
Geology of the Blue Ridge I
A deep-dive geology session on the Southern Appalachian Mountains, moving from Earth’s interior and plate tectonics to mountain-building models. Mixes classroom lecture and discussion with self-guided outdoor field explorations at the arboretum.
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Hands-on soil ecology class exploring soil biology, the soil food web, and what makes a healthy soil ecosystem. Examine microscope slide images of real living soil samples and learn how to interpret what you see through guided demonstrations.

Hands-on soil ecology class exploring soil biology, the soil food web, and what makes a healthy soil ecosystem. Examine microscope slide images of real living soil samples and learn how to interpret what you see through guided demonstrations.
Hands-on soil ecology class exploring soil biology, the soil food web, and what makes a healthy soil ecosystem. Examine microscope slide images of real living soil samples and learn how to interpret what you see through guided demonstrations.

A guided walk focused on spotting and identifying local butterflies using field guides and key markings, with seasonal natural history notes. Learn host and nectar plant identification and simple garden strategies to attract native species, including monarchs when applicable.

A guided walk focused on spotting and identifying local butterflies using field guides and key markings, with seasonal natural history notes. Learn host and nectar plant identification and simple garden strategies to attract native species, including monarchs when applicable.
A guided walk focused on spotting and identifying local butterflies using field guides and key markings, with seasonal natural history notes. Learn host and nectar plant identification and simple garden strategies to attract native species, including monarchs when applicable.

Ecology-informed gardening lessons on building robust, resilient landscapes that support diverse plant, insect, and animal communities. Two morning sessions blend theory and research into practical models for habitat focused garden design.

Ecology-informed gardening lessons on building robust, resilient landscapes that support diverse plant, insect, and animal communities. Two morning sessions blend theory and research into practical models for habitat focused garden design.
Ecology-informed gardening lessons on building robust, resilient landscapes that support diverse plant, insect, and animal communities. Two morning sessions blend theory and research into practical models for habitat focused garden design.

Hands-on field session focused on identifying wild edible plants and learning safe, ethical harvesting practices. Expect seasonal Appalachian ecology insights, practical tasting or handling tips, and a guided walk-style learning format.

Hands-on field session focused on identifying wild edible plants and learning safe, ethical harvesting practices. Expect seasonal Appalachian ecology insights, practical tasting or handling tips, and a guided walk-style learning format.
Hands-on field session focused on identifying wild edible plants and learning safe, ethical harvesting practices. Expect seasonal Appalachian ecology insights, practical tasting or handling tips, and a guided walk-style learning format.

Slow, guided shinrin-yoku walks through the North Carolina Arboretum's Blue Ridge forest, using mindful breathing, sensory awareness, and quiet exercises to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in a tranquil woodland setting.

Slow, guided shinrin-yoku walks through the North Carolina Arboretum's Blue Ridge forest, using mindful breathing, sensory awareness, and quiet exercises to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in a tranquil woodland setting.
Slow, guided shinrin-yoku walks through the North Carolina Arboretum's Blue Ridge forest, using mindful breathing, sensory awareness, and quiet exercises to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in a tranquil woodland setting.

Small-group guided hike through the Arboretum’s botanically diverse woodland trails, exploring different forest types. Seasonal interpretation can include wildflowers, tree and plant identification, and natural history with trained volunteer guides.

Small-group guided hike through the Arboretum’s botanically diverse woodland trails, exploring different forest types. Seasonal interpretation can include wildflowers, tree and plant identification, and natural history with trained volunteer guides.
Small-group guided hike through the Arboretum’s botanically diverse woodland trails, exploring different forest types. Seasonal interpretation can include wildflowers, tree and plant identification, and natural history with trained volunteer guides.

Hands-on educator training centered on beetles and classroom-ready science connections, with guided activities and discussion geared toward teaching insect diversity. Best for teachers and informal educators seeking practical lesson ideas and nature-based learning.

Hands-on educator training centered on beetles and classroom-ready science connections, with guided activities and discussion geared toward teaching insect diversity. Best for teachers and informal educators seeking practical lesson ideas and nature-based learning.
Hands-on educator training centered on beetles and classroom-ready science connections, with guided activities and discussion geared toward teaching insect diversity. Best for teachers and informal educators seeking practical lesson ideas and nature-based learning.

In-the-field birdwatching course at Grandfather Mountain centered on the wonders of seasonal migration. Expect naturalist-led identification practice, migration ecology insights, and time outdoors scanning ridgelines and forests for traveling species.

In-the-field birdwatching course at Grandfather Mountain centered on the wonders of seasonal migration. Expect naturalist-led identification practice, migration ecology insights, and time outdoors scanning ridgelines and forests for traveling species.
In-the-field birdwatching course at Grandfather Mountain centered on the wonders of seasonal migration. Expect naturalist-led identification practice, migration ecology insights, and time outdoors scanning ridgelines and forests for traveling species.

An adult-focused night program devoted to astronomy and dark-sky observation, with guided stargazing and sky interpretation. Expect a small-group field course vibe centered on constellations, celestial objects, and mountain nighttime conditions.

An adult-focused night program devoted to astronomy and dark-sky observation, with guided stargazing and sky interpretation. Expect a small-group field course vibe centered on constellations, celestial objects, and mountain nighttime conditions.
An adult-focused night program devoted to astronomy and dark-sky observation, with guided stargazing and sky interpretation. Expect a small-group field course vibe centered on constellations, celestial objects, and mountain nighttime conditions.

Hands-on garden stewardship at the Asheville Botanical Garden focused on ecological management of wild garden areas. Expect practical guidance on native plants, invasive control, and habitat restoration while working outdoors alongside local gardeners and conservation-minded neighbors.

Hands-on garden stewardship at the Asheville Botanical Garden focused on ecological management of wild garden areas. Expect practical guidance on native plants, invasive control, and habitat restoration while working outdoors alongside local gardeners and conservation-minded neighbors.
Hands-on garden stewardship at the Asheville Botanical Garden focused on ecological management of wild garden areas. Expect practical guidance on native plants, invasive control, and habitat restoration while working outdoors alongside local gardeners and conservation-minded neighbors.

Hands-on adult field course teaching Appalachian woodcraft skills and traditional backwoods techniques. Practical learning outdoors with guided instruction focused on making useful items from wood and natural materials.

Hands-on adult field course teaching Appalachian woodcraft skills and traditional backwoods techniques. Practical learning outdoors with guided instruction focused on making useful items from wood and natural materials.
Hands-on adult field course teaching Appalachian woodcraft skills and traditional backwoods techniques. Practical learning outdoors with guided instruction focused on making useful items from wood and natural materials.

A science and humanities talk blending flood hydrology with Appalachian storytelling, unpacking how steep ridges, narrow valleys, and limited buildable land intensify regional flood risk. Research insights connect changing floods to community history and literary representations.

A science and humanities talk blending flood hydrology with Appalachian storytelling, unpacking how steep ridges, narrow valleys, and limited buildable land intensify regional flood risk. Research insights connect changing floods to community history and literary representations.
A science and humanities talk blending flood hydrology with Appalachian storytelling, unpacking how steep ridges, narrow valleys, and limited buildable land intensify regional flood risk. Research insights connect changing floods to community history and literary representations.

Paint misty Blue Ridge peaks in watercolor with step by step instruction on washes, layering, and atmospheric perspective. A relaxed studio session geared toward beginners and intermediate painters who want a finished mountain landscape.

Paint misty Blue Ridge peaks in watercolor with step by step instruction on washes, layering, and atmospheric perspective. A relaxed studio session geared toward beginners and intermediate painters who want a finished mountain landscape.
Paint misty Blue Ridge peaks in watercolor with step by step instruction on washes, layering, and atmospheric perspective. A relaxed studio session geared toward beginners and intermediate painters who want a finished mountain landscape.
Hands-on field day at the NC Arboretum testing tree ID skills for the Adventure Scientists Butternut Tree Project. Work alongside FHNC and arboretum staff on citizen-science data collection and species verification outdoors.
Hands-on field day at the NC Arboretum testing tree ID skills for the Adventure Scientists Butternut Tree Project. Work alongside FHNC and arboretum staff on citizen-science data collection and species verification outdoors.
Hands-on field day at the NC Arboretum testing tree ID skills for the Adventure Scientists Butternut Tree Project. Work alongside FHNC and arboretum staff on citizen-science data collection and species verification outdoors.
Hands-on terrarium making class with tool demonstrations and step-by-step guidance on building a mini indoor garden. Learn basic plant care and design techniques in a garden center workshop setting.
Hands-on terrarium making class with tool demonstrations and step-by-step guidance on building a mini indoor garden. Learn basic plant care and design techniques in a garden center workshop setting.
Hands-on terrarium making class with tool demonstrations and step-by-step guidance on building a mini indoor garden. Learn basic plant care and design techniques in a garden center workshop setting.

Slow, sensory forest bathing on Grandfather Mountain with guided mindfulness prompts, quiet observation, and gentle walking through cool evergreen trails. Expect grounding breathing, nature connection, and stress relief in a scenic high-elevation setting.

Slow, sensory forest bathing on Grandfather Mountain with guided mindfulness prompts, quiet observation, and gentle walking through cool evergreen trails. Expect grounding breathing, nature connection, and stress relief in a scenic high-elevation setting.
Slow, sensory forest bathing on Grandfather Mountain with guided mindfulness prompts, quiet observation, and gentle walking through cool evergreen trails. Expect grounding breathing, nature connection, and stress relief in a scenic high-elevation setting.
Hands-on garden demonstration in the PPLG garden focused on correct plant installation techniques, from digging and placement to watering and soil care. Ideal for beginner gardeners wanting practical tips in an arboretum setting.
Hands-on garden demonstration in the PPLG garden focused on correct plant installation techniques, from digging and placement to watering and soil care. Ideal for beginner gardeners wanting practical tips in an arboretum setting.
Hands-on garden demonstration in the PPLG garden focused on correct plant installation techniques, from digging and placement to watering and soil care. Ideal for beginner gardeners wanting practical tips in an arboretum setting.

Nature photographers gather to explore Western North Carolina’s superlative landscapes—towering peaks, deep canyons, high waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and rich botanical diversity. Part club meetup, part learning session for swapping techniques and inspiration.

Nature photographers gather to explore Western North Carolina’s superlative landscapes—towering peaks, deep canyons, high waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and rich botanical diversity. Part club meetup, part learning session for swapping techniques and inspiration.
Nature photographers gather to explore Western North Carolina’s superlative landscapes—towering peaks, deep canyons, high waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and rich botanical diversity. Part club meetup, part learning session for swapping techniques and inspiration.

Hands-on wood identification in a botanical garden setting, focusing on structure, strength, and practical uses of different species. Expect a naturalist-style talk with close observation of grain, density, and field clues for recognizing local woods.

Hands-on wood identification in a botanical garden setting, focusing on structure, strength, and practical uses of different species. Expect a naturalist-style talk with close observation of grain, density, and field clues for recognizing local woods.
Hands-on wood identification in a botanical garden setting, focusing on structure, strength, and practical uses of different species. Expect a naturalist-style talk with close observation of grain, density, and field clues for recognizing local woods.

Hands on archery instruction covering range safety, stance, aiming, and shot execution with coached practice time. A beginner friendly session at an indoor range geared toward first timers building confidence and consistency.

Hands on archery instruction covering range safety, stance, aiming, and shot execution with coached practice time. A beginner friendly session at an indoor range geared toward first timers building confidence and consistency.
Hands on archery instruction covering range safety, stance, aiming, and shot execution with coached practice time. A beginner friendly session at an indoor range geared toward first timers building confidence and consistency.