Visitor Information
University Boulevard Construction: Please anticipate delays while traveling University Boulevard due to an ongoing contruction project. At times, this project also will impact the Arboretum's Education Center parking lot and Pavilion parking lot. The R5 lot will be open, but spaces are extremely limited. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please register for events in advance so we can communicate parking details including visitor parking permits if applicable.
Hours of Operation:
Arboretum Grounds & Trails:
Everyday, Dawn to Dusk | Free & Open to the Public
Frances Plecker Education Center:
Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 4 PM
Parking:
Visitor parking is available in the JMU R-5 lot on University Boulevard, in the Frances Plecker Educational Center lot, and in the Family Garden/Pavilion lot.
Parking is not available along University Boulevard
StoryWalk at the Arboretum
On May 5th, 2023, the StoryWalk opened at Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
This project was made possible by efforts from the Harrisonburg Urban Wood Group, JMU Design Build Dukes and staff at Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Each of the bookmarks and Reading Roost were built by JMU students in Professor Nick Brinen's Architechural Design Class. To see a highlights of the StoryWalk Project, view the video below. Video Credit: WHSV
Location: From the Family Garden, cross over the stone bridge to find the first page. It's also near the Troll on the John Clayton Trail.
What is StoryWalk®?
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT.
Current Book
Isabella's Peppermint Flowers
written by Susan Leopold
Illustrated by Nicky Staunton
It's spring and Isabella and her sister, Flora, are excited to go flower hunting to look for woodland wildflowers. Discovering their favorite wildflower's scientific name teaches the sisters about Virginia's colonial history, key aspects of botany, and the natural history of spring wildflowers and their role in the ecosystem. This story is for children and parents alike -- for nature has endless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
The flowers featured in this book are blooming in April along the Fern Valley Trail in the EJC Arboretum!
Origins of the StoryWalk
Identification Station
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
