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.

A double asterisk ** next to course titles below means that the course description is in the Certificate Programs Catalog, Spring 2008 [PDF]. (Note: You will need Acrobat Reader to read and print this Catalog. If you do not have Reader, please visit the Adobe website for a free download.)

CLASSES / WORKSHOPS ARE LISTED IN DATE ORDER.

Botanical Illustration: Mixed Media** [FULL]

Dates: Tuesdays, May 6 - 27
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructors: Emma Skurnick & Linda Koffenberger, Professional Artist/Illustrators

See the Certificate Programs Catalog, Spring 2008 [PDF].

Principles of Ecology

Dates: Wednesdays, May 7 - 28
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Instructors: Kristen Kostelnik, PhD candidate, NC State Univ. (MS Botany)

This course will introduce the basic principles of Ecology, an integrative branch of science that deals with the relationships of living things to one another and to their environment. There will be both classroom and field experiences that will focus on those topics that can be considered with respect to native plant species in North Carolina. Topics include levels of ecological organization, energy flow, nutrient cycling, environmental factors, climate change, and human influences. Fee: $125 (NCBG members $110) Limit: 15.

Botanical Illustration: Drawing II**

Dates: Mondays, May 12 - June 9 (no class on May 26)
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Emma Skurnick, Professional Artist/Illustrator

See the Certificate Programs Catalog, Spring 2008 [PDF].

Chinese Brush Painting: Four Gentlemen

Dates: Thursdays, May 15 - June 5
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am
Instructor: Jinxiu (Alice) Zhao, Artist from China

Chinese Brush Painting is an art form. It is not realistic but expressive. Students learn the basics and focus on proper brush technique and paint application for floral subjects. Each class will be devoted to one of the "four gentlemen:" the orchid, bamboo, plum blossom, and chrysanthemum. Limit 15. No pre-requisite. Fee: $110 (NCBG members $90).

Botanical Illustration: Painting Flowers in Pastels, Workshop**

Dates: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 16 - 18
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist/Illustrator

See the Certificate Programs Catalog, Spring 2008 [PDF].

Introduction to Plant Families**

Dates: Saturdays, May 31 - June 21
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Christine Davis & Norm Douglas, Duke University Biology Dept.

See the Certificate Programs Catalog, Spring 2008 [PDF].

Introduction to Plant Taxonomy

Dates: Saturdays, May 31 - June 21
Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Christine Davis, Biology, Meredith College

Learn how to use dissecting microscopes to take a closer look at basic plant morphology and understand the concepts of plant taxonomy. A simple approach to the use of plant keys will be covered, as well as basic plant family characteristics necessary for plant identification. Fee: $125 (NCBG members $110) Limit: 15.

The Secret Life of Turtles: A Family Workshop

Dates: Sunday, June 8
Time: 9 - 4 pm
Instructor: Bob Palmatier, Local Naturalist/Writer (Certified Environmental Educator)

Ever wonder what turtles are doing when they're not crossing roads or sunning on logs? Explore and learn how many turtles are found in the Triangle area and which species are endangered. This family workshop will include information and observation of live turtles. Bob's work is recognized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Herpetological Society, and NC Museum of Natural Sciences. He encourages a spirit of conservation, good stewardship, and preservation of wild populations and ecosystems. Fee: $22 per family/$12 per individual (NCBG members $20/$10)

Local Flora: Summer

Dates: Saturdays, June 28, July 12, 19, August 2
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Milo Pyne, Ecologist 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 (NCBG members $100).

Botanical Illustration: Composition

Dates: Tuesdays, July 22, 29, Aug 5, 12
Time: 1:00 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist/Illustrator

Every painting and drawing begins with a composition that tells a story. Successfully telling that story requires a visual balancing of parts working harmoniously together. Using pencil, markers, and paper, students learn how to establish a focal point, use black and white values, create interesting positive and negative spaces, and begin to learn to successfully critique their own work. Fee: $125 (NCBG members $110).

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

Last updated by Laura Cotterman on May 06, 2008 at 03:16:53 pm.

Your support is crucial to our continued success. Become part of the Botanical Garden through volunteering or becoming a member.

Registration Instructions

1. The first step in registering is to call the Garden at 919-962-0522, Monday - Friday, BEGINNING JANUARY 9, 2007. 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.