Autumn Mind-Body Wellness Retreat

Autumn Mind-Body Wellness Retreatwith Jenne Sluder Tuesday, September 22 |  10 am – 4pm Register Here!  Set aside a day for quiet reflection and renewal at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, centering themes from the poetry of W.S. Merwin. Calm your mind, refres......More

Autumn Mind-Body Wellness Retreatwith Jenne Sluder Tuesday, September 22 |  10 am – 4pm Register Here!  Set aside a day for quiet reflection and renewal at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, centering themes from the poetry of W.S. Merwin. Calm your mind, refresh your spirit, and relax your body and nervous system with a gentle immersion into mind-body centering practices both indoors and in nature. Expect slow, mindful yoga and qigong, guided meditation, progressive relaxation + sound bath, contemplative readings from W.S. Merwin, and time for personal journaling and quiet time in nature. All mind-body practices will be gentle and accessible, including the choice to do any seated movements or meditations in a chair or on a cushion according to your own body’s needs. Jenne Sluder, MA C-IAYT holds a Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology: Ecopsychology from Naropa University. She is a certified yoga therapist, mind-body specialist, and meditation instructor. Jenne is also an environmental educator and spent her undergrad years working and studying under the direct mentorship of Thomas Berry and Joseph Cornell at the Center for Education, Imagination, and the Natural World, continuing her studies in nature-based rites of passage with the School of Lost Borders and the Earth-Based Institute. An Asheville native, Jenne works one-on-one with individuals and with groups using mindfulness-based, nature-based, and compassion-centric mind-body therapies towards personal and collective well-being. ●  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!

Long-term Effects of Hurricane Helene on Southern Appalachian Ecosystems

Long-term Effects of Hurricane Helene on Southern Appalachian Ecosystemswith Dan Lazar Wednesday, September 23  |  1 pm – 3 pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Elective Register Here!  It has been two years since hurricane Helene ravaged the ecosystems of Western North Carolina, u......More

Long-term Effects of Hurricane Helene on Southern Appalachian Ecosystemswith Dan Lazar Wednesday, September 23  |  1 pm – 3 pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Elective Register Here!  It has been two years since hurricane Helene ravaged the ecosystems of Western North Carolina, uprooting trees and causing major flooding along mountain rivers and streams. How have the animals and plants of the affected areas responded to this historic event?  Where do songbirds go to escape hurricane winds?  How can fish and aquatic invertebrates tolerate such massive flooding?  What factors determine which trees are toppled and which survive?  We will investigate the long-term effects of Hurricane Helene on the natural plant and animal communities of Western North Carolina during this illustrated lecture followed by a short walk on Arboretum grounds to observe the ongoing recovery of hurricane-damaged areas. Dan Lazar served for many years as the director of education at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, followed by several years as executive director of the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Dan has a degree in forest biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and has been an instructor in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program since 2005. ●  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!

Healthy Soil for Healthy Crops

Healthy Soil for Healthy Cropswith Mark Dempsey Thursday, September 24  |  1 pm – 4 pm BREG – Soil Health Core Register Here!  Come learn about how soil works and how to improve soil health. We will cover the basics of soil, the critical role of organic matter, how to s......More

Healthy Soil for Healthy Cropswith Mark Dempsey Thursday, September 24  |  1 pm – 4 pm BREG – Soil Health Core Register Here!  Come learn about how soil works and how to improve soil health. We will cover the basics of soil, the critical role of organic matter, how to sample soil and interpret a nutrient test, and what actions you can take to make your soil better. Drawing from research and on-farm experience, the class emphasizes practical, science-based strategies for improving soil health, reducing erosion, and building resilient farming systems. Mark Dempsey works with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association as conservation specialist and soil health educator. His background includes more than 15 years of research and education in soil microbiology, no-till farming, cover crops, and sustainable agriculture systems. He teaches practical, science-based approaches to improving soil health, soil function, and long-term farm resilience.   ●  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!

Plant Sale Member Preview

Plant Sale Member PreviewThursday, September 243:00 – 6:00 p.m. Shop Arboretum-grown plants before the sale opens to the public! This is a special member benefit open to Rhododendron ($150) and higher-level members.  If you would like to upgrade your membership to atten......More

Plant Sale Member PreviewThursday, September 243:00 – 6:00 p.m. Shop Arboretum-grown plants before the sale opens to the public! This is a special member benefit open to Rhododendron ($150) and higher-level members.  If you would like to upgrade your membership to attend, please contact the Membership Team.The Plant Sale Preview features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse – including many of the beautiful plants featured in our seasonal landscapes. All proceeds from this sale benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society and support the Arboretum’s educational programs, gardens, trails and exhibits. The Preview will be held outdoors, rain or shine, in parking bay 3. Spend the afternoon with us and take a piece of the Arboretum home with you!  Live Music  —  Enjoy the sounds of bluegrass with Aubrey and Justin Eisenman.Printmaking with Nature  —  Celebrate the beauty of fall! Join local artist Erika Busse for a complimentary lesson on the basics of printmaking using nature as a stamp.  You will get to keep your print as your own original work of art. Supplies are limited. Arbor Eatery   —  Snacks and cold drinks will be available for purchase at the Preview. Members will receive a $1 off coupon for dining at the Arbor Eatery at the Education Center, open until 6:00 p.m. Blooms With Kindness  —   Learn more about this non-profit that improves the emotional health and well-being of individuals by delivering recycled flowers to those in need of the healing power of flowers in a variety of settings.Please note, the Plant Sale Preview features Arboretum-grown plants only. Additional market vendors are part of the Plant Sale and Market held Friday and Saturday, September 25-26 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. No RSVP is needed. Just show your current Rhododendron or higher membership card for entry.

Walking Meditation & Qigong

Walking Meditation & Qigongwith Jenne Sluder Friday, September 25  |  9 – 10am Register Here!  Enjoy a slow, mindful walking meditation through the gardens, practicing breath awareness and sensory attention to touch the deep peace and simple wonders of quiet time in nat......More

Walking Meditation & Qigongwith Jenne Sluder Friday, September 25  |  9 – 10am Register Here!  Enjoy a slow, mindful walking meditation through the gardens, practicing breath awareness and sensory attention to touch the deep peace and simple wonders of quiet time in nature. This session begins with a series of gentle and easy Qigong movements to clear the mind, release tension, support the body and brain’s natural healing processes, and generate a sense of inner calm. 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. Jenne Sluder, MA C-IAYT holds a Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology: Ecopsychology from Naropa University. She is a certified yoga therapist, mind-body specialist, and meditation instructor. Jenne is also an environmental educator and spent her undergrad years working and studying under the direct mentorship of Thomas Berry and Joseph Cornell at the Center for Education, Imagination, and the Natural World, continuing her studies in nature-based rites of passage with the School of Lost Borders and the Earth-Based Institute. An Asheville native, Jenne works one-on-one with individuals and with groups using mindfulness-based, nature-based, and compassion-centric mind-body therapies towards personal and collective well-being. ●  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!

Fall Plant Sale and Market

Fall Plant Sale and MarketSeptember 25-26, 202610:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26 for our annual Fall Plant Sale and Market! The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Produc......More

Fall Plant Sale and MarketSeptember 25-26, 202610:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26 for our annual Fall Plant Sale and Market! The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 30 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music! Join us on Friday and Saturday in the Education Center from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.for a free adult education class. On Saturday, September 26 join us at The Kids Corner hosted by The Extension Master Gardeners of Buncombe County. The Arboretum’s standard $25 parking fee applies for all non-members. Interested in joining as a member? Join today! VendorsAppalachian DiviniTEAAsheville Blue Ridge Rose SocietyAw Shucks Gourmet PopcornBear Necessities FarmBellyfull Plants NurseryBlazing Star Flowers**Blooms of KindnessBotanical Tortoise CoBridge & Tunnel Coffee Co.Buncombe County Extension Master GardenersEchoes of the ForestFlower Moon NurseryHigh Country NurseryHomegrown TropicalsImladris FarmKindland FarmsKW Edible Landscaping NurseryMak8ng stuffMilkweed Meadows FarmMossy Path StudioNature Creations Plaster CastingOpen Hearts Art CenterReems Creek NurseryResin8lightSaturnia Farm*Shiny Hand Soap CoSkipping Pibble DesignsSloth and Crow Wood Craft*Soil & Sun StudioSolstice HandmadeTanager PlantsThe Artful PlantThe Farm ConnectionThe Turquoise TortugaWehrloom Honey*Well Seasoned Table* Friday only**Saturday only

Arboretum Tent | Parking Bay #3

Bats of the NC Arboretum with Mist Netting Demonstration

Bats of the NC Arboretum with Mist Netting Demonstrationwith Megan Zeger and team Friday, September 25  |  7 – 9pm BRN – Elective Register Here!  The NC Arboretum hosts a variety of bat species in our forests. Join a group of biologists for a presentation about the rece......More

Bats of the NC Arboretum with Mist Netting Demonstrationwith Megan Zeger and team Friday, September 25  |  7 – 9pm BRN – Elective Register Here!  The NC Arboretum hosts a variety of bat species in our forests. Join a group of biologists for a presentation about the recent acoustic bat study they conducted on the Arboretum’s property this summer and which species they found. Then, once the presentation is over, join the crew out in the woods for a mist netting demonstration if weather allows. During this class, you will learn all about the different species of bats that call the NC Arboretum home, how biologists collect data about bat presence in a location using microphones, and even might have the chance to see live, wild bats up close and personal! Participants will not be handling the bats, and the bats will only be handled by the trained biologists. 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. Megan Zeger is a graduate student at Virginia Tech studying four imperiled bat species in the Asheville, NC area. She has been studying and working with wildlife in the southern Appalachians since 2018 when she started her undergraduate program in wildlife conservation. She has been working with bats since 2022 and has done research on various species in Maryland, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Jessica Davey is a wildlife biologist currently working for Virginia Tech’s Conservation and Management Institute. Having graduated from Lees-McRae College in 2021, she has since worked primarily as a bat researcher in six different states. Her experience ranges from Mist netting and acoustic surveys to conducting hibernacula and white-nose swabbing in the caves of Florida. She hopes to continue gaining as much knowledge as she can about the world’s only flying mammal. Katie Kadkovsky is a recent Biology graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill. While there, she worked in molecular biology labs at Chapel Hill and Duke studying fungi. Katie was introduced to the bat world at UNC-CH via acoustic surveys of NC’s sky islands. Currently, she is a wildlife biologist with Virginia Tech CMI helping characterize the presence of tri-colored bats in the greater Asheville area to support conservation practices. Liam Jawish is a recent graduate from Virginia Tech! He is currently working as a wildlife biologist surveying bats in Asheville, NC. He previously worked on Jaguar surveys in Belize, CA, and bear work in central Virginia. Lucy Kraus is a wildlife biologist with the Conservation Management Institute at Virginia Tech. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2026 with a degree in environmental science. In the past, she has worked in prescribed fire and environmental education. ●  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!

Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan

Wolves: Photography by Ronan DonovanSeptember 26, 2026 – January 10, 2027Baker Exhibit Hall“Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan” features Ronan Donovan’s stunning images and videos of wild wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Ellesmere Island in the high Can......More

Wolves: Photography by Ronan DonovanSeptember 26, 2026 – January 10, 2027Baker Exhibit Hall“Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan” features Ronan Donovan’s stunning images and videos of wild wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Ellesmere Island in the high Canadian Arctic. Since 2014, National Geographic Explorer and photographer Ronan Donovan has examined the relationship between wild wolves and humans in order to better understand the animals, our shared history, and what drives the persistent human-wolf conflict. The exhibition, created by National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, will display images and videos—highlighting the contrast between wolves that live in perceived competition with humans and wolves that live without human intervention.“Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan” will introduce visitors to the daily lives of wolves in the Arctic—how they hunt, play, travel, and rest in one of the harshest environments on Earth—with unparalleled intimacy. About Ronan DonavanA field biologist turned conservation photographer and filmmaker, Ronan Donovan has explored the human relationship to nature and wildlife on all seven continents. Donovan’s passion for conserving wild animals and wild places was ignited as a child growing up in Vermont and later during his years as a wildlife field biologist researching spotted owls and chimpanzees. He transitioned to visual storytelling as a way to amplify the wildlife researchers and conservationists that Donovan collaborated with. In addition to his National Geographic work on wolves, Donovan has documented human-chimpanzee conflicts in Uganda, and the legacy work of primatologist Dian Fossey focused on mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Donovan strives to reconnect viewers to the natural world through the lives of our fellow social mammals to highlight our shared past and interwoven future.  

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.

Fall Tree ID

Fall Tree IDWith Lauren Lampley Friday, September 26  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Elective Register Here!  Join this class as we discuss how to use different characteristics and field guides to identify common trees of Western North Carolina found here at the NC Ar......More

Fall Tree IDWith Lauren Lampley Friday, September 26  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Elective Register Here!  Join this class as we discuss how to use different characteristics and field guides to identify common trees of Western North Carolina found here at the NC Arboretum. We will look at using different characteristics including habitat, bark, buds, growth pattern, leaf shape, and fruit/nut shape to identify trees. 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!