eBird: An Introduction

eBird: An Introductionwith Shane Myers Thursday, February 12  |  10 – 12 pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Are you a birder? Do you want to be? Do you like to maintain careful lists of what birds you’ve seen, when, and where? Do you want to contribute to real science that......More

eBird: An Introductionwith Shane Myers Thursday, February 12  |  10 – 12 pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Are you a birder? Do you want to be? Do you like to maintain careful lists of what birds you’ve seen, when, and where? Do you want to contribute to real science that is used in real-life decisions? Do you want to know what birds are being seen around you or your favorite places? In this class, we’ll look at eBird and Merlin and talk about how to use them to their fullest potential. This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time. Shane Myers’ interest in nature began as a child with a love of dinosaurs. This quickly grew to include fossils, insects, and reptiles, and learning from the notes his grandparents kept of the birds that came to their feeders in Toledo, Ohio.  He has a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Biology and did most of his undergraduate work on dragonflies and damselflies. This work included coordinating an Ohio- wide survey of dragonflies that culminated in a publication in 2024. He’s assisted in outreach and education for plant conservation groups, Odonata Groups, and various bird groups. Shane currently works for the Adult Education department at the NC Arboretum. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] with questions.See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Environmental Conservation and Thomas Dambo's Trolls (full)

Environmental Conservation and Thomas Dambo’s Trollswith Lauren Lampley Thursday, February 12  |  1 – 3 pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE The amazing Thomas Dambo Trolls that we are currently playing host to at the NC Arboretum all represent different Environmental Educat......More

Environmental Conservation and Thomas Dambo’s Trollswith Lauren Lampley Thursday, February 12  |  1 – 3 pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE The amazing Thomas Dambo Trolls that we are currently playing host to at the NC Arboretum all represent different Environmental Education topics. Join Lauren on this tour of all 12 of the statues and enjoy deep discussions about the Environmental Topics they represent. 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!

Geology of the Blue Ridge I

Geology of the Blue Ridge Iwith Anton DuMars Friday, February 13  |  12 – 4pm BRN – Core REGISTER HERE This is the first class of a two-part Geology course that explores the geologic history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains with lecture presentations, discussions a......More

Geology of the Blue Ridge Iwith Anton DuMars Friday, February 13  |  12 – 4pm BRN – Core REGISTER HERE This is the first class of a two-part Geology course that explores the geologic history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains with lecture presentations, discussions and self-guided explorations in the field. The course begins with a discussion of the earth’s interior and plate tectonics, progresses to a model for the formation of the southern Appalachians and then describes the surficial processes that generate the current mountain topography. Discussion will also include an overview of geologic processes that affect these mountains today: earthquakes, mass movements and floods. Anton DuMars, a resident of Black Mountain, NC, is an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston. His geological interests include fluvial, deltaic, and coastal processes. Ideally, he’s spending time on a hiking trail or aboard his sailboat. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] with questions.See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Naturalist Walk and Talk

Naturalist Walk and Talkwith Shane Myers Friday, February 13  |  1 – 3pm BRN –  Elective REGISTER HERE Walk around the Arboretum with our staff naturalists and talk about what we see around us. We might see plants and animals, and evidence of them going about their live......More

Naturalist Walk and Talkwith Shane Myers Friday, February 13  |  1 – 3pm BRN –  Elective REGISTER HERE Walk around the Arboretum with our staff naturalists and talk about what we see around us. We might see plants and animals, and evidence of them going about their lives in our backyard. Topics will be based on what we see and experience and whatever questions that come up, so every class has the potential to be quite different. This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time. Shane Myers’ interest in nature began as a child with a love of dinosaurs. This quickly grew to include fossils, insects, and reptiles, and learning from the notes his grandparents kept of the birds that came to their feeders in Toledo, Ohio.  He has a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Biology and did most of his undergraduate work on dragonflies and damselflies. This work included coordinating an Ohio- wide survey of dragonflies that culminated in a publication in 2024. He’s assisted in outreach and education for plant conservation groups, Odonata Groups, and various bird groups. Shane currently works for the Adult Education department at the NC Arboretum. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] with questions.See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Evening Birding Field Trip – Mills River Park

 Evening Birding Field Trip – Mills River Parkwith Shane Myers Friday, February 13  |  3:30 – 6:30pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Mills River Park and the surrounding area is a great birding spot. This time of year we may have migratory songbirds, American Woodcock, and......More

 Evening Birding Field Trip – Mills River Parkwith Shane Myers Friday, February 13  |  3:30 – 6:30pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Mills River Park and the surrounding area is a great birding spot. This time of year we may have migratory songbirds, American Woodcock, and possibly, American Barn Owl!  Meet us there, bring your binoculars, and we will watch and listen to some of our areas coolest birds! This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time. Shane Myers‘ interest in nature began as a child with a love of dinosaurs. This quickly grew to include fossils, insects, and reptiles, and learning from the notes his grandparents kept of the birds that came to their feeders in Toledo, Ohio.  He has a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Biology and did most of his undergraduate work on dragonflies and damselflies. This work included coordinating an Ohio- wide survey of dragonflies that culminated in a publication in 2024. He’s assisted in outreach and education for plant conservation groups, Odonata Groups, and various bird groups. Shane currently works for the Adult Education department at the NC Arboretum. Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] with questions.See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.See all of our classes open for registration here!

Bird Day

Bird DayFebruary 14 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.mJoin us for a day celebrating all things birds at the Arboretum! Guests can enjoy demonstrations with wild birds within our gardens and trails, indoor live raptor presentations, guided bird walks, and a bird art market with local......More

Bird DayFebruary 14 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.mJoin us for a day celebrating all things birds at the Arboretum! Guests can enjoy demonstrations with wild birds within our gardens and trails, indoor live raptor presentations, guided bird walks, and a bird art market with local artists. February is a great time for birding because the lack of vegetation makes it easier to spot our year-round resident birds! This is in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count, an international effort to encourage people of all ages to report their observations of birds to help scientists learn about their populations. Bird Day Schedule of Events More details to come! 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Blue Ridge Audubon Bird Walk from Blue Ridge Audubon 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  – Indoor Exhibits 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  – Bird Art Market in the Education Center Auditorium. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  – Bird Crafts with Arboretum Staff in the Education Center lobby. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Avian Relationships Around the World talk by Arboretum Staff. In the Education Center (Registration Required – Click here to learn more) 3:00 p.m. –   Live Raptor Demonstration with Carolina Mountain Naturalists. Meet in the Education Center.   This program is included with standard non-member parking fees. Related Events Happening Before Bird Day:Thursday, February 12: eBird: An IntroductionFriday, February 13: Evening Field Trip – Mills River Park with chances to see many birds, including possible American Woodcocks and Barn Owl!

Education Center

Avian Relationships Around the World

Avian Relationships Around the World with Lauren Lampley  Saturday, February 14  |  10 – 11am  BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE With the thousands of different bird species found throughout all 7 continents, there are hundreds of different ways that different bird species f......More

Avian Relationships Around the World with Lauren Lampley  Saturday, February 14  |  10 – 11am  BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE With the thousands of different bird species found throughout all 7 continents, there are hundreds of different ways that different bird species find a suitable mate to pass on their genes to the next generation. Join Lauren in this intriguing lecture class to talk about some of the most extreme courtship and reproduction habits for birds from all over the world. This class will talk about birds from Ostriches to Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise and others in between!   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!

Forest Bathing: A Heart-Centered Retreat

Forest Bathing: A Heart-Centered Retreatwith Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, February 14  |  2 – 5pm REGISTER HERE Give yourself the gift of self-love and self-care during this afternoon nature immersion retreat. Spend some time in the forest deepening your connectio......More

Forest Bathing: A Heart-Centered Retreatwith Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, February 14  |  2 – 5pm REGISTER HERE Give yourself the gift of self-love and self-care during this afternoon nature immersion retreat. Spend some time in the forest deepening your connection to nature and the wisdom of your heart. Quiet your mind and tap into the innate inner knowing that is always available to you. Your guide, Christa Hebal, will lead you on a heart-centered wander through the winter forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and nature therapy together for a restorative afternoon 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!Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.

Winter Painting: Finding Beauty in the Cold Months

Winter Painting: Finding Beauty in the Cold Monthswith Erika Busse Sunday, February 15  |  1 – 3pm REGISTER HERE Enjoy a cozy afternoon painting inside with a beautiful mountain view. In this 2 hour class, you will be taught to create an original painting based on your ......More

Winter Painting: Finding Beauty in the Cold Monthswith Erika Busse Sunday, February 15  |  1 – 3pm REGISTER HERE Enjoy a cozy afternoon painting inside with a beautiful mountain view. In this 2 hour class, you will be taught to create an original painting based on your observations of the landscape. Winter brings a cold color palette to the mountains and sky, and without the broad leaves, the view is even more expansive. This is a great opportunity to learn how to paint an original landscape from life in the cold months while staying warm indoors. Erika Busse moved to Asheville in 2017 after graduating from the University of Alabama with degrees in art and business. She is a small business owner of her full time artist business, sharing mountain inspired painting and printmaking with the world. She has been teaching plein air painting classes since 2021. 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!

Planting a Four Season Cutting Garden

Planting a Four Season Cutting Gardenwith Rachel Brownlee Thursday, February 19 |  1 – 3pm BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Celebrate the unique region of WNC with four season plantings for your property. We will discuss the vast biodiversity here in the Blue Ridge Mountai......More

Planting a Four Season Cutting Gardenwith Rachel Brownlee Thursday, February 19 |  1 – 3pm BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Celebrate the unique region of WNC with four season plantings for your property. We will discuss the vast biodiversity here in the Blue Ridge Mountains while goal-setting for your personal garden-scape.  Explore bulbs, tubers, perennials, direct-seeding, and select shrubs and trees to extend your gardening interests into each season. There will be ample time for questions, answers and discussion. A fascination and excitement for growing and arranging flowers has been central to Rachel Brownlee’s experience as a floral designer for over 20 years. Working from her property in Western North Carolina, Brownlee enjoys growing the majority of material she uses in her designs with an emphasis on promoting the special delights of seasonal flora.  A background in sustainable agriculture and fine-gardening complement a desire to work with the native landscape to create unique, regionally significant bouquets and centerpieces while promoting habitat for pollinators, migratory birds and wildlife in her home gardens.  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!

An introduction to the Amphibians of the Southern Appalachians

An introduction to the Amphibians of the Southern AppalachiansWith Carlton Burke Friday, February 20  |  12 – 4pm BRN – Wildlife Core  REGISTER HERE The forested slopes, mountain streams and rivers, and valleys and floodplains of our southern mountains provide unique ha......More

An introduction to the Amphibians of the Southern AppalachiansWith Carlton Burke Friday, February 20  |  12 – 4pm BRN – Wildlife Core  REGISTER HERE The forested slopes, mountain streams and rivers, and valleys and floodplains of our southern mountains provide unique habitats for a variety of cold-blooded amphibian life. In this class we’ll focus on many of the various species found here, their specialized habitats and life cycles, and threats to their existence. Class participants will also have a chance to meet in the classroom, a few live amphibian residents of our mountain region. Carlton Burke is a naturalist and educator who operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists, an educational service which offers wildlife and nature educational programs throughout western North Carolina. He also was on the staff of the western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville for over 25 years as the Curator of Exhibits. Carlton co-hosts a weekly radio program NATURE NEWS and is also a NC state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator. 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!