Invasive Plant ID Walk | Blue Ridge PRISM

FREE QUARTERLY WORKSHOPS - REGISTRATION REQUIRED - www.tinyurl.com/EJCAprism Invasive Plant ID Walk Wednesday, April 2 | 10-11:30 AM Join Jacob Edel, Invasive Management Specialist at Blue Ridge PRISM, and the ......More

FREE QUARTERLY WORKSHOPS - REGISTRATION REQUIRED - www.tinyurl.com/EJCAprism Invasive Plant ID Walk Wednesday, April 2 | 10-11:30 AM Join Jacob Edel, Invasive Management Specialist at Blue Ridge PRISM, and the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for this FREE field training where you’ll learn how to identify invasive plants in the spring. This session includes a short hike along trails, some with uneven surfaces. Space is limited to 20 participants. Each season, we will offer two free invasive management workshops in collaboration with Blue Ridge PRISM. Join us at the Arboretum for an Invasive Plant ID Walk and a Invasive Plant Removal Workday! Invasive Removal Workday Friday, April 18 | 10 am - 12 pm  Register at www.tinyurl.com/EJCAprism

Bird Exploration Stations

Multiple bird stations and activities to explore for families at the Frances Plecker Education Center.  Activities relate to nests, calls and beak adaptation and one craft. Then stick around for Birding 101 with Mike Donaldson from the Rockingham Birding Club. No fee. ......More

Multiple bird stations and activities to explore for families at the Frances Plecker Education Center.  Activities relate to nests, calls and beak adaptation and one craft. Then stick around for Birding 101 with Mike Donaldson from the Rockingham Birding Club. No fee. Registration recommended (so we can send weather updates/cancellations), walk-ins welcome.

Birding 101

With Mike Donaldson of Rockingham Birding Club. Adult instruction, all ages welcome.  Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center. The program begins with a 30-minute slide show presentation featuring a brief overview of the birds of the local region. The slide show wi......More

With Mike Donaldson of Rockingham Birding Club. Adult instruction, all ages welcome.  Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center. The program begins with a 30-minute slide show presentation featuring a brief overview of the birds of the local region. The slide show will conclude with quick tips about how to find birds and audience questions. Afterward, weather permitting, the group will venture outside to briefly listen and look for birds near the Education Center. No fee. Registration recommended (so we can send weather updates/cancellations), walk-ins welcome. 

Cancelled: Nature Study - Birds

This class is being offered on Tuesdays February 10 and 24 at 2pm. We may also add a class on another weekend. Sharpen your observation skills by studying bird anatomy. We will draw a bird one feature a time discussing variations and adaptations on each part as we go.......More

This class is being offered on Tuesdays February 10 and 24 at 2pm. We may also add a class on another weekend. Sharpen your observation skills by studying bird anatomy. We will draw a bird one feature a time discussing variations and adaptations on each part as we go.    No art skills expected for this guided lesson. Adult class but children as young as fifth grade are welcome. Supplies provided. Held in the Frances Plecker Education Center after Birding 101. Registration required as seats are limited.

Native Plant Social with Shenandoah Chapter of Virginia Native Plant Society

Join the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society for our Second Sundays Native Plant Social; a time of connecting and relationship-building in a community of local native plant enthusiasts. Expect light refreshments and conversation. Membership in VNPS i......More

Join the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society for our Second Sundays Native Plant Social; a time of connecting and relationship-building in a community of local native plant enthusiasts. Expect light refreshments and conversation. Membership in VNPS is optional. Everyone is welcome! No registration.General Parking: JMU R5 lot, 664 University Blvd (about a 7 minute walk). Accessible parking: 780 University Blvd.

Frances Plecker Education Center, 780 University Blvd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA

Nature Journaling - FPEC

For winter, Nature Journaling will meet inside the Frances Plecker Education Center. Minors must have an adult stay with them.   Nature Journaling: February focus will be Bird body structure. We will gain bird identification skills better by getting familiar with the......More

For winter, Nature Journaling will meet inside the Frances Plecker Education Center. Minors must have an adult stay with them.   Nature Journaling: February focus will be Bird body structure. We will gain bird identification skills better by getting familiar with their external anatomy. Observation skills required but art skills are not. You may wish to bring your own journal and art supplies. Basic materials are provided. Contact Kelli Hertzler, Education Coordinator, with questions. 540-568-3194 or [email protected].  Due to limited space, please RSVP at so that we can have enough space and materials for all.   February 10 Nature Journaling RSVP – Fill out form  February 10 and 24 are the same class. Please do not register for both.  

Pavilion reserved

Master Gardener Talk Series

Landscaping with Native Plants Create a backyard bounty to provide food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Discover a diverse array of native plants providing year-round beauty for you and benefits for all critters.

Frances Plecker Education Center, 780 University Blvd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA

FPEC: Fern and Moss Terrarium Workshop

Details and registration to come ...

Reception: 20th Annual Litten Lecture

20th Annual Litten Lecture Reception  February 17, 2026 | Catered Reception 5:45 PM (Donors' Event)   A donation of $15 or more is required to attend the catered reception (free to members); however, the 7 PM lecture is FREE.  Come mingle with other supporters of the ......More

20th Annual Litten Lecture Reception  February 17, 2026 | Catered Reception 5:45 PM (Donors' Event)   A donation of $15 or more is required to attend the catered reception (free to members); however, the 7 PM lecture is FREE.  Come mingle with other supporters of the Arboretum, get a chance to chat with the speaker before the lecture, and enjoy a delicious selection of hors d'oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Wine and beer will be available for purchase at our cash bar. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - LIMITED TO 80 GUESTS

20th Annual Litten Botanical Lecture

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 7:00-8:30 PM Festival Conference Center Ballroom Details incoming... Before the lecture, there will be a catered reception free to Members of the Arboretum. Non-members are asked to gift a donation of $15 or more to attend the reception. ......More

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 7:00-8:30 PM Festival Conference Center Ballroom Details incoming... Before the lecture, there will be a catered reception free to Members of the Arboretum. Non-members are asked to gift a donation of $15 or more to attend the reception. Admission to this lecture is FREE, but your donation is much appreciated.  Ways to give back to the Arboretum: https://www.jmu.edu/arboretum/support/index.shtml

Mindfulness Walk

A JMU Health 100 Passport event sponsored by the Counseling Center. Check in at the Frances Plecker Education Center to get your materials for this self-guided experience.

Mindfulness Walk

A JMU Health 100 Passport event sponsored by the Counseling Center. Check in at the Frances Plecker Education Center to get your materials for this self-guided experience.

Nature Journaling - FPEC

For winter, Nature Journaling will meet inside the Frances Plecker Education Center. Minors must have an adult stay with them. Nature Journaling: February focus will be Bird body structure. We will gain bird identification skills better by getting familiar with their......More

For winter, Nature Journaling will meet inside the Frances Plecker Education Center. Minors must have an adult stay with them. Nature Journaling: February focus will be Bird body structure. We will gain bird identification skills better by getting familiar with their external anatomy. Observation skills required but art skills are not. You may wish to bring your own journal and art supplies. Basic materials are provided. Contact Kelli Hertzler, Education Coordinator, with questions. 540-568-3194 or [email protected].  Due to limited space, please RSVP at so that we can have enough space and materials for all.   February 24 Nature Journaling RSVP – Fill out form    February 10 and 24 are the same class. Please do not register for both.