Nebraska City, Neb. (April 16, 2008) – Family members of all ages can have a front row seat to experience the wonders of nature at Arbor Day Farm’s new Discovery Ride. The official dedication of the Discovery Ride will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and will take visitors on a fun, three-mile journey through the historic 260-acre Arbor Day Farm.
The Discovery Ride will transport nature lovers of all ages through 100 acres of woodlands, prairies, orchards, streams and farmland, all of which are located within the boundaries of Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton’s original estate. Passengers will have an opportunity to discover wildlife in its natural habitat among the trees; smell the scents of nature; hear the diverse sounds of the many song birds; and learn about agro-forestry practices and the benefits of trees.
“Our new Discovery Ride allows people from all walks of life a chance to enjoy nature in a unique, relaxing and inspiring way,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We hope the ride will spark an interest in nature for people of all ages, that they will leave the farm with a desire to explore the natural world around them.”
Passengers will relax in a unique transport that will be covered by a canopy shaped like an oak leaf in vivid fall colors. During the 50-minute ride, passengers will learn about the history of J. Sterling Morton’s original farm, which he settled in 1854, and will discover interesting facts about the sights, sounds and smells they will experience on the journey. Passengers will also be able to record what they discover on the ride on the chalkboards inside the Discovery Ride depot.
The Discovery Ride, part of the Tree Adventure attraction, will be run at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each week day, and will be in open from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. during the weekend.
The new Discovery Ride is part of Arbor Day Farm’s Tree Adventure attraction. The Tree Adventure attraction offers people a chance to climb a 50-foot-high tree house, walk along nature trails, play a giant marimba in the Nature Explore Classroom, and use every sense as they witness the up-close excitement and wonderment of nature.
“The new Discovery Ride enhances the experience people receive from the Tree Adventure,” said Doug Farrar, vice president of Arbor Day Farm. “Both attractions allow people to experience nature hands-on, and, hopefully, will give everyone who visits a greater appreciation for the natural world.”
The official dedication of the Discovery Ride is one of many family-oriented events that will take place during the Arbor Day Family Festival weekend at Arbor Day Farm.
Tree planting demonstrations will be held by the Lied Greenhouse staff throughout the weekend.
Children can visit the Tree Adventure attraction, get their face painted and have their picture taken with Carly Cardinal, and make a kite out of newspaper at the recycling craft station.
For a complete schedule of the Arbor Day Family Festival weekend at Arbor Day Farm, visit www.liedlodge.org.
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About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.