Sound Bath

Sound Bathwith Asheville Wellness Tours Tuesday, June 13  |  10 – 11:30 am REGISTER HERE Experience the magic of Sound Baths in the Gardens. While relaxing amongst the flora, be soothed by the sounds of unique instruments used to reset your nervous system. This 60-minut......More

Sound Bathwith Asheville Wellness Tours Tuesday, June 13  |  10 – 11:30 am REGISTER HERE Experience the magic of Sound Baths in the Gardens. While relaxing amongst the flora, be soothed by the sounds of unique instruments used to reset your nervous system. This 60-minute pause from your day-to-day will be nestled in the gardens of The NC Arboretum: a nature home away from home. If it’s raining, don’t worry. There is a beautiful indoor space with large windows overlooking the forest so you can still soak in the magic without being actually soaked. Your ticket grants you access into The NC Arboretum (feel free to explore their exhibits afterwards!). You can bring your own mat or borrow one of ours for $5. Asheville Wellness Tours offers customizable wellness and yoga retreats and experiences in the mountains of Western North Carolina. While our mission is to help you reconnect with yourself, with others, and with nature, we’re also here to have fun! We love to intertwine interesting, insightful, and rejuvenating experiences so you can enjoy a truly meaningful time here in beautiful Asheville. 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.

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.

Lunch & Learn: Box Turtle Telemetry Community Science Project at the NC Arboretum

Lunch & Learn: Box Turtle Telemetry Community Science Project at the NC Arboretumwith Arboretum staff and volunteers Tuesday, June 16, 2026  |  11:30 am – 12:30 REGISTER HERE In this free lunch-time class, join the community science volunteers that lead this in-depth pr......More

Lunch & Learn: Box Turtle Telemetry Community Science Project at the NC Arboretumwith Arboretum staff and volunteers Tuesday, June 16, 2026  |  11:30 am – 12:30 REGISTER HERE In this free lunch-time class, join the community science volunteers that lead this in-depth project at the North Carolina Arboretum supervised by the Adult Education department. For the last 14 years, volunteers and Education Staff have been monitoring Eastern Box Turtles on the Arboretum’s property using radio telemetry. Utilizing a Research Permit from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, we look at the locations and behaviors of wild Eastern Box Turtles throughout the year to document their patterns and bring a better understanding to how these amazing creatures utilize the grounds. Bring your own lunch, no food will be provided. 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.

Insect Pollinators of the Blue Ridge

Insect Pollinators of the Blue Ridgewith Shane Myers Wednesday, June 17  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Elective  |  BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Our plants in the Blue Ridge are pollinated by more insects than just Honey Bees. In this course, we will look at common and some less obviou......More

Insect Pollinators of the Blue Ridgewith Shane Myers Wednesday, June 17  |  1 – 4pm BRN – Elective  |  BREG – Core REGISTER HERE Our plants in the Blue Ridge are pollinated by more insects than just Honey Bees. In this course, we will look at common and some less obvious pollinators of the region and discuss their life cycles, the benefits they provide the world, and how to attract them. We will also go outside to look for pollinators doing their work around the Arboretum grounds. 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. 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. 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!

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: Bayou Diesel (Cajun, zydeco, and old school country music)Theme: Ragin’ CajunScheduled performances are subject to change.View upcoming dates here. Support for this event series is generously provided by:

Baker Event Lawn

Garden Photography Workshop

Garden Photography Workshopwith Cami Calnan Thursday, June 18  |  10am – 1pm REGISTER HERE Do you want to learn to take better photos in the gardens? Join us for a hands-on workshop where we use whatever camera you are working with to learn tips, tricks, and techniques ......More

Garden Photography Workshopwith Cami Calnan Thursday, June 18  |  10am – 1pm REGISTER HERE Do you want to learn to take better photos in the gardens? Join us for a hands-on workshop where we use whatever camera you are working with to learn tips, tricks, and techniques to take the photos you are hoping to capture. Bring your phone, a point and shoot camera, digital SLR or film SLR camera. This class is for all levels of photographers. 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. Camilla Calnan is an Asheville based photographer since 2000, and has been a longtime friend and supporter of the NC Arboretum. She works to support the community and region through her photography, capturing the uniqueness that makes the Asheville area what it is. Tirelessly working to photograph nature, landscape, portrait, event, wedding, commercial/corporate, product, farm, food, restaurant, individual, and family photos, Camilla strives to fill the everchanging needs of our community. 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!

Advanced Tree ID Trek

Advanced Tree ID Trekwith Lauren Lampley and Shane Myers Thursday, June 18  |  10am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Want to take your Tree ID skills to the next level? Join Lauren and Shane on an all-day hike around the NC Arboretum to try to find as many different tree species as ......More

Advanced Tree ID Trekwith Lauren Lampley and Shane Myers Thursday, June 18  |  10am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Want to take your Tree ID skills to the next level? Join Lauren and Shane on an all-day hike around the NC Arboretum to try to find as many different tree species as possible. The focus of this program will be to find some individual trees we have on old maps and document species and their locations within our forest. We will be outside on trails all day and will be eating a picnic lunch while we are out in the field. Portable toilets will be available periodically throughout the day, but no physical restroom buildings will be available except at the beginning and the end of the class. This program will take place outside and will be on moderate to difficult trails and uneven terrain. 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. 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. 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!

Block Printing on Fabric

Block Printing on Fabricwith Erika Busse Thursday, June 18  |  1 – 3pm REGISTER HERE In this 2 hour course, Erika will teach you how to make a relief block and print it from start to finish. This is a great intro course to anyone looking to learn more about printmaking ......More

Block Printing on Fabricwith Erika Busse Thursday, June 18  |  1 – 3pm REGISTER HERE In this 2 hour course, Erika will teach you how to make a relief block and print it from start to finish. This is a great intro course to anyone looking to learn more about printmaking or for a fun experience with art to take home. Relief printing is a reduction process, carving out an image onto a stamp. Erika will teach you how to make a design, transfer it to the block, and how to carve it. Then you will get to print your block onto tea towels with her guidance. You will make a unique work of art and get to take home your tea towel and block. 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!

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: Raphael Graves/Paul McIntire (Americana, acoustic, folk, rock)Scheduled performances are subject to change.View upcoming dates here. Support for this event series is generously provided by:

Baker Event Lawn

Gardening with an Ecological Mindset

Gardening with an Ecological Mindsetwith Nina Shippen Two sessions: Friday, June 12  |  9:30 am – 12 pm and Friday, June 19  |  9:30 am – 12 pm BREG – Core (qualifies for EcoGardening Core class) REGISTER HERE Gardening with an Ecologic Mindset introduces theories, rese......More

Gardening with an Ecological Mindsetwith Nina Shippen Two sessions: Friday, June 12  |  9:30 am – 12 pm and Friday, June 19  |  9:30 am – 12 pm BREG – Core (qualifies for EcoGardening Core class) REGISTER HERE Gardening with an Ecologic Mindset introduces theories, research, and models from ecology that a gardener can use to create robust, resilient, and beautiful landscapes that can support the diverse plant, insect, and animal communities found in a healthy ecosystem. The course is a springboard from which students can later explore gardening topics in more depth, such as gardening on slopes, managing stormwater, creating hedgerows, invasive plants, and grappling with native vs. exotic controversies. Nina Shippen practices residential landscape and garden design through her company Hidden Road Landscape Design, which focuses on coupling the principles of healing gardens with sound ecologic practices to create satisfying gardens for her clients. A graduate of the landscape design program at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies, she has lived and gardened in Transylvania County since 2005. 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 Nature Journaling

Intro to Nature Journalingwith Andrew Dundas Friday, June 19  |  10 – 12pm 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 ......More

Intro to Nature Journalingwith Andrew Dundas Friday, June 19  |  10 – 12pm 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, and global cultures. 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. Andrew is also a former cultural exchange student who spent a year living in and learning about the culture of Slovakia, while studying the language, history, and folklore of the nation. 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!

LET THERE BE LIGHT!!: Mosaic Glass Block Lamp Workshop

LET THERE BE LIGHT!!: Mosaic Glass Block Lamp Workshopwith Linda Pannullo Friday, June 19  |  10 – 4pm REGISTER HERE Bring some light into these short days!! Convert a 7″ Glass Block into a stunning mosaic table lamp. Great class for beginners – you will learn basic mos......More

LET THERE BE LIGHT!!: Mosaic Glass Block Lamp Workshopwith Linda Pannullo Friday, June 19  |  10 – 4pm REGISTER HERE Bring some light into these short days!! Convert a 7″ Glass Block into a stunning mosaic table lamp. Great class for beginners – you will learn basic mosaic skills using glass nippers, running pliers and glass scorer. The afternoon will be spent covering both sides of the block. Grout if preferred, will be done at home and there will be a link to a grouting demo. Class comes with a complete kit that contains glass block, light for the inside, a rainbow array of cathedral glass cut into 3″ x 1″ pieces, handout, glue, paintbrush, popsicle sticks, grout, glass embellishments and extra glass for practice. All tools will be provided for the class. Linda Pannullo is a local mosaic artist that uses both traditional and contemporary for my art. Her work ranges from the whimsical to fine art, from eclectic materials to the traditional stained glass and 3D sculptures. She loves to teach and currently instructs at the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, Olive’s Porch, the Purple Crayon and Trackside Studios in Asheville. She is very fond of FUNctional Art and love bringing new folks into the mosaic world. One of her biggest honors is to be the 1st mosaic artist to exhibit at the NC Arboretum and have a permanent mosaic installation, Nature’s Throne there. 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!

Plant Ecology

Plant Ecologywith Alexandra Holland Friday, June 19  |  1 – 2:30pm REGISTER HERE Prerequisite:  Beginning Botany In this class we’ll explore a variety of ways plants interact with one another and with other organisms from fungi to insects.  We’ll examine how plants comp......More

Plant Ecologywith Alexandra Holland Friday, June 19  |  1 – 2:30pm REGISTER HERE Prerequisite:  Beginning Botany In this class we’ll explore a variety of ways plants interact with one another and with other organisms from fungi to insects.  We’ll examine how plants compete and cooperate to survive in their environment. 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!

Bonsai in a Day: Learn, Create, Take Home

Bonsai in a Day: Learn, Create, Take Homewith Rebecca Ayres Saturday, June 20  |  9:30 am – 4:30pm REGISTER HERE Although it has its roots in ancient Asian traditions, the living art of bonsai now enjoys enthusiasts throughout much of the world. This class will provide ......More

Bonsai in a Day: Learn, Create, Take Homewith Rebecca Ayres Saturday, June 20  |  9:30 am – 4:30pm REGISTER HERE Although it has its roots in ancient Asian traditions, the living art of bonsai now enjoys enthusiasts throughout much of the world. This class will provide the basic concepts and skills for novices to begin growing and shaping their own miniature trees. The first half of the class will cover the fundamental horticultural and aesthetic principles of bonsai. It will include such topics as tree selection, watering, pest control, pruning, wiring, and styling. In the second half of the class, each participant will receive a pot, scissors, wire, and planting medium. With guidance from the instructor, the students will create their own bonsai to take home. Materials included in registration. Rebecca Ayres is a ceramic artist and gardener. A longtime Arboretum volunteer, she is the assistant to the bonsai curator and helps with overseeing the exhibition garden, the collection and the Carolina Bonsai Expo. She is a member of the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society, where she has taught workshops and classes, and is a graduate of the Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist program. 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.

Forest Bathing Retreat: Summer Solstice

Forest Bathing Retreat: Summer Solsticewith Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, June 20  |  10 am – 1 pm REGISTER HERE Celebrate the Solstice through the ephemeral beauty of flowers during this immersive morning nature retreat! In Japan, the birthplace of forest bathing ......More

Forest Bathing Retreat: Summer Solsticewith Asheville Wellness Tours Saturday, June 20  |  10 am – 1 pm REGISTER HERE Celebrate the Solstice through the ephemeral beauty of flowers during this immersive morning nature retreat! In Japan, the birthplace of forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), they celebrate the annual cherry blossom bloom (Sakura) with a practice known as Hanami, which translates to “contemplate the flowers.” This experience gently invites us to cultivate our attention and sensory awareness, while noticing the evanescent nature of flowering, both within and around us. Together, we will explore our relationships with native wildflowers, ourselves, each-other, and the more-than-human-world. Your guide, Kelly Bruce, will lead you on a gentle journey through the summer forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for an enlivening 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.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.

Summer Ecology Walk

Summer Ecology Walkwith Dan Lazar Saturday, June 20  |  1:30 – 3 pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Naturalist Dan Lazar leads this walk and talk designed to point out signs of summer’s vibrancy. Participants will walk through roadside meadows filled with G......More

Summer Ecology Walkwith Dan Lazar Saturday, June 20  |  1:30 – 3 pm BRN – Core  |  BREG – Elective REGISTER HERE Naturalist Dan Lazar leads this walk and talk designed to point out signs of summer’s vibrancy. Participants will walk through roadside meadows filled with Goldenrod and asters and then head into the Arboretum Forest on easily accessible trails. We’ll consider the role of birds and other animals in seed dispersal, one of nature’s most important methods for renewing itself. 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. Dan Lazar served for many years as the director of education at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, followed by several years as executive director of the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Dan has a degree in forest biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and has been an instructor in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program since 2005. 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!

Arboretum performed by Decoda Chamber Music Festival Artists

Arboretum performed by Decoda Chamber Music Festival ArtistsSunday, June 21, 2026Performances at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AMArboretum, by Decoda bassoonist Brad Balliett, is a unique musical work featuring a collection of solos and duets inspired by different tree species. Pe......More

Arboretum performed by Decoda Chamber Music Festival ArtistsSunday, June 21, 2026Performances at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AMArboretum, by Decoda bassoonist Brad Balliett, is a unique musical work featuring a collection of solos and duets inspired by different tree species. Performed simultaneously throughout the gardens, the piece creates an immersive soundscape that invites audiences to stroll along the paths and move freely among the musicians. As the music unfolds across the landscape, the Arboretum itself becomes a living, breathing musical environment. About DecodaDecoda is an artist-led chamber music collective dedicated to creating a more compassionate and connected world through music. Decoda pairs virtuosic performance with deep community engagement, bringing chamber music to concert halls, schools, shelters, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Each summer in the Asheville region, Decoda leads the Decoda Chamber Music Festival, a dynamic training program for young musicians who seek to develop both artistic excellence and social impact. Through side-by-side performances, mentorship, and creative collaboration, participants explore how music can build community and inspire change. This is an outdoor event and may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. 

Summer Mind-Body Wellness Retreat

Summer Mind-Body Wellness Retreatwith Jenne Sluder Tuesday, June 23  |  10 am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Set aside a day for quiet reflection and renewal at the North Carolina Arboretum, centering themes from the early Zen poets of China and Japan. Calm your mind, refresh your......More

Summer Mind-Body Wellness Retreatwith Jenne Sluder Tuesday, June 23  |  10 am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Set aside a day for quiet reflection and renewal at the North Carolina Arboretum, centering themes from the early Zen poets of China and Japan. Calm your mind, refresh your spirit, and relax your body and nervous system with a gentle immersion into mind-body centering practices both indoors and in nature. Expect slow, mindful yoga and qigong, guided meditation, progressive relaxation + sound bath, contemplative readings from the Zen poetry tradition, and time for personal journaling and quiet time in nature. All mind-body practices will be gentle and accessible, including the choice to do any seated movements or meditations in a chair or on a cushion according to your own body’s needs. 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!

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.