Nature Rocks

Name: Nature Rocks
Start: 2025-10-12T14:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-12T17:00:00-04:00
Location: Hopelands Gardens

Schedule

Sun Oct 12 2025 at 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Hopelands Gardens | Aiken, SC

The Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch and the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department presents the 4th Annual Nature Rocks in Hopelands Gardens on Sunday, October 12th, from 2 - 5 pm. This is sure to be a fun and exciting day of nature crafts, scavenger hunts, and interactive demonstrations by several local organizations. In addition, participants can enjoy Story Time with Mother Goose, face painting, a guided history walk through the gardens.
“We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Nature Rocks after having to miss last year,” said Kathy Wise, event co-chair alongside Tommie Culligan. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with nature in a fun and meaningful way.” Culligan added, “This year, several new exhibitors will join the many favorites from past years. Visitors will also enjoy seeing the beautiful landscape enhancements the city has made to Hopelands following Hurricane Helene.”
Hopelands Gardens is the perfect location to host Nature Rocks. Previously owned by Hope Goddard Iselin, it was donated to the city in 1970 around the time of her death. The 14-acre property is home to thousands of trees, a butterfly garden, and numerous species of birds, is part of the National Camellia Trail, and contains
wetlands which are home to amphibians and reptiles. Hope Iselin planted the many beautiful Oaks and Cedars that now grace the property, conveniently nestled on the outskirts of Downtown Aiken.
This event is made possible through the generosity and support of many community partners, including: Aiken Scholars Academy, Allen Riddick – Local Historian, Joanne Lize, Aaron Campbell – Certified Arborist, SC DHEC, Butterfly Monarchy Club, Girl Scout Troop #1417 Cadets, Aiken Council of Garden Clubs, Purebred
Compost, Hitchcock Woods Foundation, Aiken County Stormwater Division, Aiken Land Conservancy, Sand River Woman’s Club, Keep Aiken County Beautiful, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, Aiken Woman’s Club, Augusta–Aiken Audubon Society, Savannah Riverkeepers, Aiken Gems & Minerals, Savannah River Ecology Lab, Aiken Beekeepers, Cedar Creek Church, Aiken County Master Gardeners, South Carolina Bluebird Society, G.E.M. Organization, and the NJROTC of South Aiken High School.
Parking for this event is available at Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road.
For more information, call 803-642-7600 and press 3. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@aikenparksrec) or by downloading the Aiken Explorer app. For weather alerts, text AIKENRAINALERT to 91896.
The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism invites people of all ability levels to enjoy programs, parks, and facilities. Individuals needing special assistance to participate should notify PRT Administrative Office 48 hours in advance.