Special Events
Nature Reconnection:
Deepen Your Bond with the Earth
June 14 - Oct 11 | 10-11:30 AM
Location: Ernst Tree Terrace
Walks, Talks & Workshops
Forest Bathing with Annette Naber
Friday, May 23rd | 1-2:30 PM | FREE
Location: Meet at the Pavilion
Experience some of the mindful and multi-sensory exercises that make forest bathing an enjoyable and beneficial nature therapy. Join Annette Naber of Emerald Mountain Sanctuary and author of Seasons of a Wild Life on this guided walk through the Arboretum grounds.
Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku, was developed in Japan in the 1980s as a form of preventative medicine with many scientific studies confirming its beneficial impacts on our sense of well-being and physical health.
Succulent + Cacti Terrarium
Sunday, June 1st | 1-2 PM
$40/adult + $10/kid
Location: Ernst Tree Terrace
Perfect for plant enthusiasts and budding novices, this workshop combines hands-on crafting with a deep dive into the captivating world of arid plants. You’ll be able to craft a terrarium from your choice of succulents and cacti.
All materials provided!
Wildflower Nature Walks with MRL
Tuesday, June 3rd | 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'll observe flowers in bloom on the beautiful pond loop and wildflower trails. The walking level is easy, so adults of all fitness levels can join us!
Game Night: Plot to the TOP!
Friday, June 6th | 6 - 8 PM | FREE
Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Take a load off from finals week and plot your way to victory at the Arboretum's first game night event! From the creative mind of Briana Miller, Plot: A Strategic Planting Game is all about outcompeting your opponents for the most diverse and attractive garden plot around. Attract unique pollinators to your plot and boost ecosystem services by planting Virginia native species!
Reoccuring Programs
Evenings With Bats | Monitoring Program
1st & 3rd Fridays | Dusk | FREE
Next Meeting: June 6th | 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.
Bonsai Club Meeting
1st Tuesdays | 6-8 PM | FREE
Next Meeting: June 3rd
Location: Frances Plecker Education Center
Join presenters, Clark Driver and Simon Jilg for a short lecture, bonsai displays, and door prizes!
Wellness and Soundscape Programs
Martial Arts at the Arb!
Martial Arts | $15/session
Location: FPEC or Terrace
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.
Sound Bathing Experience
Wednesday, June 18th | 5:30-7 PM
$25/session
Location: Frances Plecker Education Center
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.
Harrisonburg Songtuary
Saturdays |Dates TBA | 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.
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 March April May |
June - August September October - December |
May - September | Private Greenhouse Shopping by Appointment
$50 Minimum purchase required, call (540)-568-3194 to schedule
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
