Outdoor/Environmental Field Trips

Hopelands Gardens is located at 135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC 29801. Please turn in at the Hopelands Gardens sign (not the Rye Patch). Parking will be on your left.

There is no charge for students or adults. Hopelands completely funds this program!

If you have confirmed registration for a program and find you must cancel, we MUST have written notification of your cancellation at least 4 weeks prior to the reserved date, or a cancellation fee will be assessed. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or other natural events.

A maximum of 50 students per day (students rotate through 3 programs).

In the event of a delay or inclement weather, please call or text Kimberly Fickling at 803-300-4488.

• If it is only a light sprinkle, we may continue as planned and you should dress accordingly.
• If the weather is too cold or rainy and you need to cancel, please call or text Kimberly ASAP.
• If a trip must be canceled, we will try to reschedule for a later date if possible.
• The teacher will make the final call about canceling due to the weather. (No cancellation fee will be assessed.)

If your group plans to stay for lunch, participants should bring bag lunches and drinks. Lunch and restroom facilities are available at Hopelands. There are no concessions or vending machines.

Participants should bring a refillable water bottle and their lunch/drink in warm weather.

We will be outside ALL day.

• Dress according to the weather.
• Wear long pants and close-toed shoes.
• We will do a fair amount of walking over uneven ground.

YES! We will be out in nature all morning. We need adequate supervision to ensure a safe learning experience.

• Chaperones should NOT bring additional children.
• Follow your district guidelines for the number of chaperones to bring.
• There should be at least one adult per 8 students (more adults for younger students).

Yes; however, we need to know in advance if you have students who cannot walk about one mile at a slow pace.

Hopelands Gardens (yes, both words end in an “s.”) and Rye Patch are wonderful historical and natural environments located within the City of Aiken. The pristine gardens, wetlands, and reflection pools are accessed by a series of lazy curving paths.

For more information about Hopelands Gardens and the Rye Patch, visit the City of Aiken's Parks website.