Walks, Talks & Workshops
Promotional graphic for a free Invasive Plant ID Walk event at Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, featuring participants identifying plants in a natural setting.
Invasive Plant ID Walk

Wednesday, July 2 | 10-11:30 AM | FREE

Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center

Join Jacob Edel, Invasive Management Specialist at Blue Ridge PRISM in the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for free quarterly fielding training where you'll learn how to identify and remove invasive plants through the seasons. Jacob will return to lead an Invasive Removal Workday on July 25!

Register here

Promotional graphic for a Vanda Box Orchid Workshop at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, featuring event details and a pink orchid illustration.
Vanda Box Orchid Workshop

Sunday, July 20 | 1-2 PM | $40/adult + $10/kid CANCELLED

Location: Meet on the Ernst Tree Terrace

Dive into the fascinating world of Orchids with our Vanda Box Orchid Workshop! This workshop will guide you through the art of creating a unique and beautiful piece featuring some of nature’s most beloved plant species.

Urban Animals Nature Walk with MRL

Wednesday, August 20 | 10-11 AM | FREE

Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center

Join us for an educational nature walk at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum! We will go for a walk on the upper arboretum trails and learn about some of the animals that thrive in our urban forest. 

Register here

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Insect Discovery Night
Insect Discovery Night

Thursday, August 21 | 8:00-9:00 PM | FREE

Location: Meet at the Pavilion

Discover the secret night life of bugs during Insect Discovery Night on Thursday, August 21st! Join us as we use lights to attract, identify, and learn about the insects of the night at the Arboretum. Bring a flashlight for your walk to and from the Family Garden.

Recurring Programs
Promotional banner for a Nature Reconnection class series at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, featuring details on dates, pricing, and instructor Annette Naber, Ph.D.

Nature Reconnection:

Deepen Your Bond with the Earth

June 14 - Oct 11 | 10-11:30 AM

Location: Ernst Tree Terrace

Through nature activities, reflective practices, and hands-on learning, you will reconnect with the wisdom of the land and your own intuitive self. 
Yes! You may still jump in to this workshop. Fees will be pro-rated. 

Register Here

Promotional graphic for the "Evenings with Bats" event featuring a full moon, bats in flight, and silhouetted trees.
Evenings With Bats | Monitoring Program

1st & 3rd Fridays | Dusk | FREE

Next Meeting: July 18 event cancelled due to weather

August 1 | 8:15-9:15 PM

Location: Pond

Gather around the Pond and marvel at bats as they emerge for their evening hunt. The VA Master Naturalists return for their bat emergence monitoring program. 

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before sunset.

Register Here

flyer for bonsai club meetings
Bonsai Club Meeting

1st Tuesdays | 6-8 PM | FREE

Next Meeting: July 1

Location: Frances Plecker Education Center

Join presenters, Clark Driver and Simon Jilg for a short lecture, bonsai displays, and door prizes!

Register Here

Wellness and Soundscape Programs
Promotional graphic for martial arts classes featuring participants practicing Tai Chi and Baguazhang outdoors.
Martial Arts at the Arb!

Martial Arts | $15/session

Location: FPEC or Terrace  **In case of inclement weather, this program moves to the Pavilion in the At Home in the Woods Family Garden. 

Tai Chi | Saturdays | 8-9 AM

Tai chi is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance.

Baguazhang | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 5:30-7 PM

Baguazhang is an 18th century Chinese martial art inspired by a form of Taoist meditative circle walking.

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Sound Bathing Experience

Select Tuesday evenings by special arrangment with Sacred Valley Healing Arts. 

Location, Cost, and Offerings vary. 

Embark on a sound journey that will relax and de-stress you and bring your whole being back into a state of harmony on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Connie Magee is a multi-modality massage therapist, medicine woman, Yoga Instructor, and meditation teacher.

More Info Here

A woman in a colorful skirt gestures while speaking to an audience seated at a picnic table in a rustic pavilion setting. A man plays a ukulele nearby.
Harrisonburg Songtuary

Saturdays | July 19 & August 23 | 2-3:30 PM

Location: Pavilion

Harrisonburg Songtuary is a community song circle that seeks to propagate co-enchanting cohorts of contemplayful singers, sponsored by the Arts Council of the Valley and the Office of Creative Propulsion.

RSVP Here

On the Songtuary website, you may find more details and RSVP for upcoming gatherings; receive email updates, add to your calendar, or share on social media. We appreciate when you let us know you’re coming, and we hope the web RSVP is convenient for you as well!

ANNUAL EVENTS

February
Frances Litten Botanical Lecture & Invitiational Reception
Great Backyard Bird Count

April
Guided Wildflower Walks
Spring Celebration Plant Sale

May
Spring Celebration Plant Sale
Guided Wildflower Walks

June - August
Summer Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

September
Wine & Cheese on the Ernst Tree Terrace
Fall Plant & Bulb Sale
Monarch Tagging Workshop

October - December
Festive Greens Workshop
Harvest Festival

May - September | Private Greenhouse Shopping by Appointment
$50 Minimum purchase required, call (540)-568-3194 to schedule

View Annual Youth Programs Calendar

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