Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden

Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden sits on 20 hilly acres in rural Rockbridge County, Virginia, between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains near Lexington. The property traces back to a woodland garden planted by Dr. Robert E. Munger in the 1950s on former farmland; the nonprofit Boxerwood Education Association purchased the land in 1999 and opened it to the public, later earning Virginia's Environmental Education Center of Excellence designation in 2015. The grounds encompass five distinct habitats connected by pathways and trails, including woodlands, springs and ponds, open forests, and native plant areas. Visitor-friendly sections include the PlayTrail, an open Field used for summer concerts, the Lodge with its back patio, and the Pollinator Garden. The original Munger home now serves as the association's offices, alongside outbuildings and shelters scattered across the property. For gatherings, the Pavilion accommodates up to 30 guests and is available by advance reservation, with one complimentary annual rental included for Boxerwood Garden members. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk and welcome leashed pets.