Plan your field trip
Hayes Arboretum is the ideal laboratory for nature learning.
Travel back in time as you hike our forests. Explore the different ecosystems, from prairie to wetlands. Or visit the Nature Center or certified Nature Playscape for interactive learning.
Let us customize your experience to meet your needs.
What we offer.
Staff-led Programs
Let our professional staff and volunteers lead your experience. We will work with you to customize the program, whether it is incorporating curriculum standards or learning . Either way, we want your visit to create impactful memories for your group.
Guided Hikes - $2/student
Habitats & Ecosystems: What is a habitat? Look for animal homes and explore the different ecosystems at Hayes Arboretum.
Trees, Plants, & Forests: What does a plant need to survive? Discover the life cycle of plants, observe pollinators at work, and watch a young forest turn into old growth.
Changes in the Seasons: How does each season differ from the previous? Learn what makes each season unique while looking for the forest changes during those times.
Sensory Forest: Experience the forest with your ears, eyes, fingers, nose…and maybe even your tongue!
Past Cultures: Who created the mounds on our property? Learn about archaeology and what was learned about the cultures that once lived in Hayes Arboretum.
Hands-On Activities - $2/student
Food Web: What is a food web? Through this hands-on activity, students will create a forest food web and learn about the interactions of species.
Habitat Builder: What is needed for a habitat? Build a shelter as a group and see if your habitat would survive a night in the forest.
Build-an-Insect: What makes an insect different from other animals? Draw or build a new insect while learning about adaptations.
Paint a Tree Cookie: Want a special souvenir? Paint a piece of tree from Hayes Arboretum and take it home with you to remember your experience.
Self-led Programs
Want to lead your own adventure? Here is what we offer free of charge.
Nature Center: Educational exhibits, discovery room, bird watching room, live bee exhibit, and restrooms all within the remodeled 1833 Dairy Barn.
Certified Nature Playscape: Certified outdoor play area, seating area for lunch or discussions, and butterfly and herb gardens.
Access to 16 miles of trail: Includes both dirt and paved trails
Over 100 labeled trees: Trees are marked with both common and scientific name. QR code leads to an audio narration that describes traits and fun facts about the tree. Leaf collecting is available mid-August through the end of October for a select 50 trees.
Artemis I Moon Tree: Meet our artifact from outer space! Educational sign , QR code, and indoor exhibit tell the story of Moon Tree 23.
Have questions?
Program Coordinator: Jenilee Braun
Email: jbraun@hayesarb.org
Call: (765) 962-3745
