Preparing
for Your Stay

Your residency starts here

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to The Kampong! To help you feel prepared and make the most of your residency, we’ve gathered some helpful information, packing suggestions, and recommendations for your time in Coconut Grove.

You’ll find guidance on what to bring, what to expect from the local climate, and a few practical tips to help you settle in comfortably. We encourage you to review these resources before your arrival so you can focus on what matters most: exploring, creating, and connecting with the environment around you.

We look forward to having you with us at The Kampong.

01 / Get ready

Before
You Arrive

  • Read the full Residency & Site Visit Guide.

  • Complete and sign the NTBG Registration and Waiver of Liability Form.

  • Send a copy of your valid passport or state ID.

  • Share your travel itinerary, including arrival date, time, and transportation details.

  • If bringing a car, request a parking pass in advance. Parking is limited.

  • Submit a one-page Project Proposal / Statement of Intent outlining how you plan to engage with the garden and which areas or collections you need to access.

01 / Pack thoughtfully

What to Pack

Wear

Clothing &
Footwear

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (quick-dry fabrics)

  • Long-sleeve shirts and lightweight trousers for sun and insect protection

  • Closed-toe, non-slip shoes

  • Rain jacket or compact umbrella

  • Wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses

Protect

Sun and Insect
Defense

  • Strong insect repellent

  • Eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen

  • Reusable water bottle

Create

Art Materials
& Equipment

  • Waterproof covers or dry bags for sketchbooks, cameras, tablets, laptops, and other electronics

  • Protective covers for paper and other delicate materials

Plan for additional drying time when working with paints.

03 / Share the garden

Garden Etiquette

Respect the plants

Do not pick or collect leaves, flowers, seeds, or fruit without permission.

Leave no artistic waste

Never leave paint, solvents, plastics, or other materials in the garden or waterways.

Share the space thoughtfully

Respect shared areas and quiet hours, and be mindful of visitors, students, and scientists working in the garden.

Observe wildlife from a distance

Enjoy the garden’s wildlife, including peacocks and iguanas, without feeding or disturbing the animals.

Public Garden Hours

Tuesday–Saturday

9:00 AM–4:30 PM

As a resident, you may have special access beyond public hours. Please coordinate your independent work schedule with the administration.

04 / Follow your curiosity

Creative Focus

The Kampong offers countless ways to observe, reflect, and find inspiration in the natural world. These optional prompts are designed to spark curiosity and support your creative exploration throughout the residency. Use them as a starting point for your research, or let your own questions and discoveries guide the way.

  • Explore ideas of displacement, adaptation, migration, and hybridization through the movement of seeds and plant life.

  • Reflect on ecological fragility, resilience, and the ways living systems respond to a changing climate.

  • Consider accelerated growth, roots, decomposition, and the different rhythms through which nature marks time.

Need Help Preparing
for Your Residency?

If you have questions about your arrival, packing, or working at The Kampong, please reach out to the AIRIE.Foundation team at hello@AIRIE.Foundation. We’re happy to help you prepare for your stay.