New Growth: Artists Respond to the Forest

New Growth: Artists Respond to the ForestJan 17 – May 10The North Carolina Arboretum’s new Winter Artist Residency program welcomes Asheville Artists to engage with the landscape during the shift from winter to spring. This evolving exhibition presents aesthetic respons......More

New Growth: Artists Respond to the ForestJan 17 – May 10The North Carolina Arboretum’s new Winter Artist Residency program welcomes Asheville Artists to engage with the landscape during the shift from winter to spring. This evolving exhibition presents aesthetic responses to the sights and sounds of the dormant to waking states of our surroundings from January to March each year. We encourage you to visit periodically as the exhibition unfolds. Return viewers will discover the beauty of our environment as the seasons turn and gain a deeper understanding of the work coming from emerging contemporary artists of our region.   Showing concurrently:‘Fine Details’ by artist Mary Ruden showcases botanical illustration by artist The exhibit includes colored pencil and watercolor drawings used in scientific articles, posters, and in folding field guides to identify plants. All artworks feature native orchids, including a bronze statue of a Pink Lady Slipper orchid. Ruden authored and illustrated two folding field guides on native orchids of North America for Waterford Press “A Pocket Naturalist” series. Many of the species of orchids displayed in the art are native to North Carolina.

Baker Exhibit Center

Getting to Know the Birds of WNC

Getting to Know the Birds of WNCwith Martha Rollefson Friday, May 8  |  10 – 12pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE An introduction to the 60+ most common birds seen in Western North Carolina, grouped in fun and memorable ways: the birds we most love, the birds we “love to h......More

Getting to Know the Birds of WNCwith Martha Rollefson Friday, May 8  |  10 – 12pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE An introduction to the 60+ most common birds seen in Western North Carolina, grouped in fun and memorable ways: the birds we most love, the birds we “love to hate,” seen in the forests, seen around water, winter visitors, “knocking,” little but bold, those with different plumage for males and females, and so on.   Photos will be augmented with recordings from the Merlin app to identify birds by sound, and basic recommendations will be made for traditional field guides and attracting birds to your yard. Martha Rollefson has been a spare-time gardener for decades who got the “wildlife habitat” bug over 20 years ago. After leaving the corporate world she started working at Wild Birds Unlimited “to support her gardening habit,” and she joined the Western Carolina Botany Club to learn more about native plants. While feeding the birds and observing how gardening and wildlife interact, she has developed numerous techniques for saving time and money while reducing her carbon footprint. She lives next to the Etowah Valley Golf Resort with her husband David and mini-doxie, Eva. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Snakes of the Blue Ridge

Snakes of the Blue Ridgewith Patrick Brannon Friday, May 8  |  1 – 2:30pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Participants in this workshop will learn about the general biology of snakes, including the natural history and identification of many Southern Appalachian snake speci......More

Snakes of the Blue Ridgewith Patrick Brannon Friday, May 8  |  1 – 2:30pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Participants in this workshop will learn about the general biology of snakes, including the natural history and identification of many Southern Appalachian snake species. We will discuss the differences between venomous and non-venomous species, as well as dispelling many common misconceptions about snakes. Patrick Brannon is an independent naturalist and educator. He holds a M.S. in Biology from Appalachian State University, and has performed research on the ecology of salamanders and small mammals. For the past 22 years he was Outreach Coordinator at the WCU Highlands Biological Station, where he taught courses on amphibians and mammals as part of the UNC Institute for the Environment Program at HBS, in addition to many K-12 school programs and educator workshops. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Naturalist Walk and Talk – Native Orchids

Naturalist Walk and Talk – Native Orchidswith Shane Myers Friday, May 8  |  1 – 3pm BRN –  Elective REGISTER HERE Walk around the Arboretum with our staff naturalists and talk about what we see around us. We might see plants and animals, and evidence of them going about......More

Naturalist Walk and Talk – Native Orchidswith Shane Myers Friday, May 8  |  1 – 3pm BRN –  Elective REGISTER HERE Walk around the Arboretum with our staff naturalists and talk about what we see around us. We might see plants and animals, and evidence of them going about their lives in our backyard. Topics will be based on what we see and experience and whatever questions that come up, so every class has the potential to be quite different. 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. Shane Myers’ interest in nature began as a child with a love of dinosaurs. This quickly grew to include fossils, insects, and reptiles, and learning from the notes his grandparents kept of the birds that came to their feeders in Toledo, Ohio.  He has a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Biology and did most of his undergraduate work on dragonflies and damselflies. This work included coordinating an Ohio- wide survey of dragonflies that culminated in a publication in 2024. He’s assisted in outreach and education for plant conservation groups, Odonata Groups, and various bird groups. Shane currently works for the Adult Education department at the NC Arboretum. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration 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.

Pressed Flower Art Workshop

Pressed Flower Art Workshopwith Susan McChesney Saturday, May 9  |  10 – 1pm REGISTER HERE Experience the art of Oshibana, the Japanese tradition of making art with pressed plant materials. Learn a technique of pressing, unpressing, storing, collaging and sealing flower......More

Pressed Flower Art Workshopwith Susan McChesney Saturday, May 9  |  10 – 1pm REGISTER HERE Experience the art of Oshibana, the Japanese tradition of making art with pressed plant materials. Learn a technique of pressing, unpressing, storing, collaging and sealing flower petals to create a work of art. All materials and a comprehensive resource sheet provided. Make a collage that will be sealed, matted and sleeved in the workshop. Susan McChesney is a pressed flower artist who uses pressed petals like strokes of paint in landscape collages. A longtime educator, the Oshibana technique she practices, creating art with pressed plant materials, is adaptable to a successful workshop experience. As a practicing artist, her work is shown at various venues in Western NC. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

World Bonsai Day

World Bonsai DayMay 9, 202611:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  World Bonsai Day weekend May 9 marks the official opening of the Arboretum’s internationally acclaimed Bonsai Exhibition Garden, with trees filling the benches for the first time since fall! Arthur Joura, Bonsai Curator......More

World Bonsai DayMay 9, 202611:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  World Bonsai Day weekend May 9 marks the official opening of the Arboretum’s internationally acclaimed Bonsai Exhibition Garden, with trees filling the benches for the first time since fall! Arthur Joura, Bonsai Curator at The North Carolina Arboretum, will present a free live bonsai demonstration in the Bonsai Exhibit Garden at 1 p.m. To mark the occasion, the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society will be onsite with educational displays and to answer questions from visitors. The North Carolina Arboretum is a World Bonsai Friendship Federation Cooperation Center, one of only eight so designated bonsai gardens across the world which all celebrate World Bonsai Day each year by presenting bonsai experiences to the public. The World Bonsai Day celebration is included with the Arboretum’s regular parking fee. 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!

Bonsai Exhibition Garden

River Systems Field Class

River Systems Field Classwith Anton DuMars Saturday, May 9  |  12 – 4pm BRN – Core REGISTER HERE For the River Systems Field Experience, we will observe processes and indicators along the Davidson River, a Blue Ridge tributary of the French Broad catchment basin. We con......More

River Systems Field Classwith Anton DuMars Saturday, May 9  |  12 – 4pm BRN – Core REGISTER HERE For the River Systems Field Experience, we will observe processes and indicators along the Davidson River, a Blue Ridge tributary of the French Broad catchment basin. We consider channel hierarchy (first order, second order, etc.). Our stops include observation and discussions of flow and flood indicators and river forms, such as cut banks, point bars, and flood channels. We observe sediment texture, sediment load, and consider sediment source. This program will take place outside and will follow easy to moderate trails. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time. Anton DuMars, a resident of Black Mountain, NC, is an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston. His geological interests include fluvial, deltaic, and coastal processes. Ideally, he’s spending time on a hiking trail or aboard his sailboat. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration 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.

Spring Wildflowers of the NC Arboretum

Spring Wildflowers of the NC Arboretumwith Lauren Lampley Saturday, May 9  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Interested in learning how to identify wildflowers? Join Lauren on this walk around the Arboretum property where we will go over different ways......More

Spring Wildflowers of the NC Arboretumwith Lauren Lampley Saturday, May 9  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Interested in learning how to identify wildflowers? Join Lauren on this walk around the Arboretum property where we will go over different ways of identifying plants and different families of flowers. Some flowers are very difficult to identify to species and some are relatively easy so we will talk about how to get as close as possible with tools we can easily carry into the field. We will be using Newcomb’s guide to key out some of the less common flowers but will focus on learning how to look closely at flowers in order to identify them. 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. Lauren Lampley began her career at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation as a Park Naturalist which solidified Lauren’s interests in ecology and a passion for teaching others. She has led walks and hikes in a variety of subjects from Geology to Birding and especially enjoys learning and teaching about our local ecology. She currently works at the NC Arboretum as the Adult Education Coordinator managing all the programming hosted through the Adult Education Department. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

New Growth: Artists Respond to the Forest Closing Reception

New Growth: Artists Respond to the Forest Closing ReceptionMay 9, 20263:00 – 5:00 p.m.Join us as we celebrate our inaugural season of Resident Artists and bid farewell to this spectacular exhibit. This event is open to the public. Spring Resident Artists Lynn Fister is ......More

New Growth: Artists Respond to the Forest Closing ReceptionMay 9, 20263:00 – 5:00 p.m.Join us as we celebrate our inaugural season of Resident Artists and bid farewell to this spectacular exhibit. This event is open to the public. Spring Resident Artists Lynn Fister is an installation artist, musician and writer. Her work draws inspiration from fairy tales and surrealism. Lynn is creating an installation called ‘Pink Liminal Forest’ that incorporates dried plant material and textiles that she has hand dyed with custom botanical dyes. Lynn creates installations with her Drones In The Garden art collective, and performs music as Farewell Phoenix.  Liz Williams is a photographer and digital media artist. Liz is creating an installation that will include video projection of photographs of the site and microscope slide images of plants that are currently blooming. You can find more of Liz’s work at the Asheville Art Museum and the Atlanta Contemporary Museum of Art.

Baker Exhibit Center

Felted Flowers Workshop

Felted Flowers Workshopwith Camille Daunno Sunday, May 10  |  12 – 4pm REGISTER HERE This workshop will teach you how to create simple flowers using pre-felted wool, templates, cardstock and natural twigs and leaves. When completed you can mount your flower on a twig, a......More

Felted Flowers Workshopwith Camille Daunno Sunday, May 10  |  12 – 4pm REGISTER HERE This workshop will teach you how to create simple flowers using pre-felted wool, templates, cardstock and natural twigs and leaves. When completed you can mount your flower on a twig, add leaves and let your imagination turn them into a sculpture or 3-D piece of botanical Art. The first part of the workshop, I will be demonstrating techniques for the felted flowers. The second part will be for the paper flowers. Each is using organic materials and turning them into a nature related art form. You will learn a skill where you can get creative and experiment with much more. Camille Daunno is a retired Art Teacher with an undergraduate degree in Fine Art with graduate work in Textile Design. She worked in NYC as a designer for 10 years designing Fabric and wallpaper. Camille studied Art in NJ, NYC and Italy and studied Botanical Illustration and Painting at the NY Botanical Gardens with a certified instructor. She enjoys sharing her love of Botanical Art with her children and grandchildren. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration 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.

Bonsai Exhibit Talk and Tour with Arthur Joura

Bonsai Exhibit Talk and Tour with Arthur JouraTuesday, May 12  |  5:30 – 7pm REGISTER HERE Join Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura on this entertaining and informative after-hours tour of the garden at its peak in spring, a fitting showcase for the specimens and the miniature ......More

Bonsai Exhibit Talk and Tour with Arthur JouraTuesday, May 12  |  5:30 – 7pm REGISTER HERE Join Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura on this entertaining and informative after-hours tour of the garden at its peak in spring, a fitting showcase for the specimens and the miniature landscapes. As Joura says, “The two things are one: The garden is designed to elevate the experience of bonsai, and the bonsai never look better than when they’re on display in the garden.” 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. Arthur Joura has been the bonsai curator at the Arboretum since 1992 and oversaw the design and development of the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Joura augmented early training in fine art and studied bonsai with some of the leading bonsai authorities in the United States and in Japan. His greatest teachers are trees, however. His love of hiking and photographing trees in nature has shaped the Arboretum’s collection and firmly rooted it in a regional identify — one that elevates naturalism in art and the use of traditional bonsai species alongside species native to the Southern Appalachian mountains — creating in the process one of the most acclaimed public collections of bonsai in the country.. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

NC Arboretum Blue Ghost Firefly Night Hike

NC Arboretum Blue Ghost Firefly Night Hikewith Shane Myers and Asheville Wellness Tours Wednesday, May 13  |  7:30 – 10:30 pm (rain date is Thursday, May 14) REGISTER HERE Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridg......More

NC Arboretum Blue Ghost Firefly Night Hikewith Shane Myers and Asheville Wellness Tours Wednesday, May 13  |  7:30 – 10:30 pm (rain date is Thursday, May 14) REGISTER HERE Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species! Out of the 26 species of firefly we have in western North Carolina, the Blue Ghost (Phausis reticulata) might be the most magical. With a very limited range, and a distinctive meandering flight, we have a lot to learn from observing these nocturnal jewels. Tonight we’ll talk about what makes a firefly light up, what their lives are like, and how we can make sure they are around for generations to come. Shane Myers’ interest in nature began as a child with a love of dinosaurs. This quickly grew to include fossils, insects, and reptiles, and learning from the notes his grandparents kept of the birds that came to their feeders in Toledo, Ohio. He has a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Biology and did most of his undergraduate work on dragonflies and damselflies. He’s assisted in outreach and education for plant conservation groups, Odonata Groups, and various bird groups. Shane currently works for the Adult Education department at the NC Arboretum. This event is a collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours and they are handling all of the registration through their system. They have graciously included our Membership Discount promo code in their system so if you are an Arboretum member don’t forget to input your code to get your 10% off. Registration proceeds will be shared by both the North Carolina Arboretum and Asheville Wellness Tours. This program takes place off-site near Mills River and more details will be given out to registrants as the date gets closer. 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. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] with questions. 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Nature Journaling

Nature Journalingwith Andrew Dundas Friday, May 15  |  10 – 12pm BRN – Elective  |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Nature journaling fosters a connection to the outdoors unique to each individual who pursues it. It can be a means to practice art or poetry, a therapeutic ......More

Nature Journalingwith Andrew Dundas Friday, May 15  |  10 – 12pm BRN – Elective  |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Nature journaling fosters a connection to the outdoors unique to each individual who pursues it. It can be a means to practice art or poetry, a therapeutic moment of reflection, or scientific exploration of the ecosystems around us. Join arboretum staff in a review of the principles of nature journaling, exploration of other’s work, and visits to multiple sites across the Arboretum with optional prompts and tips for journaling. Basic supplies will be provided, such as notebooks and writing/drawing utensils, but you are also welcome to bring your own.  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.  Andrew Dundas is an Adult Education employee with a passion for history, folklore, writing, and nature. He studied journalism and visual storytelling at the University of Chapel Hill before joining the Arboretum’s Youth Education Department and later the Adult Education Department.  Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Change of Seasons: Spring Into Ikebana

Change of Seasons: Spring Into IkebanaMay 16 – 17, 20269:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Ikebana International Asheville Chapter will present an exhibition of ikebana, the disciplined Japanese art of floral arrangement. Through intentional use of line, color, space, contrast, ......More

Change of Seasons: Spring Into IkebanaMay 16 – 17, 20269:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Ikebana International Asheville Chapter will present an exhibition of ikebana, the disciplined Japanese art of floral arrangement. Through intentional use of line, color, space, contrast, and texture, these works transform plant materials into expressive designs that reflect harmony between humanity and nature, creating beauty and a sense of calm.   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.

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.