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.

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.

Introduction to Permaculture & Permaculture Plants of Interest

Introduction to Permaculture & Permaculture Plants of Interestwith Jennifer Verprauskus Thursday, May 21  |  10 – 12pm BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Learn how to bridge the gap between traditional landscape practices and self-sustaining systems taught in Permaculture. Lands......More

Introduction to Permaculture & Permaculture Plants of Interestwith Jennifer Verprauskus Thursday, May 21  |  10 – 12pm BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Learn how to bridge the gap between traditional landscape practices and self-sustaining systems taught in Permaculture. Landscape Architect and Permaculture Design Certificate Holder Jennifer Verprauskus covers basic design principles together with permaculture design concepts. Maximizing natural, beneficial relationships in the ecosystem while minimizing waste and energy use makes for an ideal landscape that nurtures itself and fits seamlessly into the natural environment. This class focuses on choosing the best plants for a site, with an emphasis on incorporating edible and native plants into the landscape planting design. Students will be introduced to a myriad of permaculture plants and learn the attractive and beneficial qualities they offer, including historical uses and wildlife benefits to structure and color — all considerations in creating a successful and sustainable landscape. 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Walking Meditation & Qigong

 Walking Meditation & Qigongwith Jenne Sluder Friday, May 22  |  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. Th......More

 Walking Meditation & Qigongwith Jenne Sluder Friday, May 22  |  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!

The Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Rose ExhibitionMay 22 – 24, 2026May 22 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. May 23 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 24 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presented by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society, the Annual Rose Exhibition promises to be the most spectacular exhibit......More

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Rose ExhibitionMay 22 – 24, 2026May 22 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. May 23 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 24 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presented by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society, the Annual Rose Exhibition promises to be the most spectacular exhibition of roses in Western North Carolina! Over 100 varieties of fragrant, WNC-grown roses will be on display, including rare and beautiful blooms from some of the region’s most admired gardens, along with lovely easy-care roses perfect for your garden. Rose experts will be available to offer helpful gardening tips and answer your questions. Admission to the Annual Rose Exhibition is included with the regular Arboretum parking fee. More info at wncroses.com. 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!

The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 Years

The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 YearsMay 23 – September 12, 2026Baker Exhibit HallSee the Arboretum from the viewpoint of those most familiar with it! The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 Years is a photography project celebrating the Arboretum’s 40th anniversary. For th......More

The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 YearsMay 23 – September 12, 2026Baker Exhibit HallSee the Arboretum from the viewpoint of those most familiar with it! The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 Years is a photography project celebrating the Arboretum’s 40th anniversary. For the occasion, 40 people connected to the Arboretum, either as staff, members, or volunteers have taken ‘point and shoot’ digital cameras onto the grounds to photograph what matters most to them, using small pocket digital cameras. The collected photographs represent hundreds of moments on the grounds – on the trails, in the formal gardens and ‘behind the scenes.’ Though the beauty of the gardens is certainly part of the experience, viewers of The Arb in Focus can expect more than plants, trees, and trails, as participating photographers capture candid moments and sights that convey what it looks like to spend a day at the Arboretum. After the completion of The Arb in Focus, the cameras will be used for the Education department’s Discovery summer camps. The Arb in Focus is sponsored by community partner Mosaic Realty. 

Baker Exhibit Center

The Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Rose ExhibitionMay 22 – 24, 2026May 22 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. May 23 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 24 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presented by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society, the Annual Rose Exhibition promises to be the most spectacular exhibit......More

Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Rose ExhibitionMay 22 – 24, 2026May 22 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. May 23 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 24 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presented by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society, the Annual Rose Exhibition promises to be the most spectacular exhibition of roses in Western North Carolina! Over 100 varieties of fragrant, WNC-grown roses will be on display, including rare and beautiful blooms from some of the region’s most admired gardens, along with lovely easy-care roses perfect for your garden. Rose experts will be available to offer helpful gardening tips and answer your questions. Admission to the Annual Rose Exhibition is included with the regular Arboretum parking fee. More info at wncroses.com. 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.

Early Summer Tree ID

Early Summer Tree IDwith Lauren Lampley Saturday, May 23  |  10 – 1pm REGISTER HERE Join this class as we discuss how to use different characteristics and field guides to identify common trees of Western North Carolina. By June, most trees will be fully leafed-out for t......More

Early Summer Tree IDwith Lauren Lampley Saturday, May 23  |  10 – 1pm REGISTER HERE Join this class as we discuss how to use different characteristics and field guides to identify common trees of Western North Carolina. By June, most trees will be fully leafed-out for the year which will make Identification much easier in most cases. We will talk about using multiple clues to identify trees as well as some of the natural history of the trees we find on property. 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!

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.