Interested in taking a class? Click here to see a complete list of upcoming educational programs.
Small Wonders, Small Shifts – A Virtual Offering
VirtualAs 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.
Documenting the Hidden Treasures of the Longleaf Pine Forests
VirtualJoin 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 StatesThe 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 StatesHave 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.
Twilight Thursdays
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesEvery Thursday from April 4 to June 13, we’re staying open until 7 p.m. so you can enjoy our display gardens in the evening. Our exhibit hall and Garden Shop will be open, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy outdoors – we have lots of benches and picnic tables, plus open lawn...
Reception: Saving Our Savannas Community Art Exhibit
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin us for a celebration of the Saving Our Savannas Community Art Exhibit, up from May 5 to June 28 in the DeBerry Gallery. This show highlights longleaf pine savannas and the plants and animals that live in them, featuring work by artists of all ages. At the reception, you'll be able to meet...
Trees and Me! Project Learning Tree for Early Childhood Educators
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin 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).
Sketching Landscapes in the Garden
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesHave 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.
Drop-In Discoveries: Celebrate Bees!
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesCelebrate National Pollinator Week with us by buzzing on by our Drop-in Discovery Station! Meet native bee researchers from NC State, peek into a real bumblebee colony, explore how bees help make new plants, and use bee and flower stamps to create art to take home. Researchers will catch and release some wild bees...
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 StatesJulie 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.
Exhibit Reception: Flower Kaleidoscope Photography
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesMeet the artist and enjoy light refreshments at a reception celebrating Minnie Gallman's Flower Kaleidoscope Photography exhibit in the DeBerry Gallery! This photography exhibit displays the beauty of flowers...
Hybrid Special Presentation: Paul Green’s Legacy
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United States'Paul Green: North Carolina Writers on the Legacy of the State's Most Celebrated Playwright' is an anthology edited by Georgann Eubanks and Margaret Bauer examining the prolific playwright and activist's life and selected works. Learn about Green's efforts to uplift unheard North Carolinian voices and hear from Georgann and a featured essayist, Jill McCorkle, as they discuss the playwright's work in both historical and current contexts. Join us after the program for a book-signing and light reception.