On Friday, 150 elementary students got the chance to get out of the science classroom and into the study of real, growing life. One fourth-grader said he enjoyed the hands-on lesson much better.

Officials at the arboretum are looking for more than classroom professionals to teach their young visitors. They need volunteers to take on the challenge. The job qualifications are simple – they want people who love nature.

Some of the students on Friday said that volunteer tour guides helped them grasp a perspective that is rarely found inside a school or book.

Cox Arboretum is located on Route 741 in Miamisburg. The grounds are free and open to the public during set business hours.

For more information about Cox Arboretum, log onto www.coxarboretum.org.