Meditative Morning

We’ve heard your valuable feedback, and now you don’t have to hear us! Beginning May 4, 2021, the period between 8 and 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday morning of every month will be reserved for “Meditative Mornings,” a pause for quiet time in our gardens and on our trails......More

We’ve heard your valuable feedback, and now you don’t have to hear us! Beginning May 4, 2021, the period between 8 and 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday morning of every month will be reserved for “Meditative Mornings,” a pause for quiet time in our gardens and on our trails. During this time, our working garden crew will abstain from using leaf blowers, mowers and other equipment so you can be sure to enjoy the sounds of birds and the wind in the trees. Take advantage of half-price parking on the first Tuesday of every month and come out to the Arboretum to enjoy a Meditative Morning!

Birding for Beginners

Birding for Beginnerswith Jonathan Marchal Tuesday, June 3  |  9 – 10:30am BRN – Elective Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents. We will go over best practices for using binoculars, recommendatio......More

Birding for Beginnerswith Jonathan Marchal Tuesday, June 3  |  9 – 10:30am BRN – Elective Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents. We will go over best practices for using binoculars, recommendations for purchasing your own binoculars, and popular field guides to use. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program. This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time. Jonathan Marchal has led outdoor ecology and recreation programming for over twenty years for youth and adults, and serves as Director of Education at the Arboretum and is the creator of ecoEXPLORE, a youth citizen science initiative. He has prior work experience with the National Park System, North Carolina State Parks and Trout Unlimited. He is an award winning, certified environmental educator and has served as the president of the Environmental Educators of North Carolina. Jonathan holds an AAS in Recreation and Wildlife Management, a BA in Ecology and a Master’s Degree in Park, Recreation and Tourism Management.  Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email adulteducation@ncarboretum.org with questions.See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!  See all of our classes open for registration here! REGISTER HERE

Guided Trail Walk

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and thr......More

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more. Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather. There is no pre-registration walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center. Walks are FREE however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free. Know Before You GoGuided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

Baker Exhibit Center

Streambank Stabilization Solutions

Streambank Stabilization Solutionswith Sarah Connor Wednesday, June 4  | 10 am – 12 pm BRN – Elective Mountain Valleys RC&D is a conservation non-profit that has served 8 counties in Western NC for over 50 years. We connect farmers, landowners, and small business owners......More

Streambank Stabilization Solutionswith Sarah Connor Wednesday, June 4  | 10 am – 12 pm BRN – Elective Mountain Valleys RC&D is a conservation non-profit that has served 8 counties in Western NC for over 50 years. We connect farmers, landowners, and small business owners with conservation programs including Shade Your Stream, a grant funded initiative to stabilize eroding streambanks with native plants. In this program, you will learn where to purchase erosion control materials (biodegradable coir matting and stakes), the ideal slope for grading banks, how to apply coir matting, and the best varieties of seeds, live stakes, and native plants to use to establish root systems. We will discuss the benefits of vegetating the riparian zone (the area adjacent to fresh, running water) and the impact riparian zones have on flooding. Sarah Noah is the Program Coordinator for Mountain Valleys Resource Conservation & Development Council, a conservation non-profit that has served WNC for over 50 years! She manages water resource programs including Shade Your Stream, a grant funded initiative to stabilize eroding streambanks with native plants. She has overseen the stabilization of over 10,000 linear feet of stream and riverbanks since Helene and will provide an overview of effective measures to mitigate erosion using biodegradable coir matting and a variety of native seeds, live stakes, trees, and shrubs. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email adulteducation@ncarboretum.org with questions.See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!  See all of our classes open for registration here! REGISTER HERE

Blue Ridge Bonsai Society Show

Blue Ridge Bonsai Society ShowJune 7-8, 2025The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center. This year’s exhibition will feature guest arti......More

Blue Ridge Bonsai Society ShowJune 7-8, 2025The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center. This year’s exhibition will feature guest artist Chris Baker, Bonsai Curator at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Chris will be giving a demo/program, multiple workshops, and a commentary on club member trees displayed in the show. Nearly 40 trees are expected to be displayed representing all levels, from early to refined. The exhibition will also include displays of suiseki stones and kusamono accent plants. In addition, several club members will be informally working on their bonsai trees throughout the day and will be available to answer questions. The club will also host several vendors who will be selling bonsai, pre-bonsai, pottery, tools, soil, and various other supplies.  Bonsai hobbyists and enthusiasts, as well as the general public, are invited to attend! This event is part of Spring Into the Arb! Celebrate the return of spring with a series of events and happenings throughout March, April, May and June! Spring is a time of renewal and emergence, and The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with plant shows, nature programs, education, music, art and more!

Guided Trail Walk

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and thr......More

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more. Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather. There is no pre-registration walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center. Walks are FREE however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free. Know Before You GoGuided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

Baker Exhibit Center

Guided Trail Walk

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and thr......More

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more. Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather. There is no pre-registration walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center. Walks are FREE however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free. Know Before You GoGuided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

Baker Exhibit Center

Blue Ridge Bonsai Society Show

Blue Ridge Bonsai Society ShowJune 7-8, 2025The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center. This year’s exhibition will feature guest arti......More

Blue Ridge Bonsai Society ShowJune 7-8, 2025The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center. This year’s exhibition will feature guest artist Chris Baker, Bonsai Curator at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Chris will be giving a demo/program, multiple workshops, and a commentary on club member trees displayed in the show. Nearly 40 trees are expected to be displayed representing all levels, from early to refined. The exhibition will also include displays of suiseki stones and kusamono accent plants. In addition, several club members will be informally working on their bonsai trees throughout the day and will be available to answer questions. The club will also host several vendors who will be selling bonsai, pre-bonsai, pottery, tools, soil, and various other supplies.  Bonsai hobbyists and enthusiasts, as well as the general public, are invited to attend! This event is part of Spring Into the Arb! Celebrate the return of spring with a series of events and happenings throughout March, April, May and June! Spring is a time of renewal and emergence, and The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with plant shows, nature programs, education, music, art and more!

Guided Trail Walk

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and thr......More

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more. Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather. There is no pre-registration walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center. Walks are FREE however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free. Know Before You GoGuided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

Baker Exhibit Center

Macroinvertebrates of Bent Creek

Macroinvertebrates of Bent Creekwith Jonathan Marchal Tuesday, June 10  |   2 – 4 pm BRN – Elective Our creeks and streams host abundant life throughout the year and one of the best indicators of stream health is Macroinvertebrates. Learn about these unique organisms in......More

Macroinvertebrates of Bent Creekwith Jonathan Marchal Tuesday, June 10  |   2 – 4 pm BRN – Elective Our creeks and streams host abundant life throughout the year and one of the best indicators of stream health is Macroinvertebrates. Learn about these unique organisms including their life cycles, habits, how they find food, and what other creatures depend on them for survival. During this class the group will search for Macroinvertebrates in Bent Creek so be prepared to get in the water a bit! We will have nets and containers to use but bring your own water shoes or boots but be sure to clean them before the class to prevent the spread of disease. This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time. Jonathan Marchal has led outdoor ecology and recreation programming for over twenty years for youth and adults, and serves as Director of Education at the Arboretum and is the creator of ecoEXPLORE, a youth citizen science initiative. He has prior work experience with the National Park System, North Carolina State Parks and Trout Unlimited. He is an award winning, certified environmental educator and has served as the president of the Environmental Educators of North Carolina. Jonathan holds an AAS in Recreation and Wildlife Management, a BA in Ecology and a Master’s Degree in Park, Recreation and Tourism Management.  Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email adulteducation@ncarboretum.org with questions.See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!  See all of our classes open for registration here! REGISTER HERE

Arbor Evenings

Arbor Evenings 2025June 11 – September 18, 2025Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18......More

Arbor Evenings 2025June 11 – September 18, 2025Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.   **Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.** There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission. 5:30 – 6:45: Marley’s Chain7:15 – 8:30: The LoverfacesScheduled performances are subject to change.View upcoming dates here. Support for this event series is generously provided by: Arbor Evenings is a rain or shine event. In the event of inclement weather, Arbor Evenings will be held indoors in the Baker lobby.

Baker Event Lawn

Teacher Workshop: Connecting NC Standards and Environmental Education

Connecting NC Standards and Environmental Educationwith Environmental Educator of North Carolina Thursday, June 12  |  10 am – 2 pm This workshop is designed to help educators understand how to connect North Carolina state science standards (and others!) to environmenta......More

Connecting NC Standards and Environmental Educationwith Environmental Educator of North Carolina Thursday, June 12  |  10 am – 2 pm This workshop is designed to help educators understand how to connect North Carolina state science standards (and others!) to environmental education activities and how to use them when planning lessons and curricula for school-age audiences. Participants will also explore and experience strategies for getting students to observe, ask questions, and then make tentative explanations based on the available evidence, igniting students’ wonder and curiosity. Educators also learn how to coach students to evaluate evidence, to engage in argument from evidence using scientific academic language, and to develop the habits of mind necessary to curiously investigate the natural world. Format: This workshop is in person at The NC Arboretum in Asheville. Earning Credit: This course qualifies for 4 hours Criteria III Credit for EE Certification Program Enrollees, 4-hour maximum CE Credit for those already EE Certified. For all other continuing education, you can earn 0.4 CEU’s (4 hours) Registration: $20 for EENC members, $25 for general registration. See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!  See all of our classes open for registration here! REGISTER HERE

Arbor Evenings

Arbor Evenings 2025June 11 – September 18, 2025Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18......More

Arbor Evenings 2025June 11 – September 18, 2025Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.   **Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.** There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission. 5:30 – 6:45: Kevin Scanlon7:15 – 8:30: The AccentrixScheduled performances are subject to change.View upcoming dates here. Support for this event series is generously provided by: Arbor Evenings is a rain or shine event. In the event of inclement weather, Arbor Evenings will be held indoors in the Baker lobby.

Baker Event Lawn