2024 Field Trips at The Arb
We offer spring and fall field trips that engage students with placed-based learning opportunities and encourage discovery in the natural world. Our field trips bring students into 200 acres of green space at The Arboretum, including the greenhouses, gardens, pond, and forests, and are aligned with Arizona k – 5 science standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.
- Docent-led school programs last approximately 1.5-2 hours, including a 1 hour grade-specific program and an optional mini-hike.
- Your group is welcome to enjoy lunch in our picnic area before or after your program.
- Docent-led Programs cost $8.00 per student. Teacher no charge. Additional adults are $10.00 each.
- Self-Guided School Tours cost $5.00 per student and include instructional materials for your independent use.
- Field trips are available May 1 – October 31. Questions? contact our Education Programs Manager, Helena.Murray@thearb.org.
Field trips are available May 1 – October 31. Questions? contact our Education Programs Manager.
List of Our Field Trips at The Arb

Preschool / Kindergarten
The Five-Alive Senses
Students will be led through The Arb grounds where they will practice using all five senses and discover the ways our senses can be used to explore nature. Highlights include listening to frogs and birds by the pond, smelling plants in the Herb Garden, and feeling different types of conifers on the woodland path.

1st Grade
Our Homes in the Forest
This program introduces students to the concept of habitat by relating their homes to animal homes. Students learn that animals need a place to live, food to eat, and water to drink – just like we do! We specifically explore the relationships between Abert’s squirrels, birds, insects, and ponderosa pines as we make our way through the forest.

2nd Grade
Life Cycles on the Colorado Plateau
Students will learn about and compare the different stages in the development of a Western Chorus Frog and a Dragonfly/Damselfly as well as other seasonal plants and animals. They will spend time investigating organisms found in The Arb pond and work together to identify the life cycle stage of each critter discovered.

3rd Grade
Animal Needs and Adaptations
Students will learn about the importance of riparian areas to plants and wildlife in Arizona as well as the adaptations needed for living in water at different stages of life. They will explore, identify, and share their findings about aquatic invertebrates in The Arb’s riparian areas with classmates.

4th Grade
Plant Superheroes
Plant superheroes don’t always wear capes! What would happen if we had no plants? Students discover why we need plants and how plants are able to thrive in our arid, high-elevation ecosystem. Students engage in hands-on activities that help build observation skills and promote critical thinking about the plant world and its amazing adaptations.

5th Grade
Foresters & Forest Investigators
Students will learn about forest ecology and will be able to recognize indicators of healthy and unhealthy forests in our fire-adapted ecosystem. Students will become foresters for a day. Practicing science skills, students evaluate sections of the forest and offer solutions for improving forest health.

6th - 12th Grade
Service-Learning Program
We have seasonal opportunities available for students to make a difference and get their hands dirty!
Send an email to Helena.Murray@thearb.org to enquire about possible opportunities.
Membership, Donations, Nursery
NATIVE PLANT NURSERY
Our greenhouse grown native plants are the best choice for your high elevation garden.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
Click below to become a sponsor, if you have questions about sponsorship email: nate.omeara@thearb.org
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