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!

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.

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 County Libraries: Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, Haywood, Madison, McDowell, Rutherford 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.

Spring Mind-Body Wellness Retreat

Spring Mind-Body Wellness Retreatwith Jenne Sluder Tuesday, April 28  |  10 am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Set aside a day for quiet reflection and renewal at the North Carolina Arboretum, centering themes from the poetry of Mary Oliver. Calm your mind, refresh your spirit, and......More

Spring Mind-Body Wellness Retreatwith Jenne Sluder Tuesday, April 28  |  10 am – 4pm REGISTER HERE Set aside a day for quiet reflection and renewal at the North Carolina Arboretum, centering themes from the poetry of Mary Oliver. 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 Mary Oliver, 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.

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.

Artist Talk with Karen Sixkiller: Cherokee Water Beetle Brings Sacred Earth to North Carolina

Artist Talk with Karen Sixkiller: Cherokee Water Beetle Brings Sacred Earth to North Carolinawith Karen Sixkiller Tuesday, April 28  |  5:30 – 7 pm REGISTER HERE Learn about how one of the oldest Cherokee stories inspired Artist Karen Sixkiller to create the new ‘Sacred......More

Artist Talk with Karen Sixkiller: Cherokee Water Beetle Brings Sacred Earth to North Carolinawith Karen Sixkiller Tuesday, April 28  |  5:30 – 7 pm REGISTER HERE Learn about how one of the oldest Cherokee stories inspired Artist Karen Sixkiller to create the new ‘Sacred Earth’ sculptural installation at The North Carolina Arboretum.  Sixkiller explores the aspects of magical realism and symbolism that combine her larger-than-life water beetle with the faceted geometric “mud” he perches on. Follow the technical journey of Karen Sixkiller’s simple clay maquette through the process of becoming a large bronze piece of public art. Karen Sixkiller is a contemporary sculptor residing on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. Sixkiller creates sculptures using metal, ceramic, glass beads, leather/suede and fabric. As a Cherokee Nation citizen much of her work is informed by Native American understandings or stories. Cherokee Nation has purchased many of Karen Sixkiller’s ceramic and mixed media sculptural pieces for display in official buildings. She has permanent public art installations in Tahlequah OK, Olympia and Port Angeles WA, and now Asheville NC as well as several temporary installations in Coeur d’Alene ID, Olympia WA and Lake Oswego OR. Her work has been featured at multiple Indigenous and non-Indigenous art shows. 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!