Aiken, SC, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The fourth annual Nature Rocks event in Aiken, SC, takes place at Hopelands Gardens on October 12, featuring free activities designed to inspire outdoor exploration. Families can enjoy nature crafts, scavenger hunts, and interactive demonstrations from local organizations. Special activities include Story Time with Mother Goose, face painting, and guided history walks. A book unveiling commemorating the gardens’ history will also be held. Parking is available at the Green Boundary Club for attendees.
Aiken, SC – The fourth annual Nature Rocks event will take place on Sunday, October 12, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Hopelands Gardens. This free event, open to kids and families, aims to encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation for nature.
Nature Rocks will offer a variety of activities such as nature crafts, scavenger hunts, and interactive demonstrations from local organizations. Families can enjoy Story Time with Mother Goose, face painting, and a guided history walk through the gardens. Organized by the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch in collaboration with the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, the event is co-chaired by Kathy Wise and Tommie Culligan.
This year’s event features several new exhibitors in addition to returning favorites. It celebrates the 14-acre Hopelands Gardens, which was donated to the city by Hope Goddard Iselin in 1970. The gardens are part of the National Camellia Trail, showcasing diverse natural elements including wetlands, a butterfly garden, and numerous tree species.
Activities and Highlights
Local historian Allen Riddick will conduct guided tours discussing the history of Hopelands Gardens and the Doll House. Activities tailored for youth include a Treasure Hunt for ages 7-14, designed to enhance math and observation skills.
Various professionals will present engaging demonstrations. Sean Poppy from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory will showcase native amphibians and raptors, while Mark Hardenbrook from Three Tree Bees will provide insights on beekeeping. Attendees can also partake in making pine cone bird feeders with the Aiken Woman’s Club and enjoy a rock painting activity hosted by Cedar Creek Church.
A special unveiling of a new book titled “Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch: The Friends’ Story” will occur at 4 PM during the event. This book commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch, featuring contrasting photographs of the gardens from both the past and present.
Visitors will also be able to view enhancements made to the gardens post-Hurricane Helene, adding to the natural beauty of the site. For those attending, parking will be available at the Green Boundary Club, located at 780 Whiskey Road.
Location and Contact Information
Hopelands Gardens is located at 135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC. For further inquiries, attendees can reach out via 803-642-7631.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 12 |
| Time | 2 PM to 5 PM |
| Location | Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC |
| Admission | Free |
| Main Activities | Nature crafts, scavenger hunts, guided tours, Story Time, face painting |
| Special Features | Book unveiling, demonstrations from professionals |
| Parking | Available at Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road |
FAQs
What is the date and time of the Nature Rocks event?
The fourth annual Nature Rocks event will take place on Sunday, October 12, from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Is there a cost to attend the event?
The event is free and open to kids and families.
Where is the event held?
The event will be held at Hopelands Gardens, located at 135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC.
What activities are available at Nature Rocks?
Activities will include nature crafts, scavenger hunts, Story Time with Mother Goose, face painting, and guided history walks through the gardens.
Who is organizing the event?
The event is organized by the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch in collaboration with the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.
How can I contact for more information?
For more information, attendees can contact 803-642-7631.
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Additional Resources
- Nature Rocks Aiken 2025
- Wikipedia: Nature
- Nature Rocks in Hopelands Gardens
- Google Search: Nature Rocks
- Litter in Aiken County
- Google Scholar: Litter Aiken County
- Aiken Master Gardener Botanical Gardens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Botanical Gardens
- Sand River Women’s Club Celebrates 40th Anniversary
- Google News: Sand River Women’s Club
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
