The Morton Arboretum in Lisle has just recently started using
discovery carts and demonstration stations on the grounds.

We used carts which are rolled out into our Visitor Center courtyard.
We had a large, free-standing sign in the courtyard, advertising the
activity carts and the times that they are available.  Plus, the
carts themselves had signs on them to help people identify their
purpose.

We tried to choose catchy names for the activities, to
pique visitor interest.  Our cart on flowers was called "Peek at our
Bloomers!", for example.

We also used tents on the grounds in various sites, and had tables
with staff available as facilitators/demonstrators.  We have
activities like a "Tree Ring Circus" (tree ring counting) and
"Barking up the Right Tree" (bark rubbing).  These tents had
free-standing signs listing the activities and times available.

We mentioned these activities in our Members' Newsletter and also in
our monthly admission handout.  We also sent out media releases
describing what was happening when, weather dependent.   These were
picked up in the local calendar items.  We're also planning paid
advertising for summer.

Our biggest problem was how to advertise that something was canceled
when the weather was bad or a volunteer didn't show up to work.  I'd
love to hear how others have solved this.

Good luck!

Kate Desulis
The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, IL 60532
630-719-5700
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> I am working on public programming at the U.S. National Arboretum and
> am in search of other arboreta or botanic gardens that offer discovery
> carts or stations out in their gardens.  We are looking at our PR
> strategy for these stations and would like to get information on how
> other gardens and arboreta advertise their discovery carts/stations in
> their member's newsletter and local newspapers.