Walks, Talks & Workshops
Brown Bag Lunch Lectures
Wednesdays | 1-2 PM | FREE
June 25 - July 23 (except July 16)
Location: Ernst Tree Terrace
Join us for exciting talks during lunch on Wednesdays from 12 pm to 1 pm! Brown Bag Lunch Lectures will be held in the Frances Plecker Education Center at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
June 25th | Virginia Flora App Informational
Join Jess Daddio for an in-depth walk through of the new Flora of Virginia Mobile App and how to use it in your day-to-day life!
July 2nd | Invasive Plant Management Talk
Join Jacob Edel, Invasive Management Specialist at Blue Ridge PRISM and learn how invasive plants impact the ecosystem and how to identify and manage them in the early summer.
July 9th | Greener Harrisonburg (Harrisonburg Public Works)
From increasing tree canopy to enhancing the beauty of Harrisonburg's urban landscapes, join Jeremy Harold, Green Space Manager with Harrisonburg Public Works, to learn about the various programs and initiatives taken on by Public Works to improve Harrisonburg City.
July 16th | No talk on July 16th!
July 23rd | Disturbances in the East and the Role of Arboreta
Join ecologist Dr. Erica Newman for an exploration of disturbances that impact the east coast of the United States and the role Arboreta like the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum play in the preservation of woodland landscapes.
Citizen Science: Bee Talk & Survey
Thursday, June 26 | 3-5 PM | FREE
Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Learn how to BEE a citizen scientist with Master Naturalist, Scott Jost! Join us at the education center for an informative talk on bees and how to contribute to global scientific research from your own backyard. After the talk, test out your new skills with a guided bee survey around the Arboretum!
Watershed Nature Walk with MRL
Tuesday, July 1 | 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 learn about the watershed and how water travels through the area. We'll also walk the beautiful pond loop trail! The walking level is easy, so adults of all fitness levels can join us.
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!
Vanda Box Orchid Workshop
Sunday, July 20 | 1-2 PM | $40/adult + $10/kid
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.
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
Nature Reconnection:
Deepen Your Bond with the Earth
June 14 - Oct 11 | 10-11:30 AM
Location: Ernst Tree Terrace
Evenings With Bats | Monitoring Program
1st & 3rd Fridays | Dusk | FREE
Next Meeting: June 20 | 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: July 1
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 **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.
Sound Bathing Experience
Tuesday, July 8th | 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 | 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.
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 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
