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

NC Moth Week

NC Moth WeekJuly 18-26Celebrate North Carolina Moth Week, July 18–26, by helping document the incredible diversity of moths across our state! North Carolina is home to more than 3,100 recorded moth species and taxa, and people of all ages are invited to photograph and s......More

NC Moth WeekJuly 18-26Celebrate North Carolina Moth Week, July 18–26, by helping document the incredible diversity of moths across our state! North Carolina is home to more than 3,100 recorded moth species and taxa, and people of all ages are invited to photograph and share moth observations through iNaturalist. The Arboretum is partnering with gardens, museums, and nature centers statewide, including the WNC Nature Center and Blue Ridge Audubon for community moth nights in Asheville and a special after-hours adult education class. You can also participate from home by photographing moths at your porch light. Submit 10 or more moth observations to iNaturalist to receive a free NC Moth Week patch. For more information, visit https://scienceacrossnc.org/events/moths/  ScheduleMothing at the North Carolina ArboretumJuly 25, 10:00pm-1:00amThe North Carolina Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NCRegisterJoin us as we wrap up National and NC Moth week with a night of mothing at the Arb! We will have several sheets and lights set up, as well as bait stations to see what nocturnal jewels we can attract! We will talk about ways to find or attract moths in your own space, view and photograph the insects that come in, and talk about a little natural history too. Moth MANIA! At Beaver Lake Bird SanctuaryJuly 18, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, 21056 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NCFreeRegister Come celebrate the start of National Moth Week (July 18-27th) with educators and entomologists at Beaver Lake! We’ll have special UV lights setup throughout the boardwalk  to attract moths and other nighttime insects. Bring your curiosity (and a camera) to help scientists observe moths and earn FREE badges with ecoEXPLORE & Science Across NC! Please note: Parking is limited and restrooms are not available on-site. Moth Night at the Nature Center July 24, 8:30-10:30pmWNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Crk Rd, Asheville, NC 28815 $20 Members, $25 Non-members Register This event invites you to explore the fascinating world of moths at your own pace while enjoying a variety of interactive activities throughout the evening. Visit lightsheeting stations, where special lights attract moths for up-close viewing. Learn fun facts about moth ecology and how to identify different species. Join guided tours featuring a few of our nocturnal feathered and feline friends, offered periodically throughout the night.

Mothing at the NC Arboretum

Mothing at the NC Arboretumwith Shane Myers Saturday, July 25  |  10 pm – 1 am BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Join us as we wrap up National and NC Moth week with a night of mothing at the Arb! We will have several sheets and lights set up, as well as bait stations to see......More

Mothing at the NC Arboretumwith Shane Myers Saturday, July 25  |  10 pm – 1 am BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Join us as we wrap up National and NC Moth week with a night of mothing at the Arb! We will have several sheets and lights set up, as well as bait stations to see what nocturnal jewels we can attract! We will talk about ways to find or attract moths in your own space, view and photograph the insects that come in, and talk about a little natural history too. 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!

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.

Arbor Evenings

Arbor Evenings 2026June 10 – September 17, 2026Baker Event LawnSip and stroll through the gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays June 10 through......More

Arbor Evenings 2026June 10 – September 17, 2026Baker Event LawnSip and stroll through the gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays June 10 through September 17, 2026 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 Arbor Evenings help support The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission. 5:30 – 8:30: Swingin Poppies (Guitarist/vocalist duo: Swing/Jazz renditions of popular tunes)Arbor Eatery: Focaccia Pizzas – Veggie, Pepperoni, and CheeseScheduled performances are subject to change.View upcoming dates here. Support for this event series is generously provided by:

Baker Event Lawn

Arbor Evenings

Arbor Evenings 2026June 10 – September 17, 2026Baker Event LawnSip and stroll through the gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays June 10 through......More

Arbor Evenings 2026June 10 – September 17, 2026Baker Event LawnSip and stroll through the gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays June 10 through September 17, 2026 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 Arbor Evenings help support The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission. 5:30 – 8:30: Life Like Water (Earthy, uplifting, and mystical with focus on rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and melodies with flavors of Appalachia, Africa and the Middle East)Silly Willies: Specialty Hot DogsScheduled performances are subject to change.View upcoming dates here. Support for this event series is generously provided by:

Baker Event Lawn

Intro to Interpretation for Naturalists

 Intro to Interpretation for Naturalistswith Lauren Lampley Friday, July 31  |  10 – 1pm BRN – Capstone REGISTER HERE Interpretation, at its core, is the act of sharing the meaning of something we are seeing or observing. In the educational lens, outdoor interpretation ......More

 Intro to Interpretation for Naturalistswith Lauren Lampley Friday, July 31  |  10 – 1pm BRN – Capstone REGISTER HERE Interpretation, at its core, is the act of sharing the meaning of something we are seeing or observing. In the educational lens, outdoor interpretation is a method of teaching mostly used by rangers and educators in parks throughout the US. We will go over Freeman Tilden’s Principles of Interpretation and how naturalists might use them to educate people about the natural world. This class is the reformatted Natural History Interpretation capstone class that is part of our Blue Ridge Naturalist Certification of Merit curriculum and qualifies for credit toward the BRN certification. Anyone can join this class and it is no longer limited to just BRN students at the end of their studies. Two different types of tickets are available for this class: in-person full price tickets and discounted virtual only tickets. Those attending virtually will be able to attend the lecture part of the class but will miss some application of the aspects of interpretation when the in-person class goes outside. For in-person attendees: 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. 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!