Field Trips
Field trips at Viles Arboretum provide an enriching, hands-on learning experience for students of all ages!
Spanning 224 acres of diverse ecosystems - including woodlands, wetlands, and open fields - the Arboretum serves as the perfect outdoor classroom. Our field trips are led by knowledgeable education team, who inspire curiosity and deepen students' connections with the natural world.
Program Adaptability: Most of our programs can be tailored to suit every age group, including mixed-aged groups.
Extended Visit Time: Groups are welcome to stay the the Arboretum longer than their scheduled program time to further explore the grounds and visitor center.
Lunch Options: Any outdoor area on the Arboretum grounds is available for lunch. Additionally, the Education Barn can be reserved for lunch for a $25 flat fee.
Restroom Facilities: Accessible restrooms will be available during your visit.
Accessibility: The Arboretum strives to create inclusive programs. Please let us know how we can accommodate any of your students to ensure they can fully experience and enjoy their visit.
Chaperones: To ensure your group as the support needed for a successful visit, there is no charge for adults.
Guided Educational Programs
Our guided education program blends hands-on classroom learning with outdoor field exploration led by our knowledgeable educators. Students will engage in interactive lessons tailored to their grade level, exploring topics such as ecosystems, plant adaptations, seasonal changes, and local wildlife. This program fosters critical thinking and observation skills, making science and nature come alive.
Duration: 90 minutes
Rate: $150 per group of 20 students
Maximum Group Size: 60
Chaperones: We require a 1:10 chaperone-to-student ratio
Smaller or larger groups should contact us directly for accommodations and pricing.
Self-Guided Programs
Explore the Arboretum at your own pace with customized activity printouts designed to enhance learning and engagement. Choose from options such as scavenger hunts, data collection sheets, or tree and wildlife identification challenges. This is a great option for teachers who prefer a flexible, self-directed experience while still offering structured learning.
Durations: 60 minutes
Rate: $50 per group of 30 students
No Maximum Group Size
Nature Walks
Our guided nature walks provide an in-depth exploration of the Arboretum’s trails, highlighting seasonal changes, native plants, and local wildlife through interactive discussions and sensory observations.
Duration: 60 minutes
Rate: $100 per group of 20 students
Maximum Group Size: 100 students
Chaperones: We require a 1:10 chaperone-to-student ratio
Enjoy the Arboretum's trails at your own pace on a self-guided nature walk. This option is great for groups looking for a flexible outdoor learning experience, this option allows you to explore independently. You're welcome to bring your own learning materials to enhance the visit.
Rate: $100 flat rate fee
No Maximum Group Size
Registration required for groups of more than 10 students
Available Programs
Students will learn to identify native Maine trees by examining bark, buds, branching patterns, leaves, and event scent. Through hands-on observation, they'll discover the importance of tree identification and how trees play a vital role in both human life and local ecosystems.
Available year round as:
- Guided Educational Program (90 minutes)
- Self-Guided Program (60 minutes)
Explore the fascinating world of vernal pools, temporary water sources that play a critical role in Maine's ecosystems. These pools are home to unique species and provide essential breeding grounds for amphibians, insects, and other wildlife.
In this program, students will learn how to identify vernal pools, understand their ecological importance, and discuss ways to protect these fragile habitats.
Available late March through August as:
- Guided Educational Program (90 minutes)
- Self-Guided Program (60 minutes)
Students will explore the fascinating process of how sap becomes syrup, starting with the reasons trees produce sap and the types of trees best suited for maple syrup. They'll learn how to identify Sugar Maple trees, then engage in hands-on learning as they tap the trees and discover the steps involved in collecting sap and turning it into syrup.
The program also includes a historical look at the Indigenous origins of sap collection and how these methods were passed down through generations.
Want to extend your students learning? This program offers the option to return for a second visit to collect and boil the sap, giving students the chance to see the full process of syrup-making from start to finish.
Available in March as:
- Guided Educational Program (90 minutes)
Students can explore the beautiful trails of the Arboretum by snowshoe or cross-country skis observing and discussing how the environment shifts during wintertime. This is a great way to connect with nature in the colder months!
Equipment use is included in the program rate, but availability and sizes may be limited.
Available when there is snow as:
- Self-Guided Program
- Guided Nature Walk
- Self-Guided Nature Walk
