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 [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!  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 [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!  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

Painting and Meditation from the Heart

Painting and Meditation from the Heartwith Gayle Ray Friday, June 13  |  9:30 am – 12:30 pm In this workshop we will explore going into Meditation and connecting to our Inner Light and Stillness and coming out and painting with watercolors from this place of connection.......More

Painting and Meditation from the Heartwith Gayle Ray Friday, June 13  |  9:30 am – 12:30 pm In this workshop we will explore going into Meditation and connecting to our Inner Light and Stillness and coming out and painting with watercolors from this place of connection.  We can deepen our state through guided meditations and expand our creativity and our awareness.  This is an opportunity to experience letting go of the inner critic, connect with your inner guidance, and release blocks to lead a more curious and creative life.  We will explore watercolor techniques, with trees and nature as possible themes.   Play and have fun! Beginners and longtime meditators and painters welcome.  All materials are provided. Gayle Ray is a teacher, healer, and creator. She has been meditating for over 30 years and sees it as pivotal to her growth and expansion. She loves teaching art and meditation, doing healing work using the Akashic Records, and creating with jewelry, ceramics and painting.  She finds going within and connecting to the Divine brings her great joy and peace of mind.  It guides her in life choices, protects and nourishes her.  Painting is a way to get in touch with ourselves and express our essence.  Gayle has a degree in Art Education and has studied at the Painting Experience in San Francisco, taught meditation classes, and practices connecting to The Divine when she works with clients opening their Akashic Records and helping them to explore life options.  To learn more about her journey and offerings, you can visit her website at www.gayleray.com. 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!  See all of our classes open for registration here! REGISTER HERE

Landscape Design Fundamentals (2 sessions)

Landscape Design Fundamentals (2 sessions)with Jennifer Verprauskus Fridays, June 13 + 20  |  1 – 3:30pm BREG – Core Students will learn the fundamentals of landscape design in a two-part class that introduces participants to design principles, site assessment and plann......More

Landscape Design Fundamentals (2 sessions)with Jennifer Verprauskus Fridays, June 13 + 20  |  1 – 3:30pm BREG – Core Students will learn the fundamentals of landscape design in a two-part class that introduces participants to design principles, site assessment and planning, among other topics. Gain a better understanding of what comes into play in creating and managing sustainable and aesthetically appealing landscapes. We will also brush on some basic permaculture design practices. You will come away empowered to be more creative, instinctive, decisive and purposeful in understanding good design and more adept at recognizing what’s not.  Jennifer Verprauskus is a North Carolina Licensed Landscape Architect and a Permaculture Design Certificate Holder. She studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Massachusetts & Cal Poly. Since graduating, she has traveled the world to help people grow trees and their own food. She is the founder of both UpBeet Landscapes and BareRoot Designs, PLLC.   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!  See all of our classes open for registration here! REGISTER HERE

Beginning Bonsai Workshop

Beginning Bonsai Workshopwith Rebecca Ayres Saturday, June 14  |  9:30 am – 4:30 pm Although it has its roots in ancient Asian traditions, the living art of bonsai now enjoys enthusiasts throughout much of the world. This class will provide the basic concepts and skills......More

Beginning Bonsai Workshopwith Rebecca Ayres Saturday, June 14  |  9:30 am – 4:30 pm Although it has its roots in ancient Asian traditions, the living art of bonsai now enjoys enthusiasts throughout much of the world. This class will provide the basic concepts and skills for novices to begin growing and shaping their own miniature trees. The first half of the class will cover the fundamental horticultural and aesthetic principles of bonsai. It will include such topics as tree selection, watering, pest control, pruning, wiring, and styling. In the second half of the class, each participant will receive a pot, scissors, wire, and planting medium. With guidance from the instructor, the students will create their own bonsai to take home. Materials included in registration.  Rebecca Ayres is a ceramic artist and gardener. A longtime Arboretum volunteer, she is the assistant to the bonsai curator and helps with overseeing the exhibition garden, the collection and the Carolina Bonsai Expo. She is a member of the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society, where she has taught workshops and classes, and is a graduate of the Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist program. 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!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

Forest Bathing Retreat: Flower Power!

Forest Bathing Retreat: Flower Power! with Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, June 14  |  10am – 1pm Celebrate the ephemeral beauty of flowers during this immersive morning nature retreat! In Japan, the birthplace of forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), they celebrate the ann......More

Forest Bathing Retreat: Flower Power! with Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, June 14  |  10am – 1pm Celebrate the ephemeral beauty of flowers during this immersive morning nature retreat! In Japan, the birthplace of forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), they celebrate the annual cherry blossom bloom (Sakura) with a practice known as Hanami, which translates to “contemplate the flowers.” This experience gently invites us to cultivate our attention and sensory awareness, while noticing the evanescent nature of flowering, both within and around us. Together, we will explore our relationships with native wildflowers, ourselves, each-other, and the more-than-human-world. Your guide, Christa Hebal, will lead you on a colorful journey through the blooming summer forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for a restorative morning on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the experience in community, enjoying a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours. 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. Christa Hebal is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Born and raised in the mountains of northeast Tennessee, she has lived in Asheville for 24 years. Christa has an adventurous heart, and loves to help others encounter wholeness through embodiment and nature connection practices. She has had a professional bodywork practice for 18 years as a nationally certified Massage Therapist, and is also a practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy®, Usui Reiki Master, Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist, Clinical Aromatherapist, and Certified Traditional Herbalist. She is also certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid. 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!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

Native Bees and the Habitats They Require

Native Bees and the Habitats They Requirewith Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs Saturday, June 14  |  1:30 – 4:30 pm BRN – Elective |  BREG – Core In this workshop, European honey bees take a back seat to the almost 4,000 species of bees native to North America. Learn abou......More

Native Bees and the Habitats They Requirewith Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs Saturday, June 14  |  1:30 – 4:30 pm BRN – Elective |  BREG – Core In this workshop, European honey bees take a back seat to the almost 4,000 species of bees native to North America. Learn about the lives of these pollination juggernauts through an exploration of common species and the habitat each requires for nesting and survival. From the largest to the smallest, native bees are fascinating and extremely beneficial. Supporting them in your spaces is easier than you might think. This workshop offers approaches you can infuse into your everyday gardening that make a huge difference to the bees and other beneficial wildlife around you.  This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather. Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs are owners of Spriggly’s Beescaping, a nature education and habitat restoration business with a special focus on native plants and native pollinators. Spriggly’s offers property consultations and landscape design, along with an online course series, books, museum exhibits, and more. 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!  See all of our classes open for registration here! REGISTER HERE