Programs > Classes and Workshops

Classes and Workshops

We offer many learning opportunities for adults, including gardening workshops, botany and ecology courses, and studies of local flora and botanical illustration. Classes may be a one-time session, weekend workshop, or multi-session course. Some classes are core courses or electives for our certificate programs. For general information on our Certificate in Native Plant Studies and Certificate in Botanical Illustration, please see the Certificate Programs page.

Advance registration is required for all programs except where indicated otherwise. Please see Registration Instructions at right. Fees for classes vary depending on the format of the class. Members of the Garden receive a discount on classes. All classes and workshops are held at the Garden's visitor area and Totten Center, located off of Old Mason Farm Road in Chapel Hill, unless otherwise indicated.

These classes & workshops are listed in date order!

[302]Summer Flora

Date: Saturdays, June 27, July 11, August 1, August 8
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Milo Pyne, botanist with NatureServe

Learn the identification and ecology of the verdant growth of the summer months. In addition to classroom lectures, your instructor will take you to a variety of local habitats, from wetlands to dry upland forests, providing an in-depth study of the summer’s woody and perennial herbaceous plants. Fee: $120 ($100 NCBG members).

[509]Color Pencil III [CANCELLED]

Date: Wednesdays, July 1 - 22
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Lilnda Koffenberger, professional artist/illustrator

This 4-week elective course consists of an independent project with individual instruction. Using a live plant and/or reference photograph of their choice, students will complete a botanical illustration. One-on-one instruction as desired by students will be offered. It is designed to increase skill and confidence in the use of colored pencil by utilizing the techniques learned from Color Pencil I and II. Prerequisite: 508 Color Pencil II. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members). Limit: 12

Giant Beetles of the Piedmont

Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Instructor: Bob Palmatier, certified environmental educator

Stag Beetle, Rhinoceros Beetle, Triceratops Beetle, and more—we have all seen them at times, but how numerous are they in our area, and what role do they play in local ecosystems? Are they helpful or harmful to plants, trees? How do they grow, and why are they hidden so successfully that we see them only infrequently? This workshop will feature live beetles in simple terrariums as well as a new Powerpoint presentation that details beetle habitats and life cycles and includes time outside in the Garden's Nature Trail area identifying beetle habitats. The instructor is a recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award from the NC Entomological Society. Appropriate for curious 5th graders through adults. Fee: $15/person or $25/family ($10/$20 NCBG members).

Return to the EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS page to find other public programs, such as Lectures, Hikes and Tours, Art in the Garden.

Last updated by Laura Cotterman on July 02, 2009 at 10:00:48 am.

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Registration Instructions

1. The first step in registering is to call the Garden at 919-962-0522, Monday - Friday (please note any registration dates given here to the left). Your name will be placed on a list for the program, but your registration is final only when your registration form and payment are received (see below). You also may come by the Totten Center to register.

2. Please fill out this registration form [PDF]—or request one when you call. Mail in this form with your payment, right away. Payment can be made by check, VISA, MasterCard, or cash (if paying in person at the Totten Center). If you are also purchasing or renewing your membership, payment must be made separately (to the "Botanical Garden Foundation"). Make registration checks payable to "NCBG," with "classes" on the memo line. Mail to:

North Carolina Botanical Garden Classes
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
CB 3375, Totten Center
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375

Cancellations

If a course does not reach a minimum registration level, the class may be cancelled at the Garden's discretion. You will receive a phone and/or e-mail notification, and any registration fees will be refunded in full.

If you must cancel your registration, please inform us as quickly as possible so we can notify someone on the waiting list. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 5 working days from the class start date.

Accessibility

The Totten Center is wheelchair accessible. Visitors can enjoy an accessible pathway through the gardens. If you have special needs that could be accommodated to enable you to visit the Garden or participate in one of our programs, please let us know in advance by calling 919-962-0522.

Please see the parking map as a guide.

Several marked accessible parking spaces can be found next to the pedestrian entry gate that serves as the public entrance to the garden. To get to these accessible parking spaces drive through the parking lot onto Laurel Hill Road; the spaces are on the other side of Laurel Hill Road. OR, driving south on the US 15-501/NC 54 Bypass (Fordham Blvd.), turn left onto Manning Drive ; go 1 block and turn left on Coker Drive; go 1 block and turn left on Laurel Hill Road; go straight 0.2 mile and look for designated spaces on your left, just past the pedestrian entrance gate. If you require assistance in moving from a parking space to the building entrance, please call (919-962-0522) and tell us when to expect you, and a member of the staff will be available to assist you.