Interested in taking a class? Click here to see a complete list of upcoming educational programs.
Annual Darwin Day Lecture with Dr. Mohamed Noor
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesAnnual Darwin Day Lecture: Using science-fiction depictions to learn real-world evolution concepts With Mohamed Noor, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Interim Vice Provost, Duke University Moderated by Damon Waitt, NCBG Director Date: Monday, February 12, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM-8:00 PM EST; followed by a reception, sponsored by the Carolina Biodiversity Collaborative, in the Pegg Exhibit Hall Venue: Reeves Auditorium and Virtual*...
Lifelong Longleaf Hike: Weymouth Woods
We will begin to explore the story of the Longleaf Pine at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Moore County. We will spend the morning on the Weymouth Woods Tract to learn about the interesting natural history of the Longleaf Pine. In the afternoon, we will visit the virgin forest in the Boyd Tract, to learn about one of the first efforts to save our Longleaf Pine Savannas.
Intro to Natural Indigo Dyeing & Shibori Workshop
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesAre you interested in learning how to turn fabric into luxurious shades of blue by using plants alone? Ever wanted to learn how to make different Japanese 'tie dye' Shibori designs on fabric? Are you ready for a peek into the magical, mysterious and ancient art of Indigo & Shibori dyeing? Then join the husband & wife team behind Gaia's Magical Goods from Carrboro as they lead their Intro to Natural Indigo Dyeing & Shibori Workshop!
Courtney and Reverdy became obsessed with Indigo four years ago when searching for eco-friendly textile dyeing techniques. They have been busy dyeing ever since, selling magical handmade goods at local and online markets. They also love to share what they've learned about natural Indigo vat maintenance, how they make their unique designs using their favorite Shibori folding techniques and even tips on how to grow Japanese Indigo (Persicaria tinctoria) at home!
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Fire Forest
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis class will highlight amphibians and reptiles of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem in the southeastern U.S. Focus will be on identification, natural history, ecology, distribution, status, and conservation of those species endemic to, or most closely associated with, the longleaf system.
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk – Boardwalks and Burns: Stories of the NCBG Habitat Gardens
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin former NCBG Assistant Director Ken Moore and current Habitat Gardens Curator Chris Liloia for tales of these iconic collections. You’ll learn what prompted the concept of habitat gardens and the important role fire has played and continues to play at NCBG and in plant communities across the southeastern United States.
Virtual Lunchbox Talk – Fire suppression and reintroduction in longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystems in Georgia
VirtualLongleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystems of the southeastern United States are adapted to frequent low-intensity fires, which maintain open, savanna-like
landscapes and foster high species richness within the ground cover plant community. Using data from long-term vegetation monitoring plots, we document that fire suppression results in a precipitous decline in species richness after only a couple of missed fire-return intervals. Following 15 years of fire suppression, we reintroduced fire to a subset of plots. Four fires and five years later, we are starting to see evidence of recovery toward pre-fire suppression conditions. Factors influencing recovery include site history, soil moisture, and plot spatial scale as well as midstory basal area, oak leaf litterfall, and ground cover biomass.
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.
Colored Pencil Techniques for Plants of the Savannas – Virtual
VirtualThis course will focus on drawing botanicals in colored pencil and is designed for artists new to botanical drawing and those wishing to refresh their skills. The course will cover the basic techniques that form the foundation of colored pencil art including pencil strokes, pencil pressure, layering, blending and burnishing. During the three-day program, students will work on two projects featuring plants native to southeastern savannas. Instructor will provide group instruction and individual feedback of student progress. All levels are welcome.
Virtual Panel Discussion – Fire Management of Longleaf Pine
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThe longleaf pine ecosystem is considered a fire dependent ecosystem. Regular, low-intensity fires are important for maintaining the habitat conditions critical to the survival of related species in longleaf pine forests. Join fire experts from The Nature Conservancy to learn more about why fire is important to longleaf pine and how crews burn to improve longleaf habitat.