Guided Field Trips
Schedule a class field trip to allow your students to discover the Gardens’ wonders.
Plan a field trip.
Give your students the opportunity to connect with nature and experience hands-on learning by taking part in the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ free Discovery Field Trip series. All field trips extend the life science concepts that you teach in your classroom.
Curriculum based and designed for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, our field trips correlate with the Alabama State Course of Study and Alabama College and Career Ready Standards and align with National Science Education Standards.
Available at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Schools must have one adult present for every 10 children in attendance. Each field trip can accommodate up to 50 students, with a maximum capacity of 70 people per group. Students spend one hour on the field trip and one hour exploring the Gardens with materials provided.
Field Trip Reservations
Please complete the interest form to request a Discovery Field Trip at least two weeks in advance of preferred date. If you have any questions about our field trip programs, contact Ashely Grace Passey via phone (205.414.3950, ext. 106), or email ([email protected]).
Transportation
The Junior League of Birmingham is happy to fund bus transportation for classes from Title I Schools located within Jefferson County, AL, field trips for kindergarten through grade 6.
SPRING FIELD TRIPS
Alabama Biodiversity
Explore the Kaul Wildflower Garden and discover the incredible variety of flowers and pollinators that call Alabama home. Students will learn what makes a plant native, explore the meaning of habitat, and see how biodiversity helps ecosystems stay healthy and strong. Together, we’ll think about how our choices impact the environment and what it means to be good stewards of the natural world. This field trip blends science learning with real-world discovery, helping students connect deeply with Alabama’s natural resources.
Alabama Woodlands
Step into Barber Woodlands and experience the wonder of a vibrant forest ecosystem. Students will explore the unique layers of a healthy forest—the canopy, understory, and forest floor—and discover how each layer plays an important role. Along the way, they’ll learn to identify different trees by their leaves, bark, and shape, and how forests provide food and shelter for countless animals and insects. With towering trees, shady paths, and abundant life all around, the woodlands serve as both classroom and inspiration. Students will also reflect on how caring for forests today ensures they remain vibrant for generations to come.
Japanese Garden
Join us in one of the most popular gardens to explore Japanese culture and design. We’ll learn about the iconic landmarks in the Japanese Garden like the Torii, Karesansui, Toshinan Tea House, and Long Life Lake—and the traditions and significance behind each of their designs. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture and garden design!
What teachers are saying about our Discovery Field Trips
100% of responding teachers say they would recommend our field trips to others!