Welcome to Learning
in the Tropical Garden
The Hybrid Living Lab
#KWGardenEducation | Our Hybrid Living Lab Education Program uses the Garden as an example to break down high level STEM concepts, like conservation, ecology, climate change, water quality, soil science and much more, into interactive and age appropriate lessons. Our place-based education includes hands-on, experiential learning at the Garden, in-classroom lessons and activities, and virtual learning opportunities (via our Google Classroom) featuring the unique ecosystems of the Florida Keys. Our curriculum meets Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) and are built for Pre K through College level learners. We also host Speakers Series and workshops for life long learners with topics from Cultural Heritage to Plant Science to Art.
Visit The Garden on location
5210 College Road. Key West, FL 33040
Daily: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
305-296-1504
About Our Garden
Education Programs
Our Garden Education Programs include on-location, in-classroom, after-school, and online learning opportunities for students Pre-K through College and Speaker Series for the general public.
FOR VIRTUAL LEARNERS | Check out the Virtual Living Lab in which you can find original instructional videos, weekly Species Spotlight and Story Time videos, hands-on activities and interactive projects.
FOR IN-PERSON LEARNERS | Our Living Lab program features fun-filled, educational field trips and in-classroom lessons and activities. To schedule in-person learning opportunities, please contact Education@keywest.garden. We also host Story Time for our Seedling Scientists weekly. This program is perfect for Pre-K to 3rd Grade students and features stories, crafts, and activities. We also host special events, like Art Workshops, Screaming’ Green Halloween, Winter Concert, and Migration Mania which are festive family activities. Check our calendar and follow us on Facebook and / or Instagram for up-to-date information on regular programs and special events.
FOR ADULTS | Adults will enjoy our Speaker Series, special events, yoga classes, native plant sales and self-guided nature walks. Adults may also enjoy becoming one of our Garden Guardians; it’s a great way to learn the best techniques for the Keys and choose the right plants for a strong, native garden.
SCHEDULE
Plan ahead for our monthly Speakers Series during the winter high season. You’ll find the annual calendar with full details here.
The Garden’s Annual Speaker Series
Interested in learning more about the complex and fascinating environmental world of Key West and the Florida Keys? Then join us the third Saturday of each month December-May for our Speaker Series. Each one-hour workshop begins at 1:00 p.m., in The Nature Chapel. $5 for non-members; free for members. Includes admission to the Garden.
Be sure to come early for the Native Plant Sale! From 9 a.m.-noon, we offer more than 150 species of butterfly- and bird-attracting native, rare and endangered plants propagated and available in the Botanical Garden Nursery. A great way to create your customized Key West garden — and support the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, too.
VIDEOS
If you weren’t able to attend our Speakers Series in the Garden, we post our videos so you can watch them at your convenience.
Species Spotlight
Story Time
The Living Laboratory
Meet our Education Team
Alicia Manfroy, education manager
Alicia Manfroy joined the Botanical Garden Education team in 2023 as the Education Manager.
Her passion for the ecosystems of the Florida Keys began early with yearly visits to her grandparents' house on Big Pine Key. Alicia has a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Applied Ecology and minors in Biology and Sustainability.
She has a varied background spanning from environmental education, ornithology, coral restoration, and science communication.
As the Education manager, Alicia is looking forward to working outdoors using the beautiful garden as a Living Laboratory to encourage and educate children in fun, creative, and interactive ways.
Thank you to our sponsors
What would you like to do today?
Become a member
Memberships include unlimited free admission, special events, gift shop discounts, volunteer opportunities and offers from our partners.
Check events calendar
There's always something to do in the botanical garden and tropical forest. The latest schedules for yoga, plant sales, speaker series and more.
Become a volunteer
Our volunteers get their hands dirty -- or not. We have opportunities for volunteers who love people, plants, trees and animals.
Make a donation
Sustain and preserve our fragile Florida Keys ecosystems. Purchase endangered plants and trees and support educational programs.
Schedule a venue
Wedding? Family reunion? Company outing? Whatever you're planning, our venues are the perfect setting for your special event.
Education
Student and adult education: Speaker Series, Species Spotlight and StoryTime are among our extensive in-person and online courses.