NOTICE: The Manor House/Live Animal Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.
Welcome Center Opening: Soon!
Construction is almost done. Normal operating hours are not impacted. Click to learn more.
The Plants that Made America
Blog written by Cathy Ludden
July 1, 2026
Read Here
About
- America has a rich past of native trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Where did they disappear to?
- For the nation’s 250th, take a brief historical trip and get inspired.
Looking for an old blog post or particular plant? Check the index
What’s Happening…
Family Campout
Dates: July 11th – 12th
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 AM
Price: Adults $75, Children $25
Activities
- Camp under the stars!
- Explore nighttime wonders with a Naturalist
- Roast marshmallows around a campfire
- Ease into camping while staying close to home
Butterfly Tours
Dates: July 11th – August 30th
Weekday Times (T-F): 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, hourly
Weekend Times: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, every half hour
Price: $7
Activities
- Witness beautiful butterflies up-close
- Learn about pollinators and how to aid them in this guided tour along our garden and meadow
- Step inside their arbor and experience the incredible wonder of butterflies!
Tickets are available at the Manor House day of. Limited space available. Arrive early to secure your time slot.
trivia Nights
Dates: July 23rd, August 27th, September 24th
Time: 6:30 PM
Ages: 18+
Activities
- Test your trivia knowledge at our new Welcome Center
- Compete with your friends for a chance to win exciting prizes
- Enjoy refreshments, meet new people, and have fun
Trivia Nights are for adults (18+).
Summer Night Hikes
Dates & Times: July 24th at 8:30pm;
August 21st at 8:00pm
Ages: Open to all ages
Prices: $12 per person
Activities
- Meet our Naturalist around a campfire
- Get introduced to some of our nocturnal animals, including our great horned owl
- Walk the forest trails in a guided exploration of the creatures that wander at night
Movie Nights
Dates: July 31st, August 28th
Time: Movies begin at sunset. Arrive early to claim your spot on the lawn!
Ages: Open to all ages
Price: Suggested donation
About
- Sit below the stars and watch these fun Disney and DreamWorks films
- Bring a blanket or chairs
- Concessions will be offered for sale
Summer Nature Lab
Dates: July 13th – 17th, 20th – 24th
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Entering Grades: 7th – 9th
Price: $1,100 Members, $1,250 Non-Members
ABout
- 2 Weeks to Explore, Research, & Learn
- Interactive STEAM Workshops
- Develop Lifelong Skills
- Practice Hands-On Stewardship
Summer Camp
Dates: June 29th – August 28th, Weekly
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Extended Day: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Entering Grades: 1st – 5th
Price: $550 Members, $625 Non-Members
Activities
- Animal Interactions
- Outdoor Adventures
- Nature Games & Crafts
- Forest & Pond Exploration
