For more information or to schedule any of the following programs, please
contact the Arboretum Education Office, Monday-Friday, at (206) 543-8801.
You may also request a free Saplings School Program Guide which offers a
detailed listing of Arboretum educational programs available to educators and parents.
SAPLINGS SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
Saplings School Programs are offered Monday-Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. Three
weeks advance notice required to book a program. Minimum group size: 10 students.
Maximum group size: 60 students. Two adult chaperones per 15 students required.
(Chaperones are free) Cost: $2.50 per student. Scholarships are available.
Grade K - 2: Discover Plants!
Younger students gain exposure to the wonderful world of plants by using characteristics
to catagorize living things. Students will compare and contrast similarities
between plants and people as they learn what each needs to grow and be healthy.
Grade 3 - 6: The Life Cycle of a Plant:
Fantastic Fall-September-November
As the seasons change, so do the plants around us. Learn how fallen leaves
can help give nutrients back to trees. Explore seed production and dispersal,
photosynthesis and the reason leaves change color.
Grade 3 - 6: The Life Cycle of a Plant:
Spring Sprouts-April-June
What is the reason for a flower? Discover the secrets of springtime as you
learn about the life cycle of plants from flower to fruit. Perpetuate the cycle
by planting seeds of your own to take home!
Grade 3 - 5: Native Plants & People
What is a native plant? Students will learn to identify several NW native plants.
Discover the historical importance of native plants to the Coast Salish people.
Grade K - 8: Wetland Ecology Walk
Explore the complex world of a wetland ecosystem. Foster Island provides a
unique opportunity for students to study an urban wetland up close and discover
the importance of wetlands.
Arboretum Seeks Volunteer Guides for
Fall Educational Tours
Washington Park Arboretum becomes nature's classroom through Saplings School
Programs, introducing students in grades K-8 to plant science and Arboretum
plant collections. Last fall the Saplings program served over 1,000 children
from throughout the Puget Sound area.
Volunteer guides lead Saplings educational tours, which are offered Monday
through Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saplings guides are asked to commit to
lead one program per week for 10 weeks in the fall.
New guides are required to attend one training session during the week of
September 15-19, 2003, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Arboretum's Graham Visitors
Center. All levels of experience are welcome.
For information and application forms, call 206-543-8801. The registration
deadline is August 30.
SELF-GUIDED
PACK PROGRAM
Explorer packs and Family packs are backpacks supplied with field guides, scavenger
hunts, magnifying lenses, and activity ideas for youth grades K-8th.
- Explorer Packs: can accomodate up to 30 kids. The rental fee is $15
for a two-hour period.
- Family Packs: are for groups of 5 or less. The rental fee is $5 for
a two-hour period; FREE for Arboretum Foundation members or Saplings Volunteers.
To reserve a pack call (206) 543-8801.
Packs Available:
