Weave Kudzu Vines Into a Basket

Weave Kudzu Vines Into a Basketwith Carleigh Fairchild Thursday, April 16  |  10am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Turn wild vines into a basket in this hands-on kudzu weaving workshop. Kudzu, often thought of as an invasive plant, offers a surprising gift: strong, flexible vines t......More

Weave Kudzu Vines Into a Basketwith Carleigh Fairchild Thursday, April 16  |  10am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Turn wild vines into a basket in this hands-on kudzu weaving workshop. Kudzu, often thought of as an invasive plant, offers a surprising gift: strong, flexible vines that make for beautiful, functional baskets. In this workshop you’ll learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare kudzu responsibly, turning an abundant wild plant into a useful basket. Together we’ll explore weaving techniques and create baskets that reflect each of our creativity. Come away with your own handmade basket, practical knowledge for future projects, and a new appreciation for kudzu. There will be a 30 minute lunch break and materials will be provided. Carleigh Fairchild has a deep love for the Earth. She gardens, keeps bees, wild harvests, processes animals, tans hides, weaves baskets, and finds joy in time spent around the fire. As the founder of Human Nature Connection LLC, she is dedicated to helping others rediscover respectful and collaborative relationships with the more then human world. Carleigh’s journey—including 86 days on the survival show ALONE in Patagonia—deepened her understanding of belonging and connection. With over 25 years of experience, she teaches both online and in-person classes in Western North Carolina, weaving together earth skills, community, and healing. Carleigh is also a NIASZIIH bodywork healer and instructor at Wilderness Fusion, integrating body, earth, and spirit in her practice. 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!

How Plants Grow: A Close Look at Plant Growth and Structures

How Plants Grow: A Close Look at Plant Growth and Structureswith Alexandra Holland Thursday, April 16  |  1 – 2:30pm BRN – Core |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Building on Beginning Botany, this class examines the variety of plant cells and tissues, how they are organi......More

How Plants Grow: A Close Look at Plant Growth and Structureswith Alexandra Holland Thursday, April 16  |  1 – 2:30pm BRN – Core |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Building on Beginning Botany, this class examines the variety of plant cells and tissues, how they are organized to support plant functions, and how they mature as a plant grows. We’ll explore the structural similarities and differences between plants as small as a trout lily and as large as a white oak.  Prerequisite:  Beginning Botany Alexandra Holland graduated from Duke University and earned her Master’s degree in botany from the University of Texas at Austin.  She was in the first class of students to be certified as Blue Ridge Naturalists.  Alexandra managed the UTEX Culture Collection of Algae at UT Austin and spent many hours working with education programs at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  She has taught botany for over a decade and leads nature hikes in Western NC for groups of all ages. 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!

Nature Journaling

Nature Journalingwith Andrew Dundas Friday, April 17  |  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 therapeuti......More

Nature Journalingwith Andrew Dundas Friday, April 17  |  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!

Spare-Time Gardening

Spare-Time Gardeningwith Martha Rollefson Friday, April 17  |  10 – 12pm BRN – Elective | BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Here’s a 2-hour crash course on making the most of the spare time you have for working in your garden.  I’ll share tricks learned & practices develope......More

Spare-Time Gardeningwith Martha Rollefson Friday, April 17  |  10 – 12pm BRN – Elective | BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Here’s a 2-hour crash course on making the most of the spare time you have for working in your garden.  I’ll share tricks learned & practices developed during more than 40 years of squeezing garden work into an otherwise busy life.  I sum it up with these principles: 1) Choose Wisely… 2) Pace Yourself for the Essential Chores… 3) Pluck it up! … 4) Don’t Shoot Yourself in the Foot! … and 5) Celebrate!  Even experienced gardeners will probably get some new ideas for making their garden chores less strenuous and more impactful. You will also receive a garden assessment tool that will help you articulate your vision for your own garden in a way that will guide your efforts. Martha Rollefson has been a spare-time gardener for decades who got the “wildlife habitat” bug over 20 years ago. After leaving the corporate world she started working at Wild Birds Unlimited “to support her gardening habit,” and she joined the Western Carolina Botany Club to learn more about native plants. While feeding the birds and observing how gardening and wildlife interact, she has developed numerous techniques for saving time and money while reducing her carbon footprint. She lives next to the Etowah Valley Golf Resort with her husband David and mini-doxie, Eva. 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!

Intro to WNC Invasive Plant ID

Intro to WNC Invasive Plant IDwith Erin Canter Friday, April 17  |  1 – 3:30pm BRN – Elective |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE In this beginners’ course, participants will learn strategies for plant ID and use them to identify plants that are invasive to Western North C......More

Intro to WNC Invasive Plant IDwith Erin Canter Friday, April 17  |  1 – 3:30pm BRN – Elective |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE In this beginners’ course, participants will learn strategies for plant ID and use them to identify plants that are invasive to Western North Carolina. We’ll discuss the impact of invasive plants and other invasive species, and introduce strategies for their management and control in our own properties and public spaces. 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. Erin Canter is a Southern Appalachian Naturalist who specializes in southeastern ecology. She worked as the Manager of Science Literacy and Research at a nonprofit education center in the Great Smoky Mountains, working with all ages to explore their bioregion through science and hands-on exploration, before moving to this side of the mountains in early 2024. She now works at American Conservation Experience here in WNC, helping young people begin their conservation careers through applied conservation projects in the region. 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!

Ecology of the Native Azalea Collection Walk

Ecology of the Native Azalea Collection Walkwith Lauren Lampley Saturday, April 18 | 9 – 10:30 am BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE For Native Azalea Day, join Adult Education Coordinator, Lauren Lampley, on an ecology walk through the Native Azalea Collection highlighting d......More

Ecology of the Native Azalea Collection Walkwith Lauren Lampley Saturday, April 18 | 9 – 10:30 am BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE For Native Azalea Day, join Adult Education Coordinator, Lauren Lampley, on an ecology walk through the Native Azalea Collection highlighting different plants, wildlife, and ecosystems found within the collection. We will also discuss how the different wetlands and creeks play into the ecology of the space and how our Community Science Projects make use of the unique space for science. 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!

Native Azalea Day

Native Azalea DayApril 18, 202610:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Visit the gardens this spring for Native Azalea Day, an invitation to celebrate and experience azaleas through the eyes of plant enthusiasts, botanists, and artists. For one day only, visitors can observe as plein air......More

Native Azalea DayApril 18, 202610:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Visit the gardens this spring for Native Azalea Day, an invitation to celebrate and experience azaleas through the eyes of plant enthusiasts, botanists, and artists. For one day only, visitors can observe as plein air artists capture the scene in paint and pen, learn about the garden and its collection on a walking tour, and participate in hands-on activities for children and adults. A shuttle to the Collection will be available between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., departing to and from the Baker Visitor Center throughout the event. Visitors are also welcome to walk to the Native Azalea Collection from the Gatehouse Parking Lot using Old Mill Road to Bent Creek Road, or can park at the Baker Visitor Center and walk down Running Cedar Road to Bent Creek Road. Walkers should be prepared to travel one mile over unpaved roads and paths. Special thanks to Community Partner Carolina Native Nursery for sponsoring Native Azalea Day. Event Schedule8:30 – 9:30 a.m: Pre-registered “Ecology of the Native Azalea Collection” with Lauren Lampley 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: Tabling with local environmental organizations including Carolina Native Nursery, NC Native Plant Society, Azalea Society of America, Arboretum Adult Education Citizen Science, Dayna of Solstice Handmade, and Graham County  10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: Ecology scavenger hunt with Hemlock Restoration Initiative 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: Dissecting scope and interactive drawing activities with Educator, Erin Ellis. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: Cyanotyping activity 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: Music with SARAH 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: Food and drink provided by The Arbor Eatery 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: Plein Art Painting Group of Asheville 10:30 – 11:15 a.m: Pre-registered walking tour with curator, Carson Ellis 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m: Pre-registered walking tour with volunteer docent 12:30 – 1:00 p.m: Pre-registered walking tour with Lauren Best, Native Azalea Conservation Assistant 1:30 – 2:00 p.m: Pre-registered walking tour with volunteer docent 3:00 p.m: Last shuttle departs Azalea Collection All activities, unless otherwise noted, are included with general admission fees. 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!

Native Azalea Collection

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.

Forest Bathing: Celebrating Mother Earth (full)

Forest Bathing: Celebrating Mother Earthwith Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, April 18  |  2 – 5pm REGISTER HERE April is Earth Month, a time to honor our precious planet and take action to protect her. Celebrate spring while cultivating your relationship with Mother ......More

Forest Bathing: Celebrating Mother Earthwith Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, April 18  |  2 – 5pm REGISTER HERE April is Earth Month, a time to honor our precious planet and take action to protect her. Celebrate spring while cultivating your relationship with Mother Earth, yourself, and others, during this rejuvenating afternoon nature immersion retreat. Your guide, Kelly Bruce, will lead you on a colorful journey through the blossoming spring 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. Kelly Bruce is a writer, forest therapy guide and nature connection mentor based in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Her mission is to help others deepen their connection with nature, community and Self. Kelly is an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Certified Guide and Certification Consultant. She is Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified by the American Red Cross. 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.

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.

Spring Wildflowers of the NC Arboretum

Spring Wildflowers of the NC Arboretumwith Lauren Lampley Thursday, April 23  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Interested in learning how to identify wildflowers? Join Lauren on this walk around the Arboretum property where we will go over different w......More

Spring Wildflowers of the NC Arboretumwith Lauren Lampley Thursday, April 23  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Interested in learning how to identify wildflowers? Join Lauren on this walk around the Arboretum property where we will go over different ways of identifying plants and different families of flowers. Some flowers are very difficult to identify to species and some are relatively easy so we will talk about how to get as close as possible with tools we can easily carry into the field. We will be using Newcomb’s guide to key out some of the less common flowers but will focus on learning how to look closely at flowers in order to identify them. 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!

Walking Meditation & Qigong

Walking Meditation & Qigongwith Jenne Sluder Friday, April 24  |  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. T......More

Walking Meditation & Qigongwith Jenne Sluder Friday, April 24  |  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.

Geology of the Blue Ridge Field Class

Geology of the Blue Ridge Field Classwith Anton DuMars Friday, April 24 | Meet in Brevard at 12, class time is 12 – 4 pm BRN – Core REGISTER HERE On this Field Experience, we will observe and interpret evidence of Appalachian mountain-building events. Participants can p......More

Geology of the Blue Ridge Field Classwith Anton DuMars Friday, April 24 | Meet in Brevard at 12, class time is 12 – 4 pm BRN – Core REGISTER HERE On this Field Experience, we will observe and interpret evidence of Appalachian mountain-building events. Participants can put their hands on a 380+/- million-year-old pluton and observe their post-uplift weathering, jointing, and exfoliation. In addition, participants observe and interpret river processes, transport, and depositional environments of sediments derived from up-gradient sources. The experience includes on-site geologic map reading and interpretation. This off-site program has stops in the Pisgah Forest near Brevard NC along The Pisgah Highway including Daniel Ridge and the Davidson River. This program will take place outside and will follow easy to moderate trails. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time. 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!

iNaturalist: An Amazing Tool for Identification in your Pocket

iNaturalist: An Amazing Tool for Identification in your Pocketwith Lauren Lampley and Shane Myers Friday, April 24  |  1 – 3pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Learn how a smartphone app, iNaturalist, can both be a very useful identification tool and a way to participate in......More

iNaturalist: An Amazing Tool for Identification in your Pocketwith Lauren Lampley and Shane Myers Friday, April 24  |  1 – 3pm BRN – Elective REGISTER HERE Learn how a smartphone app, iNaturalist, can both be a very useful identification tool and a way to participate in Community Science! Submitting observations to iNaturalist helps scientists learn more about species by crowd-sourcing information from users all over the world. During this class we will look at the different versions of the app and website as well as take some time outside to practice submitting your own using your own smartphone. The City Nature Challenge will take place from April 24-27 and is a great way to submit iNaturalist observations in a global effort as well as earn a Bioblitz patch from Science Across North Carolina! https://scienceacrossnc.org/ 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!

Mountain Science Expo 2026

Mountain Science Expo 2026April 25, 202610:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Join us for a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists, explore nature, and grow your curiosity! The Mountain Science Expo is a part of the larger NC Science Festival, a stat......More

Mountain Science Expo 2026April 25, 202610:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Join us for a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists, explore nature, and grow your curiosity! The Mountain Science Expo is a part of the larger NC Science Festival, a state-wide and month-long event dedicated to celebrating the impact of science educationally, culturally, and economically on our state. The NC Science Festival and the Mountain Science Expo hope to inspire children to pursue—and adults to support—the sciences, such that North Carolina can lead the country and the world as a place of innovation and learning.  The Expo will feature live animal presentations, exhibitors from across the region, special interactive activities, and more! It takes place in both of The North Carolina Arboretum’s main buildings and through the gardens. Rain or shine, the Mountain Science Expo takes place fully within indoor or covered spaces at The Arboretum! Special thanks to Community Partners AvL Technologies, RTI International, and Everyday Gourmet for sponsoring Mountain Science Expo. ExhibitorsThe Mountain Science Expo provides an opportunity for all ages to learn about STEM fields and  interact with scientists and science educators in a hands-on and wonder-filled environment. Past exhibitors include: Asheville MakersAsheville Museum of ScienceMuddy SneakersThe National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI)The North Carolina Department of Air Quality (NCDAQ)UNCA STEAM LabsRiverLinkBlue Ridge Audubon ChapterFIND OutdoorsAnd more!Golden TicketsKids can get special Golden Tickets! Simply check out a science book from your local library, and you’ll receive a Golden Ticket good for free parking the day of the event. Participating libraries will be posted here by March 2026. There is no additional cost to attend Mountain Science Expo 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). 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!

Arboretum Property, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States

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.