Small Wonders, Small Shifts – A Virtual Offering

Virtual

As we attune to the micro wonders of the natural world, we deepen and expand our awareness. By focusing on these small wonders, we learn new ways of seeing and being. In this virtual workshop, we will devote our attention to nature’s tiny wonders and also embrace “micro practices” — simple, mindful shifts that nurture us, cultivate awe, and enhance our connection to the natural world. Our explorations will incorporate writing, art making, and contemplative practices. This session will utilize the expressive arts, which encourages self-expression with a focus on the process rather than the final product. No art or writing experience is necessary. Just bring your sense of curiosity.

$26

Rooted In Wisdom: A Journey Through Plant Spirit Herbalism

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

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of Plant Spirit Herbalism with this experiential course. Dive deep into the spiritual energetics of herbs like lemon balm, tulsi, and passion flower, and discover how to harness their wisdom for holistic wellness. Explore the ancestral knowledge of plant spirit medicine and learn how to incorporate these ancient practices into your modern life. Join us as we honor the sacred relationship between plants and humans, and uncover the profound healing potential that lies within.

$18

Documenting the Hidden Treasures of the Longleaf Pine Forests

Virtual

Join Dr. Alan Weakley, the director of the UNC Herbarium, as he shares his insights on the plant diversity of the longleaf pine ecosystems. Learn how these diverse and resilient forests, which span from Virginia to Texas, harbor many rare and endemic plants that may be part of the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples and are only now being recorded into the scientific literature.

Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Science and Restoration in the Longleaf Ecosystem: Stories from the North Carolina Botanical Garden

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

The longleaf pine ecosystem is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, hosting an amazing diversity of plants and animals including many found nowhere else on earth. However, we have lost the majority of this ecosystem to development, land conversion and fire suppression. In this talk, Michael Kunz, Director of Conservation Programs at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, will share some of the ways the Garden is involved in the conservation this regions’ unique flora through our science and restoration efforts. Throughout this talk, he will discuss challenges and opportunities for longleaf in NC and beyond.

Sketching Landscapes in the Garden

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

Have you ever wanted to loosely capture what you see in a sketch while out on a hike or sitting in your own backyard?

In this class, the North Carolina Botanical Garden will become our classroom as we experience the healing benefits of sketching while out in nature. You can lower your stress levels and promote mental calmness as we sketch the landscape before us.

This class is about loosely capturing the essence of the natural world, so don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of drawing experience as we won’t be focusing on all the little details. We will begin class with a mini sketching lesson touching on how to approach sketching the different elements of the natural world around us. This class is for all skill levels.

$33

Trees and Me! Project Learning Tree for Early Childhood Educators

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

Join other early childhood classroom and nonformal educators as we explore activities in the newly released Project Learning Tree Trees and Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children activity guide. Every participant will leave the workshop with a copy of the guide - a $25 value! This guide includes revised favorites and new activities with a focus on learning for youth ages 1-6. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program (early childhood).

$20

Sketching Landscapes in the Garden

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

Have you ever wanted to loosely capture what you see in a sketch while out on a hike or sitting in your own backyard?

In this class, the North Carolina Botanical Garden will become our classroom as we experience the healing benefits of sketching while out in nature. You can lower your stress levels and promote mental calmness as we sketch the landscape before us.

This class is about loosely capturing the essence of the natural world, so don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of drawing experience as we won’t be focusing on all the little details. We will begin class with a mini sketching lesson touching on how to approach sketching the different elements of the natural world around us. This class is for all skill levels.

$33

Saving Our Savannas Closing Lecture: What Does the Future Hold for Longleaf Pine – The Opportunities and Resources for Longleaf Pine Stewardship

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

Julie Moore has a passion for longleaf pine that spans nearly 50 years of professional and personal experience. She knows that longleaf pine is more than a tree, it is a legacy that we must protect and restore for the future. In this talk, she will share her insights on the history, challenges, and opportunities of longleaf pine conservation.