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Walk with an Arborist & Your Baby

Walk with an Arborist & Your Baby encourages new parents to connect with each other and with the outdoors in a safe space, both physically and emotionally. Based in the Garden of Reflection & Remembrance at the Memorial Chapel, participants learn about trees and plants while having their newborns along. 

Parental leave and the welcoming of a new child can be lonely and stressful. By offering a tour specifically for new parents and caregivers, participants can interact as much (or as little) as they wish with other adults and have a focus in order to leave the house. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in seven women will develop postpartum depression and many others will still experience feelings of loneliness and isolation during parental leave. These symptoms can affect all genders, adoptive parents, and all caregivers, not just the birth parent. Things like cost, transportation, and child care can hinder access to alleviating symptoms. The Arboretum aims to make the outdoors and public gardens more accessible to everyone, regardless of where they are in life's journey.

Tours are offered seasonally but groups can request a tour by filling out the Tour Request Form here.

Spring dates are as follows, registration is required via link provided:

Please register for each individual date using the corresponding links, which will be posted below. You may attend as many tours as you'd like. Registrants will receive a follow up email with pertinent information and an offer to participate in a research survey based on their experience. Participation is not mandatory to attend the tour.  

Read about us in Maryland Today: https://today.umd.edu/a-babys-eye-view-of-umd

Additionally, please feel free to contact Meg Smolinski, Outreach Coordinator, for more information at msmolins@umd.edu. 

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