Students who need a study break can enjoy nature by visiting the Iowa Arboretum from Thursday until Sunday.

Volunteer Workday, Arbor Day Celebration and Family Wildflower Walks will take place this weekend at the Iowa Arboretum, 1875 Peach Ave. near Madrid.

“We do these celebrations every year. Arbor Day is always celebrated on April 27, and it happened that the Wildflower Walk fell the day after this year,” said Jane Hagge, co-manager of the Iowa Arboretum.

Volunteer Workday, at 9 a.m. Thursday, is a clean-up time to get ready for Arbor Day celebrations, Hagge said.

“For the workday, people come and help clean up the grounds. They pick up branches, because there are a lot of sticks on the ground. They also clean up the beds,” said Rachel Eltin, horticulturist.

Volunteers should wear old clothes and bring a garden tool, and refreshments will be provided.

The Arbor Day Celebration will begin at 9 a.m. Friday and includes a tree dedication, a program and a catered lunch, Hagge said.

The program will also feature a presentation about Arbor Day by a third-grade class from United Community School of Boone, Eltin said.

“Four trees will be dedicated, and they will all be dedicated by Mike Bevins, the State Horticulturist,” she said.

Among the four, one tree will be dedicated in memory of former State Horticulturist, Dan Cooper.

Those who wish to attend must pre-register for lunch only by calling 795-3216. The cost of the lunch is $12 for Arboretum members and $14 for non-members.

The last celebration, Family Wildflower Walks, will start at 10 a.m. Saturday. Family Wildflower Walks will resume again 2 p.m. Sunday.

The walk includes a guided tour along a woodland trail and the wooded shade garden to see many varieties of blooming spring flowers.

The walk is open to the public, and no registration is necessary, Hagge said.

“We have lots of flowers blooming, especially in the shade gardens,” Eltin said. “By the end of the month, we should have a bunch of them in full bloom.”

Activities for children will also be occurring.

“There will also be a scavenger hunt for kids,” Hagge said. “It is a great family outing.”