Discover the Grounds!
"Design and build trails that will excite the visitor's imagination, encompass the history of the land, and embody the spirit of this great museum. "
—Mission Statement, Trails and Grounds Team at Crystal Bridges
Build a personal connection with Crystal Bridges' landscape and discover the vitality of our 120-acre grounds in our educationalprogram series, Discover the Grounds! Join a hands-on nature class exploring specific areas of the Museum’s environment with our expert grounds team. Learn about the horticulture artistry involved in developing the Museum grounds, including selection of signature plants, native flora of the Ozarks, seasonal observations, landscape architecture, biology studies, sustainability.
There is no fee for participation, but pre-registration is required as space is limited.If there is inclement weather conditions, the class will be canceled.
The Skyspace Wildflower Meadow
Friday, June 14, 10 to 11:30 am
Meet at the Skyspace Amphitheatre on the Art Trail
This program includes gentle walking, some incline, and paved pathways.
Trails and Grounds Manager Clay Bakker and Horticulturist Cody George will talk about the process of planning and landscaping this wildflower meadow. Afterwards, take a discovery walk with Trail Guides to explore the qualities of this vibrant ecosystem, and stroll down the Art Trail featuring outdoor sculptures and more native perennials, shrubs, and trees.
Free with online reservations.
Click here to reserve your seat
Butterfly Season
Friday, July 12, 10 to 11:30 am
Meet at the Tulip Tree Shelter
Moderate walking, some incline, steps, and natural surface trail
In a special presentation by ecologist David Rupe, learn about host plants, the life cycle of butterflies, and our native species of butterflies.
Free with online reservations
Click here to reserve your seat
Botanical Art: Drawing Ozark Plants at Crystal Bridges
Friday, August 9, 10 to 11:30 am
Meet at the Tulip Tree Shelter
Moderate walking, some incline, steps, and natural surface trail
Learn the terminology for plants’ “body parts” through a guided discussion on botanical vocabulary by the Crystal Bridges Trails team, and learn about approaches to botanical art used by leading artists in the field such as Mark Catesby and Martin Johnson Heade. After the discussion, go on a journey with a Trail Guide to practice your own botanical drawings on the grounds.
Free with online reservations.
Click here to reserve your seat