The Chesapeake Arboretum, referred to as "Nature's Classroom", is hidden back behind a shopping mall and in the middle of a neighborhood. A designated Virginia Treasure, the 48-acres are covered with mature hardwood forests, plants, bridges, hiking trails, a farm house, gazebos, picnic areas, and a garden.
The arboretum is mostly run by volunteers. Be on the lookout for the spray paint markers on the trees. White is the central loop, yellow takes you North, and Orange travels south. Inside of those the blue markers will take you to the lake, red through the native trees, green to the Camellia side trail, and purple to Native Woodland Gardens. There are about 3.5 miles of trails in all. Check out the plant markers to identify different species.
In the fall, grab some fruit from a Fig or Paw-Paw tree. In the Spring, be sure to see the Camellia Cove. This is one of only three sites in Virginia that it grows. There are lots of benches and shady places to sit. There is no cost to visit and the trails were great for little legs. I'd ditch the stroller and wear the baby next time. Check it out!
