Interested in taking a class? Click here to see a complete list of upcoming educational programs.
Virtual Lunchbox Talk: A Guided Forest Bathing Experience
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin certified Forest Therapy Guide Shawn Ramsey as she introduces us to the practice of Forest Therapy. Join from your favorite 'sit spot', indoors or outdoors, as she leads us through a virtual forest bathing experience. Forest Therapy (also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku) is a science-backed wellness practice that originated in Japan more than 40 years ago. Some of the evidence-based benefits of connecting with nature include reduced stress, improved mood, lower blood pressure, and a boosted immune system.
During this virtual experience, Shawn will encourage us to slow our pace, open our senses to the present moment, and experience a new way of connecting with nature. She will also offer insights into how we can tap into a Forest Therapy mindset and the benefits it has to offer anytime, anywhere. Participants are encouraged to have a tangible natural element (leaf, rock, stick, etc.) as part of this experience.
Saving Our Savannas Kickoff Lecture – Fire and Life: Longleaf Pine Natural Areas and Their Conservation
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin us for the kickoff of our 6-month long exhibition - Saving Our Savannas: Stories of the Longleaf Pine. We will introduce the exhibition and share about upcoming series of programs. Our kickoff speaker is William (Bill) Owen, a private landowner who has restored his own longleaf pine forest at Raccoon Creek Pinelands. Bill will provide an overview of the pre-settlement condition of the longleaf pine in the United States, its near demise, and the current efforts to restore not only the tree but the ecosystem. He will also share his personal journey of restoration and offer some recommendations for the future of this vital natural resource.
Bluets: Preschoolers Exploring Nature – Winter Series
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesLearning comes naturally during this fun-filled series that fosters a sense of wonder for nature and science. Preschoolers will learn about owls, winter weather, and how plants and animals survive the cold through hands-on activities, nature walks, stories, crafts, and group play. Healthy snack provided. Program is led by experienced early childhood environmental educators. Note: Children must be able to use toilet independently.
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker: A Fire Specialist in Peril
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis lecture will explore the ecology and conservation of the red-cockaded woodpecker, a federally endangered species that depends on mature, open longleaf pine communities. You will learn about the threats facing this unique bird and how fire management can help maintain and restore their preferred habitat. You will also hear about the success stories and challenges of red-cockaded woodpecker recovery efforts across the southeastern United States and key partnerships essential to these projects.
School’s Out Camp: Winter Wonders
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesDesigned for young nature enthusiasts, this day camp offers a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, wildlife discovery, and creative indoor activities. Led by experienced environmental educators, participants will take to the trails to explore the natural wonders of winter at the Garden. Search for animal signs, birdwatch, play games, and then warm up with hot cocoa and enjoy winter-themed stories and crafts.
Little Sprouts: Salamander, Wake Up!
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesFor ages 3-5 with a participating caregiver. Salamanders are stirring! Discover the mysterious lives of the spotted and marbled salamanders that live at the Garden through animal encounters, stories, craft, and a visit to a real vernal pool to search for salamander eggs.
Build-a-Birdhouse – Family Workshop
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin the New Hope Audubon Society to learn about eastern bluebirds and build a birdhouse for this cavity-nesting songbird. You'll also learn how to monitor and take care of your nest box. All supplies included.
Vernal Pools – Family Workshop
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesFor ages 6 & up with participating adult. Chorus frogs, dragonfly larvae, and spotted salamanders … oh my! Nature is waking up in the garden’s vernal pools. These spring nurseries are swimming with life in early spring. Peek into the ponds with dip nets, meet live critters, and learn all about the wonders of vernal pools.
School’s Out Camp: Awesome Amphibians
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesDo you know the difference between a frog and a toad? How is an amphibian different from a reptile? Find out as we explore the Garden for frogs, toads, and salamanders and learn about where they live, their magical life cycles, and incredible survival skills. We will meet some amphibians up close and practice our identification skills by sight and sound. Designed for young nature enthusiasts, this day camp offers a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, wildlife discovery, and creative indoor activities.
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk – Restoring the Longleaf Legacy: How The Nature Conservancy is Working to Protect and Revive South Carolina’s Iconic Forests
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesLongleaf pine savannas are one of the most diverse and endangered ecosystems in North America, home to hundreds of plant and animal species, many of them rare or threatened. These forests once covered over 90 million acres across the Southeast, but today only about 3% remain. The Nature Conservancy is leading the efforts to conserve and restore these vital habitats across their range, working with partners, landowners, and communities to bring back the longleaf legacy. Join us for an inspiring talk by Dale Threatt-Taylor, the executive director of The Nature Conservancy South Carolina Chapter, who will share her passion and vision for longleaf pine conservation.