GROWING IN MINDTHE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM

Adult Educational Programs March – August 2017

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SPRING / SUMMER 2017 WEEKEND EVENTS Please check the Arboretum website for times and changes in the schedule.

The North Carolina Arboretum Society assists the Arboretum in its mission to connect people with plants through education, exhibition, and demonstration, while continuing to create purposeful, engaging experiences that foster a love of lifelong learning.

PLANT SHOWS

Asheville Orchid Festival March 25 – 26, 2017

American Rhododendron Society Southeast Chapter April 29 – 30, 2017

Carolina Dahlia Society Tuber Sale May 13, 2017

World Bonsai Day May 13, 2017

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society May 27 – 28, 2017

WNC Daylily Society June 24, 2017

Carolina Dahlia Society September 9 – 10, 2017 WNC Orchid Society Auction September 17, 2017

Bonsai Expo October 14 – 15, 2017

SAVE THE DATE

Wicked Plants: The Exhibit RETURNS September 16, 2017 – January 7, 2018

Carolina Craft Day — Saturday, September 23, 2017

Integrated Pest Management — IPM Symposium Thursday, September 28, 2017

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2017 SPRING AND SUMMER EXHIBITS Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

BAKER EXHIBIT CENTER

Dugout Canoes January 28 – May 2, 2017 Florida Natural History Museum Archaic CanoesAncient artifacts, tools, videos, models and life-size vessels tell the story of how life and travel in the Americas have been affected by the use of dugout canoes through time.

Spirit of Place May 27 – September 4, 2017 Elizabeth Ellison Paintings in Oil and WatercolorBryson City artist Elizabeth Ellison’s works of art explore her connections with the Southern Appala-chian environment where she lives and works.

Exhibit program support provided in part by our Community Partners: B.B. Barns Garden, Gift and Landscape Company Fairway Outdoor Advertising Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park iHeartMedia Asheville Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide Smoky Mountain Living Magazine

EXHIBIT CENTER GREENHOUSE AND GARDENS

Winged Wonders May 13 – October 29, 2017This indoor butterfly exhibit features a chrysalis- rearing chamber and a walk-through butterfly house where visitors can meet a host of local butterfly species, including monarchs, swallowtails and more. The Arboretum gardens will be planted with a myriad of annual and perennial butterfly plants.

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EDUCATION CENTER GALLERY

#themountainsarecalling March 25 – July 9, 2017 Photography by Camilla Calnan

A Year in the Life of a Mountain Bog July 15 - October 1, 2017 Photography by Michael Oppenheim

MARCH PAGE

1 Sparrows: A FIELD TRIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

7 Tai Chi in the Garden: A FOUR-WEEK CLASS . . .12

14 Meteorology of the Blue Ridge: A FIVE-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

14 Plants and Pollinators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

15 Grafting and Woody Plant Propagation . . . . 9

15 Vertebrate Zoology of the Blue Ridge: A SIX-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

16 Geology of the Blue Ridge: A FIVE-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

20 Pine Primer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

21 Silk Reeling: Spiraling Energy of Tai Chi: AN EIGHT-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

21 Nature Art from Pompeii to Today . . . . . . . . . 6

31 Exploring Watercolor A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

APRIL PAGE

1 Hiking and Haiku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1 Zingiberaceae: Homegrown Ginger, Turmeric and Galangal in Appalachia . . . 9

4 Tai Chi in the Garden: A FOUR-WEEK SESSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

4 Spring Flora Identification A: A SIX-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

4 Spring Birding in the Blue Ridge: A FIVE-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

5 Spring Flora Identification B: A SIX-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

8 Spring Tree Identification A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

9 Spring Wildflower Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

10 Spring Tree Identification B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

18 All About Bluebirds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

APRIL CONTINUED PAGE

22 Introduction to Digital Photography . . . . . . . 6

22 Exploring Watercolor B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

22 Vibrant Condiments from Herbs and Spices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

25 Natural History Interpretation: A FOUR-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

28 Green Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

29 Salamander Diversity of the Blue Ridge . . . . .16

MAY PAGE

2 Tai Chi in the Garden: A FOUR-WEEK SESSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

2 Creative Roots of Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

10 Exploring Watercolor C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

17 Stone in the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

17 Hummingbirds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

20 Orcharding: Anyscale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

20 Birding 101: CLASS AND FIELD TRIP . . . . . . . . . . .17

23 Building a Bat House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

23 Gentle Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

24 The Sun and Total Eclipse of 2017 . . . . . . . . .17

24 Fire Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

24 Sumi-e (Japanese Brush Painting) A SIX-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

30 Tai Chi in the Garden: A FOUR-WEEK SESSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

JUNE PAGE

3 Photography Just for the Zen of It: A TWO-DAY CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Painting Botanicals on Silk: A TWO-DAY CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

6 Summer Flora Identification A: A SIX-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

7 Summer Flora Identification B: A SIX-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

JUNE CONTINUED PAGE

7 Nocturnal Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

8 Lawn Alternative Native Grasses . . . . . . . . . . .10

9 Snakes of Western North Carolina A TWO-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

10 Gardening with Drought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

14 Dry Stack Stone: Principles and Practice . . . .10

15 Summer Tree Identification A . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

20 Exploring Tai Chi for Arthritis: AN EIGHT-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

20 Tree Trek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

20 Nesting Ecology of Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

22 Healing Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

24 Apples and Oysters: Writing and Discussing Diversity: A FOUR-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

28 Treasures of the Summer Night Sky . . . . . . . .19

29 Designing a Landscape for Life: A FIVE-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

29 Bird Songs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

JULY PAGE

12 Cougars in the Blue Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

13 Living Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

14 Building Stone Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

15 Eco Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

18 Butterflies and Moths: A FOUR-WEEK CLASS . . .19

19 Landscaping in Drought and Dry Weather . .11

29 Mindfulness and Nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

AUGUST PAGE

3 Nature Notes: A FOUR-DAY CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5 Native Fern ID: CLASS AND FIELD TRIP . . . . . . . .19

17 Botanical Watercolor with Colored Pencil Overlay: A THREE-DAY CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

20 Summer Tree Identification B . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

22 Meteorology of the Blue Ridge B: A FIVE-WEEK CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

CLASS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

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New 2017 Classes

The North Carolina Arboretum is proud to offer the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit program which presents educational offerings on a variety of natural history topics. The courses provide ways to learn about the Southern Appalachian ecosystem and present opportunities to develop environmental awareness and to explore our mountains. For those interested in developing skills and knowledge as a naturalist, the program offers a Certificate of Merit curriculum that includes a series of core courses in zoology, bot-any, geology, ecology and plant identification with elective classes in butterflies, birds, mushrooms, etc.

Students in the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit program attend 236 hours of education classes and conduct a 30-50 hour final project. The curriculum is designed to be completed in a minimum of 24 months, dependent on class schedule and instructor availability. Most students will need additional time to finish the program. There is a 75% minimum attendance require-ment to receive credit for classes taken in pursuit of the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Apply by downloading an application from the Arboretum website: www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/ certifications/

Return the completed application form to the Arboretum with a $55 application fee by mailing to: Registrar, The North Carolina Arboretum 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806.

Questions? Email ejohnson@ncarboretum.org or call 828.665.2492.

Core Lecture Studies116 hours consisting of the following seven classes: Ecology of the Blue Ridge 24 Geology 12 Meteorology 12 Water Systems 12 Botany Basics 20 Zoology of the Blue Ridge 24 Natural History Interpretation 12

Core Field Studies84 total hours

Native Tree Identification — Trees of the Blue Ridge12 hours consisting of the following four classes: Spring Season 3 Summer Season 3 Fall Season 3 Winter Season 3 Native Plants/Flora of the Blue Ridge 72 hours consisting of the following three classes: Spring 24 Summer 24 Fall 24

Electives 36 hours in any combination of natural history classes

Final Project 30 to 50 hours independent project

The following classes qualify for Criteria II (Outdoor Instructor-led Experiences) credit:

All About Bluebirds 3 Bird Songs 3 Birding 101 6 Butterflies and Moths 10 Geology of Blue Ridge 5 Native Ferns 6 Pine Primer 3 Sparrows 3 Spring Flora 10 Spring Birding 10 Spring Tree 3 Spring Wildlflower Walk 3 Summer Flora 10 Summer Tree ID 3 Tree Trek 6

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BLUE RIDGE NATURALIST CERTIFICATE OF MERIT PROGRAM

NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

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FINE ART AND CRAFT

Sumi-e (Japanese Brush Painting)A SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Diana Christopherson Wednesdays, May 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28; 1 to 3 p.m. $89 Member / $99 Non-Member Limit: 10 studentsEnjoy learning this beautiful style of painting that is exemplified by the artistic use of fundamental brush strokes of simple lines and dots. Sumi-e is a discipline that is relaxing and provides an escape from our everyday hectic world. The technique of making these strokes is centuries old and has been handed down from one master teacher to another. This class is open to beginners and continuing students. There will be a $30 fee for supplies payable to the instructor for students who were not in the spring class.

Photography Just for the Zen of It A TWO-DAY CLASS Instructor: Rick Daley Saturday, June 3, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 4, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $127 Member / $137 Non-Member Limit: 10 studentsZen principles, such as appreciation of the ordinary, simplicity, elegance, relishing ambiguity and mystery, and celebrating nature can apply to photography and lend more individual expression to photographic images. This class workshop intended for photographers of all levels will help students see photography with a new awareness and a deeper understanding of their own photography. Going beyond the usual rules of composition, the workshop will help students learn how to apply some of the principles of Zen to their own personal photographic vision. The workshop

will include both classroom time and time to shoot at the Arboretum. The second day will continue the workshop including viewing students’ work.

Painting Botanicals on Silk A TWO-DAY CLASS Instructor: Kathy Goodson Saturday – Sunday, June 3 - 4; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $138 Member / $148 Non-Member Limit: 10 studentsLearn how to paint on silk or continue your practice by using a technique that slows the absorption of dye into silk and allows you to paint without using a resist. Kathy will demonstrate how to paint flowers and leaves onto silk. Students will trace a design, choose and mix a color palette, paint the dye on the silk and learn how to set the dye. At the end of the two days, you will have at least one completed scarf to take home. Students will need to wear clothing that can get stained or bring a waterproof smock or apron. You may want to bring non-latex gloves to protect hands. All other materials will be supplied.

Apples and Oysters: Writing and Discussing DiversityA FOUR-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Thomas Rain Crowe Saturdays, June 24, July 8, 15, 22; 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $77 Member / $87 Non-Member Limit: 16 studentsThis writing and conversation course for writers on all levels will explore the idea of the importance of diversity “no more alike than an apple to an oyster” in the natural world and in our lives. Through out-of-class reading comprised of handouts on this subject primarily from books by Pulitzer Prize winning biologist E. O. Wilson as well as suggested long-range out-of-class readings and in-class discussions of student observations and experiences in nature and in life, the class will explore the necessity of diversity and its implications as a model for a peopled planet. Student writing will be shared and discussed in class amongst class participants and instructor.

Nature Art from Pompeii to Today A SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Peter Loewer Tuesdays, March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25; 2 to 4 p.m. $86 Member / $96 Non-Member Limit: 20 students Beatrix Potter’s scientific illustrations. Van Gogh’s bouquets. Audubon’s prints. Dr. Thornton’s “Temple of Flora.” Today the digital camera is often considered best for picturing plants and flowers, but the process falls short when results are compared to botanical illustrations. This class will cover a history of the depiction of nature beginning with Ancient Egypt, then on to the fourteenth century, and wind up with examples of art in the garden and the garden as art from the twenty-first century.

Exploring Watercolor A Instructor: Susan Lingg Friday, March 31; 1 to 4 p.m. $58 Member / $68 Non-member Limit: 14 studentsExploring Watercolor B Instructor: Susan Lingg Saturday, April 22; 1 to 4 p.m. $58 Member / $68 Non-member Limit: 14 studentsExploring Watercolor C Instructor: Susan Lingg Wednesday, May 10; 1 to 4 p.m. $58 Member / $68 Non-member Limit: 14 students

The medium of watercolor will be explored in a series of classes appropriate for both beginners and those wishing to further their study. Each class will feature a different project and students may attend one or more classes to work on color, design and composition and continue refining techniques. These classes will explore how to access your creative side, emphasizing the joy of the entire process of painting. All supplies will be furnished.

Hiking and Haiku Instructor: Thomas Rain Crowe Saturday, April 1; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $47 Member / $57 Non-Member Limit: 12 studentsThis class is for writers and walkers of all levels and will focus on the stimulation of three parts of our mental process and awareness of the natural world: the faculties of observation, memory, and creativity. This class will be comprised of a short walk on the grounds of the Arboretum, an indoor or outdoor writing session, and a sharing session of writing that students composed that day.

Introduction to Digital Photography Instructor: Rick Daley Saturday, April 22; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $58 Member / $68 Non-Member Limit: 10 studentsThis class will provide students practical lessons and experience in learning to use their digital camera or phone camera, to understand some basic techniques, learn key principles of composition, and provide ideas on how to make more memorable, dramatic pictures. The class will also cover some simple photo editing and offer time in the afternoon when students can work one-on-one with the instructor.

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pencil, squeeze bottle for water and watercolor paper in a sketch board holder all packaged in a string backpack.

Botanical Watercolor with Colored Pencil OverlayA THREE-DAY CLASS Instructor: Redenta Soprano Thursday – Saturday, August 17 – 19; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $160 Member / $170 Non-Member Limit: 12 studentsExplore botanical subjects in an intimate way, first by drawing them accurately in pencil and then by using traditional transparent watercolors to paint them. Colored pencils will be used for the final layers of color to detail, deepen and enrich the underlying washes. The mixed media process of integrating watercolor washes and colored pencils will produce colorful and exciting botanical illustra-tions. Students will furnish their own supplies, and a materials list will be provided to registrants. This class is open to all levels.

Eco Printing Instructor: Vicki Bennett Saturday, July 15; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $88 Member / $98 Non-Members Limit: 10 studentsLearn to print on silk fabric using leaves, flowers, and other botanical materials in this one-day work-shop. The course will cover how to bundle and wrap your fabric and plant materials so that your prints come out clearly and with maximum color, how color shifting occurs in the dye bath, how to use mordants to assist the dye process, and how different fabrics and techniques affect the resulting color. Students will complete three projects, includ-ing two full-length silk scarves.

Nature NotesA FOUR-DAY CLASS Instructor: Robert Johnson Thursday, August 3; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday, August 4 – 5; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, August 6; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $228 Member / $238 Non-Member Limit: 14 studentsLearn a simple method of using pencil and water-color for taking visual notes while out in nature. The method is easy to learn even for beginners without watercolor experience. During mornings students will go outside to make notes and sketches in the field. The afternoons will be spent in the classroom studio where students can complete the coloring of their nature notes. A portable kit will be provided, containing a watercolor set, a color mix-ing chart, three watercolor brushes, sketch pad,

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Grafting and Woody Plant Propagation Instructor: Geoffrey Steen Wednesday, March 15; 1:30 to 3 p.m. $47 Member / $57 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsGrafting is a horticulture technique used to insert a twig or bud from one plant into another. Students will learn about grafting and propagation of woody plants and then graft an apple or pear tree to take home.

Zingiberaceae: Homegrown Ginger, Turmeric and Galangal in Appalachia Instructor: Karen Hurtubise Saturday, April 1; 1 to 4:30 p.m. $57 Member / $67 Non-member Limit: 10 studentsExplore the plant family Zingiberaceae, specifically turmeric, ginger, and galangal and how these plants have been used by humanity for over 2000 years. Learn organic gardening principles and how to grow your own tropical perennial spice plants. Stu-dents will pot rhizomes to take home and discuss how to maintain your potted plants over summer into fall harvest. Sharing a cup of turmeric ginger tea the class will discuss flavors and benefits of these amazing plants.

Green Infrastructure Instructor: Tamara Graham Friday, April 28; 1 to 2:30 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsGreen infrastructure refers to an interconnected network of street trees, urban forests, greenways and parks that can be proactively managed as open space networks to more optimally manage storm-

water, mitigate climate extremes, and enhance biodiversity and human health, quality of life and well-being. Green infrastructure networks are typically much more beautiful and surprisingly far more economical than traditional grey infra-structure systems alone. In this presentation, Tamara will provide a brief history of urban ecology and green infrastructure in landscape architecture and urban planning, describe model projects underway in west-ern North Carolina and across the United States, and share resources for further study and to apply the principles in your own property and community.

Creative Roots of Gardening Instructor: Lisa Wagner Tuesday, May 2; 10 a.m. to Noon $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 15 studentsWonderful gardens often express the spirit and creativity of the gardener in their styles, plant combinations, and exuberance. Explore the process of enhancing garden-making and gardening expe-riences. The class will use some of the observing, remembering, imagining and envisioning exercises in Fran Sorin’s book, “Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening,” as we tap into our own creativity in the garden.

HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

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Stone in the Garden Instructor: Doug Dearth Wednesday, May 17; 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $48 Member / $58 Non-member Limit: 16 studentsThis class begins with classroom discussion and a slide presentation about using stone to enhance the garden and to solve many common landscape problems. Participants will learn several basic prin-ciples and techniques of using stone and brick for retaining and free-standing walls, pathways and steps, benches, rockeries, theme gardens, defining landscape spaces and erosion control. The class concludes with a walking tour of the Arboretum grounds to view and assess examples of various stone projects.

Orcharding: Anyscale Instructor: Geoffrey Steen Saturday, May 20; 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 students This class will give participants a broad scope of how to grow fruits. Site assessment, species selec-tion, planting and protection are covered. Lecture includes an alphabetized synopsis of species from A to P that will grow in Western North Carolina.

Lawn Alternative Native Grasses Instructor: Tamara Graham Thursday, June 8; 1 to 3:30 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsNothing is more inviting for a picnic, a game of flag football or a barefoot stroll than a lush expanse of lawn. But turfgrass has become all too ubiqui-tous, covering much of the surface of the land where its ecological shortcomings don’t justify its high maintenance and resource-consumptive demands. In this class students will be introduced to low and no-mow fescues and pollinator-friendly native grasses as beautiful and environmentally- friendly alternatives to the conventional lawn. The class will include step-by-step strategies to shrink an oversized lawn, and will conclude with a tour of native grasses and meadow restoration projects at the Arboretum.

Gardening with Drought Instructor: Geoffrey Steen Saturday, June 10; 1:30 to 3 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsThis class will enable participants to prepare their garden areas for extreme dry weather with a variety of tools and mulching methods including cultural controls like how to properly apply water, mechanical controls like drip irrigation as well as the selection of drought-hardy plants.

Dry Stack Stone: Principles and Practice Instructor: Doug Dearth Wednesday, June 14; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $124 Member / $134 Non-member Limit: 10 studentsThis class includes classroom discussion and presentation of basic principles, techniques and planning factors for working with stone and building retaining and free-standing walls. In the afternoon the class will move outside for hands-on practice in applying principles discussed, collabo-rating to build a dry-stack retaining wall on the Arboretum campus. Participants should bring work gloves, sturdy footwear and water.

Healing Gardens Instructor: Nina Shippen Thursday, June 22; 10 a.m. to Noon $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 students Gardens have been associated throughout history with restoration and healing. Currently scientists from several disciplines are researching the impacts of nature and gardens on human health. The class examines the impact of gardens and nature on illness and health. Students will review research that supports their use and the theoretical frame-works that attempt to explain gardens’ effects on people. The class will also describe the garden elements and design principles that are used to create a successful therapeutic garden and will look at applying these principles in residential and community settings.

Designing a Landscape for LifeA FIVE-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Tamara Graham Thursdays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27; 10 a.m. to Noon $125 Member / $135 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsThe national Landscape for Life program, based on the principles of the Sustainable SITES Initia-tive™, teaches how to transform landscapes of any scale, whether a suburban lot, a 20–acre farm, or the common area of your condominium, into beautiful and healthy environments that also benefit the surrounding community. This hands- on series covers subjects such as successful soil practices, water harvesting and conservation, as well as plant material selection, providing guid-ance for identifying and cultivating a given site’s unique ecosystem services.

Living Soil Instructor: Phil Roudebush Thursday, July 13; 10 a.m. to Noon $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsHealthy soil is teeming with life. You have undoubt-edly seen worms in good soil and have come across other soil life: centipedes, springtails, ants, slugs and ladybird beetle larvae. This class will focus on all the forms of life found in healthy soil, the soil-food web and how we can use this information to improve gardening techniques.

Building Stone Steps Instructor: Joe Dinwiddie Friday, July 14; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $114 Member / $124 Non-member Limit: 16 studentsSafely learn the science, art and methodologies to construct stone steps. The class will be a mix of classroom lecture and hands-on. At the conclusion of the workshop, you will have built a stone instal-lation at the Arboretum’s outdoor stone work class-room as well as have learned the steps, tools, time, and budget you will need to complete your own project. Participants should bring protective eye-wear, work gloves, sturdy footwear and water.

Landscaping in Drought and Dry WeatherInstructor: Nina Shippen Wednesday, July 19; 10 a.m. to Noon $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 students Gardeners in western North Carolina must con-tend with periodic drought, and the geography in many areas creates dry habitats even during “normal” periods. This class will look at the adaptive responses of plants to dry conditions, and will explore garden and landscape design for dry areas, wet/dry environments, and drought. Plant lists for each condition will be presented.

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Tai ChiFOUR-WEEK SESSIONS Instructor: Tony Smith Tuesdays, March 7 – June 20; 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Session 1: Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Session 2: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 Session 3: Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 Session 4: Tuesdays, May 30, June 6, 13, 20 Each session: $45 Member / $48 Non-Member Limit: 20 studentsTake your Tai Chi practice to the next level by practicing every week in the Arboretum’s gardens. The Tai Chi form is from a 72nd generation Taoist Master. Each person will be taught individually and will be able to progress at their own pace regardless if they miss a class. This class is open to new students or students who have attended one of Tony’s previous classes. There will be four sessions each four weeks long.

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Gentle YogaA SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Beth Ross Johnson Tuesdays, May 23, 30, April 6, 13; 10 to 11 a.m. $32 Member / $42 Non-Member Limit: 10 studentsGive yourself some time to relax and increase flex-ibility with gentle stretches while paying particular attention to hands and feet. Learn easy poses that fit your body and are safe to do at home. Although this class is a beginning level class, participants should be able to get on and off the floor unassisted. Be sure to have your doctor’s approval before starting any physical program. Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mats and props will be provided for use in class.

Exploring Tai Chi for ArthritisAN EIGHT-WEEK CLASS Instructor: M. King Goslin Tuesdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15; 10 to 11 a.m. $88 Member / $98 Non-member Limit: 12 studentsDesigned for those who have some experience with Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis Parts I & II, or beginners who enjoy a challenge, this fun eight- week class will focus on depth and repetition of the 41 Tai Chi for Arthritis movements. This class can be enjoyed standing or seated. Participants are encour-aged to wear loose comfortable clothing. DVDs will be available for additional practice and support outside of class.

Mindfulness and Nature Instructor: Barbara Erb Saturday, July 29; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $57 Member / $67 Non-member Limit: 14 students Join us for a day of witnessing without judgement, centering in our bodies and connecting with nature. Nature is our finest teacher. Our minds naturally quiet down and we start to see beauty everywhere – outside and in. The day will include periods of guided meditation, exercises in the natural world, journaling and sharing with the group. No experience necessary. Appropriate for all levels.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Silk Reeling: Spiraling Energy of Tai ChiAN EIGHT-WEEK CLASS Instructor: M. King Goslin Tuesdays, March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, May 2, 9, 16; 10 to 11 a.m. $88 Member / $98 Non-memberSilk reeling is an essential part of all systems of tai chi that helps you develop beautiful, graceful movements of nature upon which Tai Chi is based. Learning this lovely form will deepen how you practice other standard Tai Chi forms as it loosens the joints and enables freedom of movement. Devel-oped by Sifu Dan Jones, Spirit of Snake and Crane is a beautiful, gentle and powerful sequence full of spiraling energy. This system can be enjoyed seated or standing and is suitable for all levels of experience.

Vibrant Condiments from Herbs and Spices Instructor: Nanette Davidson Saturday, April 22; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $87 Member / $97 Non-member Limit: 10 studentsUse herbs, tubers, vegetables and fruit to create almost effortless, full flavored and healthful home-made condiments that will enhance the enjoyment of any meal. The class will make herbal sauces like Chimichuri, Adjika, and Mint Chutney. We will make compound butters using ginger and tur-meric, prepare a homemade Worchestershire and more. Enjoy sampling these condiments in class and make some to take home. Students will need to bring their own knives, cutting boards and jars to take home samples. A complete list of tools will be sent to registrants. The instructor will provide all ingredients. B

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SparrowsA FIELD TRIP Instructor: Aaron Steed Wednesday, March 1; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsSparrows are known for their drab, cryptic plumage and skulking behavior, showing just a flash of wings as they dive deep into cover. As such, identifying them in the field can be a tricky undertaking. This class will serve not only to make sparrow identification more manageable, but fun as well. Late winter is an excellent time to be “beating the bushes,” and the class will en-counter a nice variety of sparrows and many other birds over the course of the morning. The class will meet between the two ponds at Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa. Bring your binoculars and comfortable walking shoes. This class fulfills three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Meteorology of the Blue Ridge AA FIVE-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Tom Ross Tuesdays, March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11; 9:30 a.m. to Noon $88 Member / $98 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsMeteorology of the Blue Ridge BA FIVE-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Tom Ross Tuesdays, August 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19; 9:30 a.m. to Noon $88 Member / $98 Non-member Limit: 24 students

This class looks at the science of weather forecasting with an emphasis on weather patterns in western North Carolina. Discussion will include weather folklore, predicting and tracking the weather, and understanding local and worldwide climate data. The class will learn about extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, tornadoes and hurricanes, how to “read” the sky using a cloud chart, and how to analyze a surface pressure chart. Long-range fore-casting, climate variability, computer models used in forecasting and climate information in the electronic age will also be addressed. Each student will receive hand-outs and a copy of the National Audubon Society’s “Field Guide to North American Weather.” This class fulfills a core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Plants and Pollinators Instructor: Timothy Spira Tuesday, March 14; 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsHave you ever wondered why there is such an incredible diversity of flower shapes, sizes, colors, and fragrances in nature? In this presentation, botanist Tim Spira will discuss how plant-pol-linator interactions have been an important evolutionary force generating the diversity of flowers that we see and enjoy in nature. Along the way, you’ll gain an increased appreciation for the many interesting interactions among plants and pollinators in the natural world.

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Vertebrate Zoology of the Blue RidgeA SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Carlton Burke Wednesdays, March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $166 Member / $176 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsLearn the basic identification and natural history of many of our mountain wildlife species. Each week will cover a different group of vertebrate animals: fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. Class format includes slide presentations, hands-on activities, worksheets and observing live animals in the classroom. Students will learn to identify a number of common and uncommon species and develop an understanding of the unique biodiver-sity and complexity of the vertebrate animal life of the Blue Ridge. This class fulfills a core require-ment for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Geology of the Blue RidgeA FIVE-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Steve Yurkovich Thursdays, March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $120 Member / $130 Non-member Limit: 16 studentsExplore the geologic history of the Southern Appa-lachian Mountains. Each weekly class builds on the previous week and leads to an understanding of mountain formation. The course will begin with a discussion of the earth’s interior and plate tecton-ics, then progress to a current model for formation of the southern Appalachians. This will be followed by an overview of common earth materials and will conclude with a discussion of the surficial processes that have shaped these old mountains. The last meeting on April 13 will be a field trip from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This class fulfills a core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Pine Primer Instructor: Carlton Burke Monday, March 20; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsFrom the rare and fragrant Fraser fir of the highest mountain elevations to the common white pine found throughout our region, the beautiful evergreen members of the pine family enrich our Appalachian Mountains in many ways. In this class, participants will learn about the uses of the pine family, their importance in our mountain ecosystems, species identification, and their natural history. The class will begin in the classroom and move outdoors on the Arboretum grounds to identify native trees. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Spring Flora Identification AA SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Scott Dean Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $178 Member / $188 Non-member Limit: 12 studentsSpring Flora Identification BA SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Scott Dean Wednesdays, April 5, 12, 26, May 3, 10, 17; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $178 Member / $188 Non-member Limit: 12 studentsIn this field class, students will learn to identify native mountain flora using a non-technical keying system, while studying the characteristics of plant families, the basics of plant community ecology, and the natural and the cultural history of the flora of the Blue Ridge. The focus is primarily on spring wildflowers, but the class will also cover trees and become familiar with technical dichotomous keys as a means of identification. Scott recommends both “Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide” and “Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians” as references. After the first class, the group will meet at a different trailhead each week. Students should dress for walking along trails, bring rain gear, sun protection, lunch and water. This class fulfills a core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

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Spring Birding in the Blue RidgeA FIVE-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Marilyn Kolton & Louis Dwarshius Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 25, May 2, 9; 9:15 to 11:00 a.m. first class, 8 to 11 a.m. afterwards $88 Member / $98 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsSpring is the most exciting season of the year for birders. Bird song is in the air as spring and sum-mer birds arrive to establish territory and breed. Migrants flying north stop to feed and rest. In this class, participants will learn bird identification skills and have an opportunity to practice these skills in a number of field trips to various habitats. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Spring Tree Identification A Instructor: Marc Williams Saturday, April 8; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsSpring Tree Identification B Instructor: Carlton Burke Monday, April 10; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsWhen thinking of spring flowers, our attention is often turned toward the numerous herbaceous plants on the forest floor. However, when looking upward, many species of mountain trees are also blooming. In this class, we will learn about identifying trees by their flowers and bark and investigate tree pollination strat-egies. This class fulfills a core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Spring Wildflower Walk Instructor: Marc Williams Sunday, April 9; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 16 studentsThis class provides a basic overview of the terms and methods used in identifying wildflowers, with a focus on those blooming in the fall. Participants will learn to use the method of identification addressed in “Newcomb’s Guide to Wildflowers” as a means of identifying flowers and take a short walk to put these skills to use. This class will be an excellent introduction for those new to the region or those who simply wish to know what flowers they encoun-ter on hikes in our area.

All About Bluebirds Instructor: Joe Sanders Tuesday, April 18; 1 to 4 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsFor many years, the bluebird population declined due to non-native species moving into bluebird habitat. The recent upsurge in bluebird popula-tions can largely be attributed to a movement of volunteer citizens establishing and monitoring bluebird nest boxes. Join Joe as he presents a video of an active nest box and a slide show on the threats to the bluebird’s survival. Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for walking in the Arboretum gardens for a demonstration on how to monitor active bluebird nest boxes. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Natural History InterpretationA FOUR-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Jeanie Martin Tuesdays, April 25, May 2, 9, 16; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $87 Member / $97 Non-member Limit: studentsNatural history interpreters are teachers whose classrooms exist outside of four walls. They provoke interest and curiosity in our natural and cultural heritage. This course is designed for anyone who will be leading nature walks or teaching natural history subjects to adults or children. Participants will learn how to use creative methods to engage audiences and to develop interpretive programs that are purposeful, enjoyable and organized. There will be an opportunity to develop your own program and practice your presentation and commu-nication skills. This class fulfills a core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Salamander Diversity of the Blue Ridge Instructor: Patrick Brannon Saturday, April 29; 1 to 4 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsThe Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world and more species of salamanders exist here than anywhere else. The instructor will lecture focusing on the biology of salamanders, reasons for the enormous diversity in this region and threats to salamander species. Weather permitting, the class may go for a walk to search for different species and investigate distributional patterns of salamander species that coexist in a stream. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Hummingbirds Instructor: Simon Thompson Wednesday, May 17; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 students Everyone loves hummingbirds. In this class students will learn what makes hummingbirds “hum,” as well as how they migrate, their breeding cycle and many other fascinating facts about these unique birds. Participants in the class also will learn what flowers to plant, the best feeding techniques and how to attract hummingbirds to your property. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Birding 101CLASS AND FIELD TRIP Instructor: George Ellison Saturday, May 20; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $47 Member / $57 Non-member Limit: 12 studentsThis class starts with an indoor lecture about field guides, binoculars and other birding equipment. Students will then carpool to various elevational zones along the Blue Ridge Parkway where distinc-tive species of birds tend to breed. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing bird species by sight and characteristic vocalizations. Expect to identify 35 or more species. All walks will be short and easy. Participants should bring clothing suitable for cool, high-elevation temperatures, rain gear, water, lunch and binoculars and be prepared to carpool. For reference, George recommends Peterson’s “Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies.” This class provides six hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Building a Bat House Instructor: Carlton Burke Tuesday, May 23; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $79 Member / $89 Non-member Limit: 15 studentsAlthough highly misunderstood and feared, bats are actually extremely gentle and beneficial creatures feeding on tremendous numbers of insects. Many of these unique mammals are becoming rare and endangered due to a variety of problems including lack of suitable roosting sites. Some varieties of bats can be attracted to roost in man-made bat boxes. Participants in this class will build a bat box utiliz-ing pre-cut parts and learn more about the bats that are native in the mountain woodlands. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

The Sun and Total Eclipse of 2017 Instructor: Stephan Martin Wednesday, May 24; 10 a.m. to Noon $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 24 studentsThe eclipse of August 21, 2017, will be the first total solar eclipse to cross the entire United States in nearly a century, and it will pass directly through North Carolina. Join us as we learn about one of nature’s most spectacular natural wonders – the total eclipse of the sun. The class will learn about the basics of the sun, its structure and how it shines, and then discuss how eclipses happen, why they’re important to scientists, and how to best view this “eclipse of the century” safely. Participants will receive special eclipse glasses or solar viewers which will allow viewing of the sun’s disk safely. This class provides two hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Fire EcologyA TWO-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Dan Lazar Wednesdays, May 24, 31; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. $68 Member / $78 Non-member Limit: 15 students How do wild animals survive a wildfire? Why do some species of trees survive while others perish in the flames? How has a history of periodic burning helped to shape the species composition of our present forests? This class will include an illustrated introduction to the fundamentals of fire ecology in the Blue Ridge followed by a field trip to observe changes in forest community structure at a recent burn site. This class provides six hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

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Summer Flora Identification AA SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Scott Dean Tuesdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, Thursday, July 6, Tuesday, July 11; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $178 Member / $188 Non-member Limit: 12 studentsSummer Flora Identification BA SIX-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Scott Dean Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $178 Member / $188 Non-member Limit: 12 studentsLearn to identify mountain flora using a non-tech-nical keying system. The focus is on summer wild-flowers, but students will work with trees and become familiar with technical dichotomous keys as a means of identification. Scott recommends both “Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide” and “Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians.” After the first class, the group will meet each week at a different trailhead. Dress for walking along trails; bring rain gear, sun protection, lunch and water. This class fulfills a core require-ment for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Nocturnal Birds of the Blue Ridge Instructor: Aaron Steed Wednesday, June 7; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsWho...hoo...hoo’s making all that racket after sun-set? There are many species of birds that are active at night: owls, nightjars, and even some songbirds. Students will learn about western North Carolina’s nocturnal avian residents as well as helpful patterns for identifying them by their vocalizations. This class fulfills three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Snakes of Western North CarolinaA TWO-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Carlton Burke Fridays, June 9, 16; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $57 Member / $67 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsSnakes are one of the most misunderstood and abused groups of animals; however, they play an important role in our mountain forests. In this class you will meet live examples of snakes of our region and get to know more about these fascinat-ing reptiles. This class provides three hours of elec-tive credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Summer Tree Identification A Instructor: Carlton Burke Thursday, June 15; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsSummer Tree Identification B Instructor: Marc Williams Sunday, August 20; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 20 students

North Carolina’s lush mountain forests are home to dozens of species of trees. In this class students will learn how to identify many of these species based on their habitat preferences, individual char-acteristics including leaves and learn about their many uses both by humans and wildlife. This class will start indoors with a lecture and then move out-side for an easy hike. Students should dress and wear shoes for the hike portion of the class. This class fulfills a core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Tree TrekCLASS AND FIELD TRIP Instructor: Carlton Burke Tuesday, June 20; 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. $69 Member / $79 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsLearn about the incredible diversity of trees found in western North Carolina as we begin in the classroom to learn about basic tree identification skills and their natural history. We will then move outdoors to roam across the wooded trails of the Arboretum and off site to identify as many native and naturalized tree species as possible and to par-ticipate in activities designed to gain an apprecia-tion for trees and the surrounding forest. Pack a bag lunch and come prepared to spend several hours outdoors on the Arboretum grounds. This class provides six hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Nesting Ecology of Birds Instructor: Aaron Steed Tuesday, June 20; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 students

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Butterflies and MothsA FOUR-WEEK CLASS Instructor: Carlton Burke Tuesdays, July 18, 25, August 1, 8; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $87 Member / $97 Non-memberLimit: 20 studentsWestern North Carolina has an abundance of butter-fly and moth species. This class will focus on learning about their life cycles and identifying many of the species found in the region utilizing the Winged Wonders exhibit this summer at the Arboretum. Methods of attracting them to the home landscape will be covered. Participants should dress for walking outside on Arboretum property and should bring binoculars. This class fulfills 12 hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate

Native Fern IDCLASS AND FIELD TRIP Instructor: George Ellison Saturday, August 5; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $47 Member / $57 Non-member Limit: 12 studentsLearn native fern identification techniques that you can use throughout the year. Following a morning presentation indoors, the class will carpool to a nearby location for an in-depth look at dozens of fern species found in the southern Appalachians. George recommends Hallowell’s “Fern Finder” as a reference. Participants should bring a hand lens/loupe if available, lunch, snacks and water, and wear clothing and shoes for walking on woodland trails at elevations up to 5,000 feet. Be prepared to carpool. This class fulfills six hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

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Every spring, many birds begin constructing the nests that will house and protect their offspring until they are old enough to leave. Each species has its own unique nest preferences that dictate nest placement, nest shape, and materials used in construction. Students will learn about the nesting habits and preferences, how to identify the nests of backyard species, and how to attract them by using nest boxes. The classroom portion will be followed by time spent walking around the Arboretum look-ing for active nests. Bring binoculars if you have them. This class fulfills three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Treasures of the Summer Night Sky Instructor: Stephan Martin Wednesday, June 28; 10 a.m. to Noon $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsJoin us for an exploration of the treasures of the night sky as we discover the constellations, bright stars, planets, and deep sky objects that fill the warm summer evening skies. During a daytime class we’ll review the basic use of planispheres and star charts to find our way around the night sky and learn about some of the rich collection of objects that are visible with binoculars and small telescopes. An optional stargazing gathering will be sched-uled in the evening for participants. No previous astronomy or observing experience is required. This class provides two hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Bird Songs Instructor: Simon Thompson Thursday, June 29; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $27 Member / $37 Non-member Limit: 15 studentsWith the dense canopy of spring forests it is difficult to identify which birds are singing without at least learning the basics of birdsong identification. The class starts indoors with a slide discussion of local birds and their spring breeding behavior patterns, and then moves outside onto the Arboretum grounds to listen to the spring chorus of songsters. The easiest way to learn the songs and calls of the birds around us is to spend time in the field. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Cougars in the Blue Ridge Instructor: Carlton Burke Wednesday, July 12; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $37 Member / $47 Non-member Limit: 20 studentsCougars, mountain lions, or panthers! Whatever you call them, these large native cats once roamed throughout North America. They were thought to have disappeared from our mountains years ago, yet sightings of these elusive animals are still commonly reported. Hear the latest evidence on whether these mysterious mammals still inhabit the region as we investigate both facts and folklore. This class provides three hours of elective credit for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Vicki Bennett Vicki Bennett is a fiber artist, combining her skills as a felt maker and a dye artist using wool and natural dyes. Her areas of interest are art to wear and three-dimensional hollow forms. Vicki teaches at various craft schools including the John C. Campbell Folk School and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. She is active in Local Cloth in Asheville and winters in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she teaches fiber arts, exhibits, and works with raptors in rehabilitation. Learn more about her work at tangledupinwool.com.

Patrick Brannon Patrick is the Nature Center director at the Highlands Biological Station (HBS) in Highlands, N.C. He holds a master’s degree in biology from Appalachian State Univer-sity, and has performed research on the ecology of both salamanders and small mammals. For many years he worked as an environmental educator for 4-H, and later as a herpetol-ogy and mammal technician for the Virginia Museum of Natural History. He currently teaches a college course on salamanders as part of the UNC Institute for the Environ-ment Program at HBS, and continues to publish scientific research articles on salamander biology with his students.

Carlton Burke A naturalist and educator who lives in Mills River, N.C., Carlton operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists, which specializes in presenting live animal and nature programs for area schools, summer camps and many other organiza-tions including the Arboretum where he has been a popular instructor for many years. He was the curator of exhibits at the Western North Carolina Nature Center for over 25 years and is a state and federally licensed wildlife re-habilitator. Carlton co-hosts a weekly radio program “Nature News.”

Diana ChristophersonDiana has been studying the Japanese brush painting tech-niques of sumi-e for over 25 years under the tutelage of Reiko Ito Shellum, a Japanese master teacher of the Nanga School. She taught at Northern Dakota County TriDistrict Community Education from 2008 to 2012.

Thomas Rain Crowe Thomas is an award-winning poet and an internationally- published author of 30 books, including the multi-award winning book of nonfiction “Zoro’s Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods,” an historical novel “The Watcher: Like Sweet Bells Jangled” and several collections of poems. He has been an editor of major literary and cultural journals and anthologies and is founder and publisher of New Native Press He is a longtime resident of the Southern Appalachians and lives in the Tuckasegee watershed of Jackson County in western North Carolina.

Rick Daley A professional outdoor photographer, Rick has taught private students (novice to professional) and classes at art institutions, notably the Sedona Art Center where he has been on the faculty for 10 years. His work has appeared in magazines and books from “Alaska Air” to the “Encyclopedia of Zoos.” His work has been exhibited in the International Color Exhibit, the Washington, D.C. Gallery of Photog-raphy, LA Digital Exhibits and Texas Tech College.

Nanette DavidsonFor over twenty years Nanette Davidson has been instructing cooking classes to adults and children alike. She has been a Resident Artist for Cooking at the John C. Campbell Folk School since 1999, where she schedules and maintains hundreds of classes in many techniques of fine cookery. Her workshops include wood-fired oven baking, artisan foodcrafting, feasting on fruits and vegetables, and tradi-tional Shaker-American recipes and techniques.

Scott DeanA native of the southern Appalachians, Scott earned a degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a focus on the flora and fauna of the region. Scott has been a featured speaker at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Wildflower program, a walk leader at the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference and for UNC Asheville’s annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. He has led wildlife and wildflower walks at the Western North Carolina Nature Center and served as First Vice President of the Friends of the Nature Center as well as serving on the Town of Weaverville Tree Board. Visit his website at wncnaturally.com.

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS

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Marilyn Kolton & Louis Dwarshius Both instructors are frequent teachers of birding and wildflower courses and lead many nature hikes. Both are Certified Blue Ridge Naturalists and past presidents of local Audubon societies. Marilyn has been contributing writer to the Illinois Audubon Society magazine and is a past board member of the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society. Louis is a board member of the Asheville Botanical Gardens.

Dan Lazar Dan served for many years as director of education at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, followed by several years as executive director of the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Dan has a degree in forest biology from the State University of New York College of Environ-mental Science and Forestry and has been an instructor in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program since 2005.

Susan Lingg A full-time artist, Susan has been studying and sharing the watercolor medium since the 1980s through demonstra-tions, exhibits and teaching. The fluidity and transparency of watercolor drives her to new explorations of light, color and texture, and she enjoys enabling others to access their own creativity in watercolor and papermaking. Her work can be seen on her website watercolorsbysusan.com.

Peter LoewerPeter has written over 30 books on gardening and natural history, including “The Wild Gardener” and “Thoreau’s Garden.” He is also a well-known and honored botanical illustrator. Peter lives in Asheville and gardens an acre of land featuring natural trails and a formal perennial garden.

Jeannie MartinJeanie is certified as an Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation. She founded the Blue Ridge Naturalist program in 2005 to allow others the opportunity to learn more about the natural world of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jeanie enjoys teaching others how to share their knowledge of natural history in ways that engage their audiences and leave them wanting to know more.

Doug Dearth A stone mason with his own business, Dry Ridge Stone, in Weaverville, N.C., Doug builds dry-stack walls, steps, walks, patios, and rockeries. He is a longtime Arboretum instructor, a certified National Wildlife Federation habitat steward and trained “muddy water watcher.”

Joe Dinwiddie“Drystone Joe” has been leading workshops on drystone masonry since 2001. His mission is to empower and inspire others by teaching globally-informed drystone masonry, to share images of stonework, and to leave a legacy of stone installations. He is a certified instructor by the Drystone Walling Association of Great Britain and lives in Black Mountain, N.C.

George EllisonA well-known writer, naturalist, lecturer and historian, George conducts natural and human history workshops for the Arboretum, the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference at Western Carolina University, the University of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain Field School, the Great Smoky Moun-tains Association, the North Carolina Center for the Ad-vancement of Teaching, the Highlands Biological Station and the Intentional Growth Center at Lake Junaluska, N.C. Visit his website at georgeellison.com.

Barbara Erb Barbara has a master of social work and is a clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience. She completed an internship in mindfulness based stress reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 2000. She has taught mindfulness and the natural world for many years in Grand Teton Natural Park and other venues in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Now in Asheville, she teaches mindfulness and the natural world, mindfulness and creativity, and mindfulness, acceptance and compassion to individuals and groups.

Kathy GoodsonKathy has studied with many master silk painters and has 20 years of experience. She has participated in numerous regional art shows and was a finalist for Art with Heart Emerging Artists in Charlotte. Kathy is a Board Member of Silk Painters International (SPIN) and taught at the 2016 SPIN Festival at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Her work can be seen online at kathygoodson.com, at Flow Gallery in Marshall, NC, Connections Gallery at the Arboretum, and the Haywood County Arts Council.

M. King Goslin King has been teaching Tai Chi since 2010. Her teachers include Bob Feesor, Caroline Demoise, Master Wu Wen Ching, Dr. Russell Smiley, Dr. Paul Lam and most recently Sifu Dan Jones. Currently she teaches ongoing classes at the YMCA and at The Arboretum and delights in learning, sharing her discoveries and teaching others what is possible.

Tamara GrahamTamara Graham is an Asheville-based landscape designer. In her 18 years of practice in western North Carolina, she has worked on the design of landscapes across a broad range of scales, from new communities, streetscapes and parks to schoolyard habitats and private residences. In addition to her work in design, Tamara partners with area environmental organizations to facilitate numerous stream enhancement, reforestation and greenway projects in the region. Prior to teaching at the Arboretum, Tamara taught courses in sustainable site planning and design at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Graduate Program in Sustain-ability Studies and Haywood Community College’s Natural Resources Management Department.

Karen HurtubiseKaren is an avid gardener and co-owner of Qualla Berry Farm with her husband, now growing ginger and turmeric for market. They won a Southeastern Regional Rodale “Organic Gardening” Garden-of-the-Year contest and continue to promote organic and sustainable agriculture. Karen is the John C. Campbell Folk School Resident Artist for Gardening and Nature Studies and teaches classes on growing your best tomatoes and pollinator friendly gardens. Their website is quallaberryfarm.com.

Beth Ross Johnson Beth is the adult education coordinator at the Arboretum. She is a registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level and has worked with many newcomers to yoga.

Robert Johnson Robert is a full time artist whose nature related work has been shown across the U.S. His well-known and beloved “Nature Journal” pages have earned him quite a following. He is a recipient of an NEA Southern Arts Federation Grant and several grants from the North Carolina Arts Council and his work is represented by Blue Spiral Gallery in Asheville. See more of Robert’s work at robertjohnson-paintings.com.

New 2017 Instructors

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Tony Smith Tony is well known to Arboretum regulars as operations manager of the Savory Thyme Café. He has been studying Shaolin Kung Fu since 1976 and began training in Tai Chi under various teachers in 1984. He was certified to teach two of the three styles of Ni family Tai Chi in 1994 and has been an instructor, competitor and judge in Kung Fu and Tai Chi for many years.

Redenta SopranoRedenta is an illustrator who specializes in botanical subjects. She has a degree in biology and art from The State University of N.Y. and received a post-graduate certificate in scientific illustration while studying in England as a Rotary Interna-tional Scholar. Her work has been published by Taunton Press among others. She taught for many years at the N.Y. Botanical Garden and currently teaches at the John C. Campbell Folk School as well as other places in Florida and North Carolina. Visit her website at spiralfern.net.

Timothy SpiraTim is a plant ecologist, native plant gardener, hiker, and professor emeritus of botany at Clemson University where he taught field botany and plant ecology and did research on plant-pollinator interactions for more than 20 years. He is the author of two recent books, “Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia” (2011) and “Waterfalls and Wildflowers in the Southern Appala-chians: Thirty Great Hikes” (2015), published by the University of North Carolina Press. For additional infor-mation, please see timothypspira.com.

Aaron Steed Aaron has been interested in birds and natural history his entire life. He received his bachelor of science in general biology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2010 and has birded all over the southeastern U.S. as well as New Mexico, Colorado and Texas. He has worked with Audubon N.C. searching for piping plover nesting sites and with Texas A&M performing territory mapping and monitoring of golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos in the hill country of Texas. He spent several seasons working for Southern Appalachian Raptor Research (SARR), learning the art of passerine and raptor banding and hawk-watching at Big Bald Banding Station in Mars Hill, N.C.

22 ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS

Stephan Martin Stephan is an astronomer and educator who taught astron-omy at colleges and universities for more than 25 years. He has lectured on light pollution and its effects on the environment and has offered stargazing and introductory astronomy workshops domestically and internationally. He was formerly the supervisor of the Williams College observatory, where he participated in research expeditions around the world to study and observe solar eclipses.

Tom Ross Tom is a meteorologist who recently retired from federal service. He was senior forecaster at Accu-Weather Inc., for nearly ten years before he began his federal service in 1985 at the National Climatic Data Center. He was also involved in climate monitoring for several years creating and updating a monthly popular “Climate Watch” series. He currently teaches weather and climate and gardening in the local area. He owns High Country Nursery specializing in growing Japanese maples, conifers, roses and other fine landscape plants and trees in Fairview, N.C.

Phil RoudebushPhil is a retired veterinarian in small animal practice. Phil was an Extension Master Gardener in Shawnee County, Kansas where he enjoyed maintaining a large vegetable garden, herb garden, pumpkin patch, water garden and a 30-acre native grass hay pasture. He is working toward Master Gardener certification in Buncombe County.

Joe Sanders Joe has been working with bluebird restoration for over 25 years and is currently a county representative for the North Carolina Bluebird Society. He has taught classes to numer-ous community garden groups and currently monitors nest boxes during the nesting season, including those on the Arboretum grounds.

Nina ShippenNina practices residential landscape and garden design through her company Gardeniña, which focuses on coupling the principles of healing gardens with sound ecologic practices to create satisfying gardens for her clients. A graduate of the landscape design program at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies, she has lived and gardened in Transylvania County since 2005.

Geoffrey Steen Geoffrey is an agro-forester, a tree enthusiast and proprietor of Raven Ridge Farmscapes. He got his start in the high deserts of California on a vegetable and peach operation and graduated from Warren Wilson College with a bachelor of science in forestry and agriculture. Geoffrey is an engaging instructor and has presented programs on agro-forestry nationally and internationally.

Simon Thompson Simon is an international birding expert who happens to call Asheville home. Originally from Suffolk, England, he has lived in North Carolina for more than 10 years. He spent six months in China studying crane and birds of prey migration as a member of the British China Crane Watch expedition. Simon is director of the Ventures Nature Travel program in Tryon, N.C. Visit birdventures.com.

Lisa Wagner Lisa served as director of education at the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University for more than two decades. She presents frequently on topics such as gardening for nature, year round vegetable gardening and gardening for pollinators. A plant ecologist with a doctorate in botany from the University of California Berkeley, Lisa is interested in native plants, wildlife friendly gardening, garden design, gardening and creativity, and four-season vegetable garden-ing. Visit her blog at naturalgardening.blogspot.com.

Marc Williams An ethnobiologist, Marc has taught hundreds of classes about plants, people, other life forms and their interface. His training includes a bachelor of arts in environmental studies/sustainable agriculture and a master of art in Appalachian studies/sustainable development. He is the executive director of Plants and Healers International and has spent more than 17 years working at various restaurants and farms. He has traveled throughout 24 countries in North/Central America and Europe and all 50 of the United States.

Steve YurkovichSteve is professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. For 40 years he was an educator in the geosciences program and researcher in Appalachian geology. He has a Ph.D. from Brown University and is a licensed N.C. Professional Geol-ogist. Steve has a number of research publications related to the geology of western N.C. He has led geology classes and field trips for numerous professional and environmental groups, K-12 students, civic groups, and for the Arboretum. REGISTRATION INFORMATION 23

THREE WAYS TO REGISTER:

1 ONLINE at www.ncarboretum.org. Click on Education and Programs, then Adult Education Classes. Classes can also be accessed by clicking on calendar entries. After selecting a class of interest, register or sign in using the green bar on the top right of the page before adding it to your cart. Proceed to register for the class completing the transaction with your credit card.

2 CALL during business hours Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 828.665.2492 to reach the Registrar and pay with your credit card. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Please note that this phone may not be staffed when you call, but messages will be returned within one business day. 3 DROP BY the Arboretum during business hours Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and register in person with your check or credit card.

SIGN UP EARLY! Classes can fill quickly. Check the online calendar of classes to see the latest additions to classes which may not appear in this printed catalog. Class fees are due at registration; space in a class cannot be held without payment. You will receive a confirmation via the email address you provide. If you have questions please contact the Arboretum Registrar at 828.665.2492.

Program Policies Each individual Arboretum Society member may register for Adult Education courses at the discounted member program fee. Guests and family members do not qualify for the discount and should be registered at the non-member fee. Household and higher level members can register household members at the member fee. The program registration fee includes the Arboretum parking fee for all participants who are not Arboretum Society members. Arboretum Society members always park free. Please note that many Arboretum courses are held outdoors and may require walking a moderate distance in a variety of weather situations. If you have any questions about a program’s physical requirements, please call the Adult Education Coordinator at 828.665.2492. Classes are held rain or shine. However, if severe weather threatens, please call the Arboretum phone number for recorded updates. If the Arbo-retum property is closed, a recording will be left on the main phone number. The Adult Education programs are for adults ages 18 and over. The North Carolina Arboretum strives to offer a quality educational experience for each registered student and class sizes reflect this policy. Registered students may not bring an un-registered guest of any age to class.

Cancellation Policy If you must cancel your registration for a class, you will receive an 85% refund if notice is received at least eight calendar days before the class begins. No refunds are made less than eight calendar days before the class starts or after the class has begun. In the event that the Arboretum must cancel a class, you will be notified by phone or email, and you will receive a full refund. Your payment for your class reserves your seat, helps us to confirm the class and officially engage the instructor. If you cannot attend and it is too late to cancel and receive an 85% refund, you may choose to send an alternate person in your place. If you are late for class, your seat will still be available for you. We do not transfer a registered student’s seat to last minute/walk-in students. Partial refunds or transfers are not available for unattended sessions of a single class or a class series. By registering online, over the phone, by mail, or in person, you are agreeing to the Arboretum’s eight day cancellation policy outlined above and liability waiver viewable online under the Adult Education section on the Arboretum website.

CLASS REGISTER: ONLINE, CALL OR DROP BY

In order to receive your member discount, make sure your membership information is updated BEFORE you add anything to your cart. Your discount will appear at checkout.

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The N.C. Arboretum property is under permit by the Pisgah National Forest and prohibits discrimination. Please visit ncarboretum.org for details on its anti-discrimination policy.

Graphic Design by Susan Rhew Design, Inc., Asheville, NC Printing by Daniels Graphics, Asheville, NC

IN THIS ISSUE:

Fire Ecology

Hiking and Haiku

Eco Printing

Living Soil

Total Eclipse of the Sun

Gardening in Drought

above and cover detail: Vicki Bennett, Eco Printing on Silk using leaves, flowers, and other botanical materials. See class description on page 8.

right: Redenta Soprano, Rosa rugosa, watercolor, colored pencil, graphite pencil, 10 x 8 inches. See page 8 for Redenta’s class description for Botanical Watercolor with Colored Pencil Overlay.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayAsheville, NC 28806-9315