Botanical Field Trips & Outreach
Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
The Botanical Conservatory’s education staff serves thousands of students each year through on- and off-site visits for public, parochial, private and home schools. Teachers can choose the standards-based curriculum that best meets their students’ needs. Our outreach programs also help teachers meet state science standards and engage students in active learning. Conservatory visits let you collect temperature and humidity readings for a biome study, find food plants in the desert and jungle, explore plant patterns with art students, or choose from a variety of other activities, depending on the age and focus of the group.
2019 Exhibits
January 12-April 21
Hundred Acre Wood (early literacy)
April 27-July 7
Migrations (life science)
July 13-November 17
Plant Explorers (history & botany)
We can also take plant science on the road, traveling to your school to provide classroom or assembly-style presentations. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. A minimum of ten students is required to book a lab, but self-guiding visit lessons are available for groups of any size. For more information, call the Conservatory’s Youth Education Coordinator at 427-6445 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Click here for our Group Visit Planner ~ for more information about planning a visit, plus our policies and expectations.
Downtown 4-H Club
Fourth Thursday night, monthly, 6:30-7:45 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
You don’t have to own a cow or know how to garden in order to join the fun and be a part of 4-H. Our downtown community 4-H club, the Clover Rovers, meet at the Botanical Conservatory led by experienced Purdue Extension volunteers. The club focuses on science, citizenship, healthy living, and fun! Any Fort Wayne area youth in kindergarten through 12th grade can join before May 15. Monthly evening meetings will offer children a chance to meet friends, learn skills, and explore ideas. Free parking at meters after 5 pm or in the Civic Center Parking Garage with validated ticket. For more information or to sign up, contact the Extension office at (260) 481-6826.
Youth Education Tours
Youth Education Tour Chart listing Tour Options
Tour Curriculum:
Plant Private Eye
Plant Puzzlers
Butterflies (seasonal)
Operation Observation
Compost Lab
Flower Power Lab
Biome Lab
2FORU
Calling all school teachers. Are you planning two field trips in one day? Feeling overwhelmed? Click here to make it easier by checking out our new 2forU program!
Educational Outreach Programs
Botanical Conservatory goes to School September-March Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Enjoy the popular educational programs of the Conservatory from the convenience of your own classroom, scout troop or home school co-op. Each program has been designed to comply with Indiana State Educational Standards while providing a fun and educational experience.
The current programs are:
Compost Lab (2nd-3rd grades)
Flower Power (3rd-12th grades)
Operation Observation (4th-12th grades)
$3/student (minimum 10) plus travel expenses based on zone: $15 Fort Wayne, $45 Allen County, $90 DeKalb County and similar, $135 Steuben County and similar.
Our environmental tours meet Indiana Academic Standards.
Teachers, please check out the following: Download an Off-Site Program Flier now! Off-Site Programs Science Standards Correlations
For more information, call 427-6445.
Discovery Corner: Renovations Ahead
Daily in the Discovery Corner
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Renovations are coming to the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree. During the period February-March, our young visitors are encouraged to find stories and activities relating to our Fairy Tale theme across the hallway in the Discovery Gallery. In April, we will experience some down time while we finish construction. We plan to re-open our Discovery Corner in late April with an emphasis on pretend play and nature-based exploration. Discovery Corner materials are safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade levels, but everyone is welcome to explore. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and discover new ideas together. Discovery Corner fun is free with general admission; pre-registration is not required.
Photo credit: The Papers Inc.
Garden Preschool
Third Tuesday of the Month, 10-11 am
Garden Preschool meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Botanical Conservatory. Parents or guardians assist children side by side in this monthly class that encourages the basics of exploring in the gardens at a young age. Each month we will explore a different theme through a story, hands-on activity, craft and a snack. Children and adults alike will learn by hands-on activities in the garden that are sure to get everyone thinking. At least one adult is required to stay and participate (no registration required) for the duration of the class with their child. Please indicate at registration if a participant has food allergies. Registration deadlines: September 11, October 9, and November 13, respectively. Ages 3-5. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Times
How Seeds Travel
427102-T1 9/18 T 10-11 a.m.
Fall Fun
427102-T2 10/16 T 10-11 a.m.
Cold Weather
427102-T3 11/20 T 10-11 a.m.
Garden Preschool
Preschoolers can visit the Conservatory on the third Tuesday of every month to explore the gardens and a related topic with their parent or guardian. Discover different themes through a story, hands-on activity, craft, and snack. Children and adults alike will learn by hands-on activities that are sure to get everyone thinking. At least one adult is required to stay and participate (no registration required) for the duration of the class. Please indicate at registration if a participant has food allergies. Registration deadlines: December 11, January 8, and February 12, respectively. Ages 3-5. Min. 5. Max. 10.
Code Date Day Time
Victorian Holiday
127100-T1 12/18 Tu 10-11 am
Winter Fun
127100-T2 1/15 Tu 10-11 am
Color Red
127100-T3 2/19 Tu 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$6
Member or Volunteer Fee: $4
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
#Sessions/Fee: 1/$6
Member or Volunteer Fee: $4
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
