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.

Bluebirds & Beyond: Protecting a Native Treasure

Bluebirds & Beyond: Protecting a Native Treasurewith Joe Sanders Wednesday, April 15  |  10:30 – 1pm REGISTER HERE The recent upsurge in bluebird populations can largely be attributed to a movement of volunteer citizens establishing and monitoring bluebird nest boxes. J......More

Bluebirds & Beyond: Protecting a Native Treasurewith Joe Sanders Wednesday, April 15  |  10:30 – 1pm REGISTER HERE The recent upsurge in bluebird populations can largely be attributed to a movement of volunteer citizens establishing and monitoring bluebird nest boxes. Joe Sanders has been a bluebird protector for decades. His presentation gives an up close look at life in an active nest box and focuses on threats to the bluebird’s survival. Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for a walk to various nesting sites on the Arboretum grounds and an outdoor demonstration on how to monitor bluebird nest boxes. 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. Joe Sanders has been working with bluebird restoration for over 40 years and is currently a County Representative for the North Carolina Bluebird Society. He has taught classes to numerous community garden groups and currently monitors nest boxes during the nesting season, including those on the Arboretum grounds. 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!

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.