Barbara’s Bus: Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring a New Generation

Each year, the Garden welcomes school buses of eager students ready to discover the natural world through hands-on, immersive learning experiences.

Nearly 100 school groups visit annually, but for many, the cost of transportation remains a major obstacle. With transportation costs ranging from $400 to over $1,000 per trip, some schools, especially Title I schools serving low-income communities, struggle to make field trips possible. In many cases, the cost of a bus is the only thing standing between a child and an unforgettable outdoor learning experience.

Recognizing this challenge, the Garden launched Barbara’s Bus Fund to make nature’s classroom accessible to all. Established in 2024 and inspired by the heartfelt idea of a dear friend, Barbara’s Bus Fund honors the memory of Barbara Morse, a longtime trustee, dedicated volunteer, and passionate advocate for environmental education, with a special commitment to helping children experience the wonder and inspiration of the natural world.

Thanks to the generosity of Barbara’s friends, family, and like-minded supporters, over a thousand students have already had the opportunity to experience our outdoor classroom—many for the very first time.

Please consider supporting Barbara’s Bus Fund and help eliminate financial barriers by supporting access to education. With your help, we can keep going the distance for young learners—one bus ride at a time.

Barbara’s Bus is generously sponsored in part by: