Migrating Birds and the Trees that Feed Them (in-person) SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT - Click the Register button to join the waitlist.

In-Person Event, Open to All, $45 (includes: lectures, tours, lunch, and a $5 donation to Blandy Farm)

Join Lifetime Learning for a day of exploring at the University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm, home to environmental science research and the State Arboretum of Virginia. Blandy faculty and staff will guide participants through the Arboretum, highlighting some of its unique collections of indigenous trees and migrating birds.

The American Chestnut and Butternut trees, once native to the eastern U.S., fell victim to diseases that threatened their survival. We will visit a new collection of American Paw-paw trees planted in the 1930s as part of an early effort to commercialize this delicious fruit. These three species are vital for wildlife, including migrating birds returning to the tropics. Staff will lead a tour in search of some of these migrant birds as they fatten up on these and other fruits in the Arboretum.

David Carr, Director, Research Professor of Environmental Sciences, Blandy Experimental Farm, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

David Carr is a Research Professor of Environmental Sciences and Director of the Blandy Experimental Farm. His research focuses on plant-insect interactions, including the role of floral scent in attracting pollinators. He has been an avid birder for nearly 50 years and leads regular bird tours at Blandy.

T’ai Roulston, Curator and Research Associate Professor

T'ai Roulston is an ecologist in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia. His work focuses on plant and insect conservation and ecology. He also serves as the curator of the State Arboretum of Virginia.

Ariel Firebaugh, Director of Scientific Engagement, Blandy Experimental Farm

Ariel Firebaugh leads outreach and public programming for general audiences as the Director of Scientific Engagement at Blandy. She is in her third Blandy “instar”, having worked at Blandy as an undergraduate research fellow, then as a PhD student studying firefly ecology, and now as a staff member. Her favorite tree at the arboretum is the yellowwood outside her office window.

Jack Monstead, Assistant Curator, Native Plant Trail, Blandy Experimental Farm

Jack Monstead is an assistant curator at Blandy and practices a mixture of restoration ecology and nature-led gardening to steward Blandy’s biodiverse native plant trail. He earned his M.S. degree at Ohio University studying how forests recover following clearance for agriculture. In his off-time enjoys going hiking and rock climbing with his great dane mix, Cricket.

Jared Manzo, Arborist, Blandy Experimental Farm

Jared Manzo is the Arborist at Blandy Experimental Farm. After earning degrees at West Virginia University, he has been practicing arboriculture in various capacities since 2010. He works with his team to manage the arboretum's plant collection and property maintenance.

Harrison Jackson, Director of PreK-12 Education

Harrison Jackson has always had a passion for the environment, spending his childhood summers on the Chesapeake Bay & in forests and fields in Maryland & Delaware. His love of nature & natural curiosity led him to attend Salisbury University for his Bachelor’s of Science and later Clemson University for his Master’s of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology. His enthusiasm for the great outdoors & dedication to ensuring all students have chances to learn outside led to a career in environmental education where he’s worked for several non-profits leading K-12 environmental education efforts across Mid-Atlantic states including Maryland, Delaware, North & South Carolina before joining Blandy’s education team this summer.

Anne Marie Chirieleison, Foundation of the State Arboretum Director

Anne Marie Chirieleison serves as the Director of the Foundation of the State Arboretum, and is also an avid hiker, gardener, and the Arboretum’s resident ‘history nerd’. She is a non-profit executive with 10 years of experience in historical asset management and landscape interpretation. At Blandy, Anne Marie leverages public and private support to further the Foundation’s and Blandy’s shared mission of research, education, and environmental stewardship.

Participants should expect to walk 2.5-3 miles over gravel, lawn, and dirt paths across gently undulating terrain. Please let Lifetime Learning know about mobility concerns in advance by emailing John Pilat at anJwOGZkIHwgdmlyZ2luaWEgISBlZHU=.

Must be 18 years old or older

This event will be rain or shine. Water and reusable water bottles will be provided. A boxed lunch will follow the tours.

Binoculars are recommended and cameras are welcome.

Tickets may not be transferred to another person (no substitutes).

Cancellation Policy: Participants may cancel their registration for this One-Day UVA program by emailing John Pilat at anJwOGZkIHwgdmlyZ2luaWEgISBlZHU=. John will send an email notification confirming your cancellation.

Refund Policy: If Lifetime Learning (via John) receives your cancellation email before 11:59 PM EDT on September 12, 2025, you will receive a refund of 50% of your registration fee.

If Lifetime Learning (via John) receives your cancellation email after 12:00 AM EDT on September 13, 2025, no refund will be issued.

This program is in partnership with the University of Virginia’s .

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