Questions about planning your visit? Please contact Guest Services Manager Aaron Cressman.

Your Path to Spring Starts Here

Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20

Join us for a weekend celebrating growth and nature’s beauty as we welcome spring blooms and vibrant greenery, sharing all the different ways to get outside and explore at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

Guided trail walks, ecology and conservation chats, kids’ crafts and live music on Friday and Saturday present many paths to nature. Pick the one you love most or explore many ways to begin your outdoor adventure.

The weekend culminates in Spring Trails and Cottontails on Sunday, April 20, an Easter celebration unlike any other featuring live bunnies, Easter-themed games, story time, face painting and crafts for kids and a candy vendor market in our Bonbon Ballroom.

Our goal (this weekend and every day)? Help you find your path to nature.

Schedule + Programming

Throughout the Day 

  • Crafts for kids (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
  • Live music featuring Garden favorite Aaron Denver Crites
  • Find Your Path Passport: Stop at as many “paths” as you can throughout the day to fill your passport. Visitors who complete their passport win a prize!
  • Lost Hollow Garden bar featuring fun, outdoorsy cocktails and N/A beverages

Birding Walk | 9-10 a.m.

Led by longtime Garden volunteer and avid birdwatcher, Gail Ice, this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse avian life that calls our Garden trails home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, join us for an educational and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors. This guided walk is free as it is part of our Volunteer Programming and no pre-registration is required.

Meadowood Walk Guided Trail Hike | 9:30-10:30 a.m. 

Join DSBG Education Manager Rosemary Kinch as she guides you through our newly-renovated, half-mile Meadowood Walk trail! This trail is located inside the Garden, surrounding our Piedmont Prairie, stretching into the forest beyond and providing scenic views of Lake Wylie.

Meet at Meadowood Walk trailhead just beyond the Serpentine Garden to participate. This educational guided walk is a $5 flat fee for all. Non-members will need to purchase garden admission to join Your Path to Spring.

Piedmont Prairie Ecology Chat | 11-11:30 a.m.

DSBG Educator Rosemary Kinch leads a conversation about DSBG’s sprawling Piedmont Prairie. Learn why the Prairie is so vital to our natural ecosystem on DSBG property, benefits of Prairie conservation and how you can get involved in protecting the Prairie in the years to come.

Stop by the stairs in front of the Piedmont Prairie to join!

Persimmon Trail Guided Trail Hike | Noon – 1 p.m. 

Join DSBG Education Manager Rosemary Kinch as she shares her expert insights on the flora and fauna of our 0.3-mile Persimmon Trail. This trail is located on DSBG property just outside the Garden; the trailhead is located at the back of the DSBG parking lot. This educational guided walk is a $5 flat fee for all. Non-members will need to purchase Garden admission to join Your Path to Spring.

Throughout the Day 

  • Crafts for kids  and face painting (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
  • Live music featuring Garden favorite Michael York
  • Find Your Path Passport: Stop at as many “paths” as you can throughout the day to fill your passport. Visitors who complete their passport win a prize!
  • Lost Hollow Garden bar featuring fun, outdoorsy cocktails and N/A beverages

Meadowood Walk Guided Trail Hike | 9:30-10:30 a.m. 

Join DSBG Education Manager Rosemary Kinch as she guides you through our newly-renovated, half-mile Meadowood Walk trail! This trail is located inside the Garden, surrounding our Piedmont Prairie, stretching into the forest beyond and providing scenic views of Lake Wylie.

Meet at Meadowood Walk trailhead just beyond the Serpentine Garden to participate. This educational guided walk is a $5 flat fee for all. Non-members will need to purchase Garden admission to join Your Path to Spring.

Piedmont Prairie Ecology Chat | 11-11:30 a.m.

DSBG Educator Rosemary Kinch leads a conversation about DSBG’s sprawling Piedmont Prairie. Learn why the Prairie is so vital to our natural ecosystem on DSBG property, benefits of Prairie conservation and how you can get involved in protecting the Prairie in the years to come.

Stop by the stairs in front of our Piedmont Prairie to join!

Persimmon Trail Guided Trail Hike | Noon – 1 p.m. 

Join DSBG Education Manager Rosemary Kinch as she shares her expert insights on the flora and fauna of our 0.3-mile Persimmon Trail. This trail is located on DSBG property just outside the Garden; the trailhead is located at the back of the DSBG parking lot. This educational guided walk is a $5 flat fee for all. Non-members will need to purchase Garden admission to join Your Path to Spring.

Pickin’ on the Porch | 2-4 p.m. 

After a fun-filled morning in the Garden, head over to The Trailhead Store for an afternoon of free toe-tappin’ live music! We’re excited to feature the upbeat folk tunes of LorieAnne Dalley.

Happy Easter! Activities run from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. It will be a fun-filled day of spring activities, including:

  • Bunny Meet and Greet: See and meet real bunnies with local bunny caretaker David Holloway.
  • Easter Games: Kids and parents can partake in some Easter fun, including Egg on a Spoon races, Hop and Stop and an Egg Beanbag Toss. Winners will receive prizes! Please note that there is no egg hunt. 
  • Easter Crafts: Kids can bring their creativity to life through fun crafts led by volunteers.
  • Easter Raffle: Write in your guess for Easter guessing games to win three Easter baskets with free membership inside.
  • Face Painting: An artist station will be available all day to bring kids’ face paint designs to life.
  • Bonbon Ballroom Sweets Market: Explore offerings from local chocolate and candy vendors to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Adults: $19 | Seniors (60+): $16 | Children (2-12): $10 | Infants (Under 2): Free

Your Path to Spring

bee buzzing near yellow flowers

Explore Stowe’s entire 380-acre property.

Family fun…and some exciting surprises.