Little Sprouts: Seed Surprise

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

For ages 3-5 with a participating caregiver. What's inside a seed? How do they grow? Where can we find them? Little ones will get their hands dirty learning all about seeds through hands-on discovery, play, stories, and planting their own seeds to take home.

$10

Drop-In Discovery Station: Pine Power!

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

We’re celebrating the amazing longleaf pine habitat this spring. Drop in at the discovery station for a celebration of all things longleaf pine trees! How do they grow? Why do they need fire? What animals depend on them? Find out! Try your hand at pine needle painting and cone stamping, and then enjoy a scavenger hunt for a prize.

Free

Lifelong Longleaf Hike: Holly Shelter

Holly Shelter Game Land

The longleaf pine story continues with our exploration of Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County. Here we will explore the longleaf pine savannas and associated pocosins rich in carnivorous plants and colorful orchids. Holly Shelter, North Carolina’s first state game land, is managing longleaf pine with an aggressive burn regime and restoring longleaf pine to areas that had been converted to loblolly pine plantations when under private ownership.

$15

Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Recognizing the Significance of Private Landowners in the Restoration of Longleaf Pine

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

Ninety percent of North Carolina’s land is in private ownership. The role of private landowners in longleaf pine restoration is extremely important, not only for the ecosystem itself, but for the landowners and their families. In this talk, John Ann Shearer will demonstrate how private landowners have played a significant role in longleaf pine restoration in North Carolina over the last 25 years. The NC Longleaf Coalition’s Longleaf Honor Roll recognizes model landowners. John Ann will share the goals, criteria, and nomination process for the Honor Roll as well as examples of landowners who have been recognized for their excellent land stewardship.

Virtual Presentation: Keys to Establish and Manage Longleaf Pine Trees

Virtual

Longleaf pine forests are among the most diverse ecosystems in North America, but they depend on fire to thrive. In this talk, you will discover how fire shapes the structure and function of these habitats, how fire affects the plants and animals that live there, and how fire can be used as a management tool to restore and conserve these rare and valuable ecosystems. Whether you are a landowner, land manager, or enthusiast of longleaf pine natural areas, this talk will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to use fire as a force for good.

Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Current Status and Future Trends of Longleaf Pine Habitat Conservation

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

Register Here with Colette DeGarady, Longleaf Pine Whole System Director, The Nature Conservancy Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET Location: Virtual and in Reeves Auditorium Fee: Free; preregistration required The longleaf pine ecosystem is one of the most diverse and endangered habitats in North America, supporting hundreds of plant and animal...

Haiku in the Gardens

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

In this workshop, participants will engage in the meditative practice of writing haiku in the gardens. Haiku master Basho first advocated that we “learn about pines from the pine, and about bamboo from the bamboo.” Dwelling in nature is important to acquire haiku naturally. While there’s flora present, we can also pay attention to that subtle something like a swift breeze, a sonorous bird, unseen, or the aging tree. We will review the aesthetics of contemporary haiku writing and compose haiku on a traditional ginko walk through the gardens. All haiku experience levels are welcome, beginners too.

$13

Little Sprouts: Hooray for Hummingbirds

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

For ages 3-5 with a participating caregiver. Zip! Zoom! Slurp! Celebrate the tiny but mighty ruby-throated hummingbird with stories, craft, play, and a garden walk to see if we can spy this fast-flying friend and its favorite flowers.

$10

Blue Wild Indigo at Penny’s Bend

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

This hike will provide a wonderful opportunity to see rare flora at Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, and managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Baptisia aberrans is an imperiled species at the state level and survives in only a small number of remnant Piedmont prairie or savanna patches. The Garden’s management practices at Penny’s Bend has favored a variety of prairie and savanna flora.

About 2 miles in length, much of this hike is on primitive trails over uneven terrain, with one short, steep climb up from the river. Wear sturdy hiking footwear and bring insect repellent, water, and a walking stick, if you ever use one.

$18