Hands-On Museum class at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Expand your knowledge about the natural world, explore a new topic, or learn a new skill by enrolling in one of the many classes we offer through the year. Adult education classes include lecture series, field classes, and garden related topics. We offer family programs that help caregivers guide children (and themselves) in nature study. Programs for scouts or groups of children make learning about plants fun.
Registration is easy and can be done via phone, fax, mail or in person at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Information Desk. Click here to learn more about registration.
5/31/2009 - Beekeeping - class two |
| Dates: Sunday May 31, 11am - 2pm |
| Fee: $20.00 (
$18.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-25c |
| Description: This hands-on, step-by-step series in beekeeping is geared to those interested in starting their own hives.
Session 2 covers the function of the hive. In this session participants build their own hive boxes. Additional cost to start your own hive. Recommended reading: First Lessons in Beekeeping, by Keith Delaplane. This will be available in the MBGNA gift shop.
Instructor: Rich Wieske of Green Toe Gardens in Royal Oak. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
6/6/2009 - Rain Gardens and Xeric (Dry) Gardens |
| Dates: Sat., June 6, 10:00am-noon |
| Fee: $20.00 (
$16.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-22 |
| Description: Rain gardens redirect rainwater away from impermeable surfaces such as roofs and driveways and into the ground, instead of flowing into storm drains and surface waters. And rain gardens help improve the water table by "recharging" it. Xeric or dry gardens make the most efficient use of water and drought-tolerant plants. Both of these types of gardens are often more environmentally friendly, or "green" than the typical garden. Join Patricia Pennell, founder and director of Rain Gardens of West Michigan (raingardens.org) for this informative pairing of green garden topics. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
6/14/2009 - Beekeeping - class three |
| Dates: Sunday, June 14, 11Am -2PM |
| Fee: $20.00 (
$18.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-25d |
| Description: This hands-on, step-by-step series in beekeeping is geared to those interested in starting their own hives.
In Session 3 bee packages will be installed in the class hives. Additional cost to start your own hive. Recommended reading: First Lessons in Beekeeping, by Keith Delaplane. This will be available in the MBGNA gift shop.
Instructor: Rich Wieske of Green Toe Gardens in Royal Oak. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
6/15/2009 - Yoga at the Gardens |
| Dates: Six Mondays June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, and 20 from noon to 1:00pm |
| Fee: $60.00 (
$48.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-26 |
| Description: Vinyasa Yoga is for those who enjoy a flowing sequence of sun salutations and postures coordinated with music. Moderately paced, with emphasis on the integration of breath and movement to increase strength and flexibility. Please enter at the west entrance and bring a yoga mat and bath-sized towel. Drop-ins welcome, $10.00 per class |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
6/24/2009 - Approaching Forest Ecosystems |
| Dates: Lecture: Wed., June 24, 7-8:30pm
Field trips: Sat. & Sun., June 27 & 28, 10am-1:00pm
Sun., 28 June 10am-1:00pm field trip |
| Fee: $60.00 (
$48.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-23 |
| Description: Why is there a beech-maple forest here, an oak-hickory forest there? This and many other are questions are covered in this class where you’ll learn to recognize, describe, and predict forest ecosystems. By investigating the glacial topography, soil, and vegetation of a natural area we can determine its ecological potential. The role of humans and fire will form a significant part of the discussion. Instructor Robert Ayotte holds an M.S. in Forest Resources (Forest Ecology) and is the author of A Template for the Description of Forest Ecosystems within the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
7/1/2009 - Beekeeping - class 4 |
| Dates: date in July to be determined |
| Fee: $20.00 (
$18.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-25e |
| Description: This hands-on, step-by-step series in beekeeping is geared to those interested in starting their own hives.
In Sessions 4 & 5 participants visit hives and experience a hands-on session on how to check a hive.
Additional cost to start your own hive. Recommended reading: First Lessons in Beekeeping, by Keith Delaplane. This will be available in the MBGNA gift shop.
Instructor: Rich Wieske of Green Toe Gardens in Royal Oak. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
8/1/2009 - Beekeeping - class five |
| Dates: date in August to be determined |
| Fee: $20.00 (
$18.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-25f |
| Description: This hands-on, step-by-step series in beekeeping is geared to those interested in starting their own hives.
In Sessions 4 & 5 participants visit hives and experience a hands-on session on how to check a hive.
Additional cost to start your own hive. Recommended reading: First Lessons in Beekeeping, by Keith Delaplane. This will be available in the MBGNA gift shop.
Instructor: Rich Wieske of Green Toe Gardens in Royal Oak. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
9/1/2009 - Beekeeping - class six |
| Dates: date in September to be determined |
| Fee: $20.00 (
$18.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-AE-25g |
| Description: This hands-on, step-by-step series in beekeeping is geared to those interested in starting their own hives.
Session 6 covers honey harvesting and a visit to area hives.
Additional cost to start your own hive. Recommended reading: First Lessons in Beekeeping, by Keith Delaplane. This will be available in the MBGNA gift shop.
Instructor: Rich Wieske of Green Toe Gardens in Royal Oak. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
6/6/2009 - Special Gaffield Children’s Garden Planting Day! |
| Dates: Saturday June 6th from 10am to 12pm |
| Fee: $3.00 (
$3.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-YE-17 |
| Description: Join us for a special morning of gardening! Kids started seeds in March, and now it’s time to plant the seedlings in the garden. We’ll learn together how to prepare a garden bed and children will receive a few seedlings in a container to plant at home. After our good work, we’ll have a snack and admire our newly planted garden!
For children ages 6-12, class size limited to 12 children. Dress for the weather, we’ll plant even in light rain (plants love it!). |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
6/24/2009 - Celebrate Pollinators Week!
At Nichols Arboretum |
| Dates: Wednesday June 24th from 6 to 8pm |
| Fee: $2.00 (
$2.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-YE-18A |
| Description: Don’t you love fresh strawberries in the summer? Then you can thank a pollinator! Discover why pollinators are so important to us and search for different kinds of pollinators. We’ll take insect nets, bug boxes and sketch pads on our search for the different insects and animals that pollinate the flowers and other plants at Nichols Arboretum and at Matthaei Botanical Garden.
Fee: $2.00/participant
Wednesday evening (6/24) meets at Nichols Arboretum |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
6/27/2009 - Celebrate Pollinators Week!
At Matthaei Botanical Gardens |
| Dates: Saturday June 27th from 10am to 12pm |
| Fee: $2.00 (
$2.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-YE-18B |
| Description: Don’t you love fresh strawberries in the summer? Then you can thank a pollinator! Discover why pollinators are so important to us and search for different kinds of pollinators. We’ll take insect nets, bug boxes and sketch pads on our search for the different insects and animals that pollinate the flowers and other plants at Nichols Arboretum and at Matthaei Botanical Garden.
Fee: $2.00/participant
Saturday morning (6/27 ) meets at Gaffield Children’s Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
7/8/2009 - Summer fun hike: Kids’ hike and treasure hunt
at Nichols Arboretum |
| Dates: Tuesday July 7th from 6 to 8pm |
| Fee: $2.00 (
$2.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-YE-19A |
| Description: Take a guided hike through the hills and valleys at Nichols Arboretum. Discover how the changing evening light creates special shadows and colors, and listen for summer evening sounds. Come explore the hills, woods and wetlands. Go on a treasure hunt for flowers, make a paper flower or leaf garland to take home.
Fee: $2.00/participant
July 8th 6:00-8:00pm at Nichols Arboretum |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
7/11/2009 - Summer fun hike: Kids’ hike and treasure hunt
at Matthaei Botanical Gardens |
| Dates: Saturday July 11th from 10am to 12pm |
| Fee: $2.00 (
$2.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-YE-19B |
| Description: Take a guided hike at the Gardens through along the Sam Graham Trees trail. Look for the nooks and crannies where plants and animals take refuge from the summer heat. Explore the constructed wetland and the creek trail.
Fee: $2.00/participant
July 11th 10:00am-12noon at Matthaei Botanical Gardens |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
8/12/2009 - Winged Beauties: Butterflies and Moths at the Gaffield Children's Garden |
| Dates: Wednesday August 12th from 6 to 8pm |
| Fee: $2.00 (
$2.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-YE-20A |
| Description: Gather at the Gaffield Children’s Garden and hike along the Butterfly trail. Learn about the butterflies and moths that visit the plants here and make your own Butterfly stamp book to take home.
Fee: $2.00/participant
At Matthaei Botanical Gardens |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |
8/15/2009 - Winged Beauties: Butterflies and Moths at the Gaffield Children's Garden |
| Dates: Saturday August 15th from 10am to 12pm |
| Fee: $2.00 (
$2.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 09-YE-20B |
| Description: Gather at the Gaffield Children’s Garden and hike along the Butterfly trail. Learn about the butterflies and moths that visit the plants here and make your own Butterfly stamp book to take home.
Fee: $2.00/participannt
At Matthaei Botanical Gardens |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
| |