Social Studies Field Trips

National Arboretum

Photograph by Eric A. Neumann, courtesy of the U.S. National Arboretum
Click on the picture for a larger image.

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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC

NAME: National Arboretum
STREET: 3501 New York Ave., NE
CITY: Washington	STATE: DC	ZIP: 20002	COUNTY: D.C.
PHONE: 202-245-2726		FEES: None
40 minute open air tram tours are also available Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday. Tours must be pre- booked two weeks ahead. There is a flat fee of $100 for 48 passengers.
HOURS AND DAYS: Daily, 8 am - 5 pm. Bonsai and Penjing Museum, 10 am - 3:30 pm.
METRO: Stadium/Armory stop on Blue/Orange line, and take B2 bus.

GRADES: 3rd Grade Self-Guided Tour 5 and up for Guided Tour	UNITS: Japan, Opening a New World
CONTACT: Kari Iddings, Education and Visitor Services Unit	PHONE: 202-245-2726
TYPE: Garden	FEES: None
DAYS: M T W Th F	HOURS: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (guided tours); 8 am - 3 pm (grounds), 10 am - 3 pm (Bonsai complex)
LUNCH: Eating area with picnic tables
GROUP SIZE: 30; additional guides can be arranged for larger groups Grades 5 and up for Guided Tour
HANDICAPPED ACCESS: Yes, in some areas (Bonsai and Herb Garden)
LENGTH OF TOUR: 1 1/2 - 2 hours

DESCRIPTION: The Arboretum is a USDA facility primarily concerned with conducting research on trees, shrubs, and plants of ornamental or useful interest and with educating the public about landscape and ornamental plants. It offers visitors horticultural demonstrations, lectures, and exhibits. Guided tours are available for 5th grade and up and self-guided tours are available for all. Guided tours are conducted through the gardens and plant collections. Organized groups needing a guided tour must make arrangements as early as possible, especially for spring tours. A self-guided 3rd grade tour emphasizing cultural significance of plantings in Asian countries is available. Students need strong pre-trip background experiences to get the most from tour.

The Japanese garden complex provides an appropriate environmental setting for the National Bonsai Collection, now called the Bonsai and Penjing Museum. This was a gift from the US from Japan to commemorate the bicentennial. The 53 bonsai range from 30 - 350 years of age and number 34 different species. The Chinese pavillion which houses the Penjing Museum is now open. Other areas include Chinese collection, international pavilion, and Asian Valley, an outdoor collection of Asian Flora about a mile from the Penjing Museum.

40 minute open air tram tours are also available available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am, 11 am, and 1 pm. Tours must be pre- booked two weeks ahead. There is a flat fee of $100 for 48 passengers.

RESOURCES

• RESOURCES: Brochures available:
  • "The United States Arboretum" (small, general pamphlet containing seasonal highlight and location info);
  • "The National Arboretum" (big, colorful foldout poster containing content, photos, and collection descriptions); (SUPPLY IS CURRENTLY DEPLETED 12/1/97, reissue unknown)
  • "The National Bonsai Foundation" (pamphlet with exhibit information and content material on Bonsai art form);
  • "The Gotelli Dwarf And Slow-Growing Conifer Collection" (pamphlet with collection and content material); and
  • "The National Herb Garden" (pamphlet describing more than 12 herb-related garden spots). (SUPPLY IS CURRENTLY DEPLETED 12/1/97, reissue is under way.)

  Field Trip Planning Tools

  • MCPS Field Trip Checklist
  • Items to Bring on the Trip
  • Field Trip Tips
  • Tips for Primary Grades

  Internet Sites

  • The U.S. National Arboretum

Photograph by Eric A. Neumann, courtesy of the U.S. National Arboretum.

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Last updated on Sept. 30, 1999
Maintained by Martin M. Creel: Marty_Creel@fc.mcps.k12.md.us