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Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Residential Restoration – Experiments with Piedmont Prairies
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesAmidst increasing public demand for alternatives to turf grass lawns, and a burgeoning awareness of the historic role grasslands and prairies have played in the ecological fabric of North Carolina, demand for large-scale herbaceous plantings is growing. However, information and precedents from regions north and west of the state (as well as Europe), where climate conditions are not as analogous as one might hope, appear to dominate the practice of prairie-making in North Carolina. Plant height, competitiveness, bloom time, and lifespan is different in North Carolina than it is in states as close as Maryland or Tennessee. Even in our state’s larger metropolitan areas, sustained increases in temperature, especially at night, mean that Piedmont prairies in downtown Raleigh may perform differently than in downtown Roxboro. Additionally, many plants designers commonly use come from places with lower nighttime temperatures and shorter summers, or are early successional plants with short lifespans that disappear after a few years, leaving enthusiasts (or clients) with a very different experience than they paid for. As we work to sustain restored habitat in our urban environments, we must continue to develop large-scale herbaceous plantings that perform functionally and aesthetically in the climate we have, not the climate we want.
Join Durham-based landscape architect, Preston Montague, for a presentation on his experience developing Piedmont prairies in a variety of environments in the rapidly developing Triangle. Preston will share an overview of the role herbaceous plantings play in our urban fabric, as well as successes, failures, and approaches in prairie-making in his practice moving forward.
EcoKids: Vernal Pool Wonders
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesSpring is here, and so are the amazing creatures of vernal pools! From chorus frogs to dragonfly larva and spotted salamanders, these seasonal wetlands are stirring with life. Join us for a hands-on adventure as we explore these unique spring nurseries, use dip nets to discover hidden critters, and learn about the fascinating world of vernal pools.
School’s Out Camp: Forest Adventures (for ages 6-8)
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesStep into the magical world of the forest! This camp combines storytelling and nature exploration. Campers will learn about the plants and trees of the forest while hearing stories and folktales that feature forest creatures. They’ll explore the woods, act out forest tales, and create tree art!
School’s Out Camps feature a blend of indoor and outdoor learning, experienced environmental educators, and loads of fun in a small group setting!
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Urban Forestry & Birds
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis talk will offer an introduction to Urban Forestry, highlighting its importance to birds and how we can contribute to its health. Hannah will cover the various components of your urban forest, its role as a habitat, its connection to bird migration, and the relationships between birds and people. Additionally, there will be a high-level overview of tree ordinances to inform the community about how decisions regarding the tree canopy are made.
Nature Tales: Fairy Tales
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin us for a story hour filled with enchanting tales about fairies, forests, and a bit of make-believe magic. After the stories, let your imagination soar as we build fairy homes using nature's supplies. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to take a walk!
This family-friendly program has been designed especially for children ages 3–7. FREE, but registration is required.
Spring Break Camp (for ages 6-8)
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesEnjoy a full week of nature adventures at the Garden this spring break! Campers will become springtime explorers, discovering the wonders of the season as they search for signs of new life in ponds, forests, and gardens. From spotting animals emerging from hibernation to uncovering plants as they begin to bloom, each day will be filled with exciting hands-on activities and outdoor time. In addition to nature exploration, campers will enjoy lively games, storytelling, and spring-themed crafts. With small groups and experienced environmental educators, this camp promises a fun and educational spring break experience!
Annual Evelyn McNeill Sims Native Plant Lecture: Adventures in Ecological Horticulture
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States +1 moreWho doesn’t love butterflies? Habitat cultivation is a vital component of creating ecologically healthy landscapes, particularly in urban settings. But traditional landscaping practices rarely take biodiversity into consideration, and there is a dearth of effective guidelines to inform this goal.
For ecological horticulturist Rebecca McMackin, biodiversity is central to landscape management. In her 10 years as Director of Horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Rebecca oversaw 85 acres of diverse, organic landscapes, all managed to support birds, butterflies, and soil microorganisms.
Join us to learn how to use ecological insight and experimentation to develop new management strategies – and why careful observation and documentation of the insects, birds, and other wildlife in your gardens is crucial to their success.
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Native Grasses and Sedges – Smart Choices for Better Landscapes
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesLooking for strategies to boost your landscape’s ecological impact? Join us for a look at plant-based solutions to common landscape challenges. Rather than oceans of mulch and vast expanses of turf grass, try using use native grasses and sedges. These extraordinary plants help preserve and build the soil, outcompete weeds, and offer a host of ecosystem benefits. Discover how greener grasses help build better landscapes and communities.
Nature Tales: Flower Power
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesGet ready to stop and smell the flowers! Join us for a flower-themed story hour filled with colorful tales, songs, and activities that celebrate the beauty of blooms. Afterward, we'll set off into the gardens for a flower scavenger hunt. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to take a walk!
This family-friendly program has been designed especially for children ages 3–7. Free, but registration is required.
Nature Tales: Animal Mommies
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesCelebrate Mother’s Day with a fun-filled story time all about animal mommies and their babies! We’ll start with sweet and silly stories about the ways animal moms care for their young. Then search for frog and salamander eggs in the ponds and discover how these moms help their little ones get their start.Come dressed for the weather and prepared to take a walk!
This family-friendly program has been designed especially for children ages 3–7. FREE, but registration is required.