Hoyt Arboretum is dedicated to environmental education, and students are central to our mission.
Updates for Spring 2025 Field Trips:
- Registrations for March 4th – June 6th, 2025 will open Monday, December 2nd
- Hoyt Arboretum Friends will provide a field trip for one grade per school for our field trip program each school year now and moving forward. This change helps support the mission of Hoyt Arboretum Friends by connecting more schools and students with trees.
- If you need assistance, education staff can help you decide the most appropriate grade for a guided field trip.
Thank you for helping us build equitable opportunities among Portland area schools.
ABOUT FIELD TRIPS AT HOYT ARBORETUM
Field trips focus on key tree structures and their functions. Roots, leaves, bark, and seeds each perform a special task for the tree. Learn how these tree structures have adapted to survive in different environments all over the world. Our living museum hosts a global diversity of trees, making Hoyt Arboretum an ideal location for exploring in the Portland Metro area.
Our experiential and inquiry-based field trips are designed for students in grades k-5. The curriculum is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Please reserve at least three weeks in advance so we can prepare for your group.
Scholarships covering fees and transportation are available for Title I schools.
GUIDED FIELD TRIPS
- Guided field trips are 90 minutes
- Cost is $7/student
- 1 adults per 10 students is required
- We can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults for every 10 students
- Maximum capacity is 70 students
- All tours are led by trained Hoyt Arboretum staff and volunteers
- The Stevens Pavilion may be available for lunch
PLEASE NOTE: Group sizes may need to be changed based on the number of educators available and/or students that are in attendance on the day of the field trip.
TEACHER RESOURCES
- Things to Know
- Chaperone Letter
- Chaperone Letter-Español
- Bus Information
- Extreme Weather Policies
- Among the Trees Curriculum Overview
- K-1st Pre and Post Activities
- Best Tree Forever Curriculum Overview
- 2nd-5th Pre and Post Activities
- BTF Certificate
REQUEST AN AMONG THE TREES FIELD TRIP (Grades K-1)
This inquiry-based curriculum introduces Kindergarten and first graders to key tree structures and their functions. Students will use movement and all their senses to explore trees and nature at the Arboretum.
REQUEST A BEST TREE FOREVER FIELD TRIP (Grades 2-5)
This inquiry-based curriculum introduces students to tree identification, natural history, ecological value, and cultural importance. Students will leave Hoyt Arboretum with a deep understanding of a native tree species or Best Tree Forever (BTF) that can be recognized all over the greater Portland area.
Not what you’re looking for? Learn about Self-Guided Field Trips and Independent Visits.