets.