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.
 3/31/2008 - Plant Identification class |
| Dates: Three Mondays March 31, April 7 and 14
6:30-8:30 pm. |
| Fee: $60.00 (
$48.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-14a |
| Description: This is a wonderful chance for folks who haven’t been able to take a class with Ellen Weatherbee; we are offering this class in the evening for the first time. Learn to use field guides and more complicated botanical texts to improve your skills for identifying wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Learn which books to buy and how to find meanings of Latin words. Emphasis will be on the three volumes of Michigan Flora by Edward G. Voss, as well as other helpful sources. Texts will be furnished for use during class.
Instructor: Ellen Elliot Weatherbee |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 3/31/2008 - Yoga at the Gardens |
| Dates: Six Mondays March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5
Noon to 1:00pm |
| Fee: $60.00 (
$48.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-02c |
| Description: Following Vinyasa Yoga this class is a flowing sequence of sun salutations and postures coordinated with music. Class will be at a moderate pace. For students with yoga experience. Held in the auditorium of Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Please enter from the west entrance and bring a yoga mat and bath-sized towel. You can sign up any time during the session for this class. The cost will be pro-rated based on the $10.00 per class non-member rate ($8.00 Member & UM Students)
Instructor: Janine Bennett |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 4/6/2008 - Great Lakes Plants of Passion Lecture
Trilliums: a talk by Fred Case |
| Dates: Sunday April 6
1:00 to 3:00pm |
| Fee: $15.00 (
$10.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-20 |
| Description: Spend an Afternoon with the man who wrote the book- on Trilliums. Join a much-honored world expert, author and teacher for an extraordinary slide journey and discussion of the beloved Trillium.
Instructor: Fred Case |
| Class Max: 50 |
| registration information |
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| 4/8/2008 - Training Mums into Cascade and Tree Forms |
| Dates: Two Tuesdays, April 8th and May 20th
7:00 to 9:00PM |
| Fee: $40.00 (
$32.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-15 |
| Description: If you saw the fall mum display at the Gardens, were you intrigued by the cascades and trees? If you would like to try your hand at training these interesting forms, join us for a two session class – one in April, and the other in May. During the first class, we will pot up cuttings and outline what needs to be done and when. In the second workshop, we will make the frames for the cascades and stake the trees. You will have an opportunity to experiment. We’ll supply you with the plants, twist ties (lots of twist ties), framework and instructions. Class size will be limited, please register early to assure your spot.
Instructor: Adrienne O’Brien |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 4/17/2008 - A Little Latin Lesson |
| Dates: Thursday April 17
7:00 to 9:00pm |
| Fee: $20.00 (
$16.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-17 |
| Description: Do you suffer from BNAD (Botanical Name Anxiety Disorder)? If so, this is the class for you. You will learn why using botanical names is important. You will be amazed at how many botanical names you already use without knowing it. Even more common names are simply anglicized versions of the Latin. Then we’ll explore some of the botanical names for plants commonly found in home gardens, woods, cityscapes, etc. By the end of the class, you will feel more confident about using botanical names. No memorization, drill work or other drudgery will be involved. This class delighted students last term, it also filled last term, please register early to assure your spot.
Instructor: Dorothea Coleman |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 4/19/2008 - Great Lakes, Plant Passions Lecture
Coastal Plants of the Great Lakes: a talk by Ellen Elliot Weatherbee,
Author of Guide to Great Lakes Coastal Plants, |
| Dates: Saturday April 19, 1:00 to 3:00 PM |
| Fee: $15.00 (
$10.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-19 |
| Description: The coastal (beach) plants of the Great Lakes area are highly attractive and highly specialized in their ability to adapt to the frigid, windswept conditions of winter, the searing temperatures of summer, high and low water levels, and the lack of soil. Some plants are found on almost every beach, while others are specialties of very specific environments. Many protected plants live in the coastal areas, including dwarf lake iris, Houghtons goldenrod, and Lake Huron tansy. Other interesting plants are beach-heath, death camus, gentians, Kalms St. Johns wort, shrubby cinquefoil, and wood lily. The intrigues of the coastal areas are many: how seeds are dispersed, how plants are able to colonize and survive in this hostile environment, and how regulatory policies affect coastal property owners and other users. Learn about the Great Lakes plants from a plant aficionado who has spent considerable time immersed in these fascinating habitats.
Instructor: Ellen Elliot Weatherbee |
| Class Max: 50 |
| registration information |
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| 4/23/2008 - Wed. A.M. Hiker, Spring |
| Dates: Five Wednesdays April 23, 30, May 7, 14, and 21
9:00am to noon |
| Fee: $150.00 (
$120.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-18 |
| Description: Weekly hikes take the inquisitive plant seeker to the more remote habitats of woods and wetlands. Edible plants and mushrooms, as well as the interesting plants and intriguing habitats of little-known and out-of-the-way places, are emphasized in our usual academic, but playful, atmosphere. Potluck lunch the last day. This class fills early!
Instructor: Ellen Elliot Weatherbee |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 4/23/2008 - Wed. A.M. Hiker, Spring |
| Dates: Five Wednesdays April 23, 30, May 7, 14, and 21
9:00am to noon |
| Fee: $150.00 (
$0.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-21 |
| Description: Weekly hikes take the inquisitive plant seeker to the more remote habitats of woods and wetlands. Edible plants and mushrooms, as well as the interesting plants and intriguing habitats of little-known and out-of-the-way places, are emphasized in our usual academic, but playful, atmosphere. Potluck lunch the last day. This class fills early!
Instructor: Ellen Elliot Weatherbee |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 5/10/2008 - Arb Ramble- May |
| Dates: Saturday May 10
10am - noon |
| Fee: $5.00 (
$0.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-29 |
| Description: Join Naturalist Robert Ayotte in a walk though the Arboretum and discover the natural delights that May brings. |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 5/12/2008 - Yoga
Session D |
| Dates: Monday: May 12, 19 June 2, 9, 16, 23
Noon to 1:00pm |
| Fee: $60.00 (
$0.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-22 |
| Description: Vinyasa-style, Hatha Yoga for those who enjoy a flowing sequence of sun salutations and postures coordinated with music. Class will be at a moderate pace with instruction in postures. For students with some yoga experience. Class will be held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Auditorium. Please enter from the west entrance near the large parking lot. Bring a yoga mat and towel.
Instructor: Janine Bennett, Certificate: White Lotus Foundation, Santa Barbara CA, Instructor: Inward Bound, Ann Arbor, MI |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 6/3/2008 - Macro and close-up photography |
| Dates: Tuesday and Thursday June 3 and 5, 7 – 9:00 pm
And Saturday June 8, 9-11:00am |
| Fee: $60.00 (
$0.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-24 |
| Description: Learn how to get better close-ups with your camera using a variety of methods and accessories. This class is aimed at the person that knows something about photography and how to use a camera, but needs instruction on how to achieve better results in macro-photography and close-ups with the camera they have. Lighting, accessories, and techniques will be a large part of the class. Students should bring their camera(s) to the class and whether film or digital, it does not matter, as most of the techniques are applicable to either. Although some of the techniques are applicable to point and shoot cameras, a digital or film SLR user will benefit the most from this class. Lectures will be followed by discussion and hands-on activities.
Instructor Mark O’Brien Entomologist and photo professional (see his work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mfobrien/) |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 6/26/2008 - Drummond Island |
| Dates: June 26 -29 Thursday late afternoon - Sunday morning |
| Fee: $354.00 (
$295.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-25 |
| Description:
Drummond Island, located at the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula is a favorite botanical and hiking site of instructor Ellen Weatherbee. This is the perfect time to investigate the early summer flora, including the flat, limestone areas of alvar flora with prairie smoke and specialized grasses and sedges; the purple cliff brake of the limestone beaches; the orchids of the woods and roadsides; the sundews and pitcher plants of the bogs; the northern plants that are also found in the boreal areas of Canada; and the St.John’s-wort, shrubby cinquefoil, and silverweed of the fens and fen-like beaches. Plants that were used for food and medicine by the Native Americans are still present and will be examined.
Base for the trip is private property with ample place to put up a tent (easy to rent in Ann Arbor or use your own). Much of the island is in public domain, so there are endless places to hike, including the Maxton Plain, an impressive site owned by The Nature Conservancy. Although the island has a small village, including a grocery store, it is still very wild in most areas and a challenge to find your way around without a local guide. Trip information sent after registration, including a class list to facilitate carpooling arrangements. The drive to Detour to catch the ten-minute ferry is about 340 miles (no reservations needed for the ferry; fee is about $15 for vehicle and driver). There will be potlucks both Friday and Saturday nights. June 26 -29 (Thursday: (late |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 6/30/2008 - Yoga
Session E |
| Dates: Monday: June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4
Noon – 1:00pm |
| Fee: $60.00 (
$0.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-23 |
| Description: Vinyasa-style, Hatha Yoga for those who enjoy a flowing sequence of sun salutations and postures coordinated with music. Class will be at a moderate pace with instruction in postures. For students with some yoga experience. Class will be held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Auditorium. Please enter from the west entrance near the large parking lot. Bring a yoga mat and towel.
Instructor: Janine Bennett, Certificate: White Lotus Foundation, Santa Barbara CA, Instructor: Inward Bound, Ann Arbor, MI |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 7/14/2008 - WASTELAND WEEDS |
| Dates: July 14–17, 2008 Monday evening to Thursday afternoon. |
| Fee: $264.00 (
$220.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-26 |
| Description: Join Ed Voss, author of the 3-volume Michigan Flora, for a tasteful tour of dumps, gravel pits, construction sites, roadsides, and other places in the Straits of Mackinac region where some rather rare native plants live with many plants of foreign origin — including noxious invasive species. There will be good opportunity to use these plants to illustrate characters and terminology as found in keys and descriptions. We will camp 3 nights at a rustic State Forest campground on Burt Lake (20 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge).
Participants are responsible for their own camping fees and meals (potluck dinners are easy & fun), starting with dinner and orientation Monday at 6:00 p.m. and ending mid-afternoon Thursday. Further details and suggestions will be sent to all participants.
Each person (or party) will pay (at the campground) their State Forest campground fee which is currently $15.00 per night.
Instructor: Edward G. Voss, Ph.D. Curator Emeritus, Herbarium; Author Michigan Flora |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 9/9/2008 - Michigan Mushrooms – Fall 2008 |
| Dates: Lecture: Tuesdays, September 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:15 – 9:15 pm
Field Trip: Saturdays, September 13, 20, 27, and October 4, 9 am to noon |
| Fee: $185.00 (
$0.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-27 |
| Description: Wild mushrooms are studied through slide lectures which concentrate on their natural history, identifying characteristics, and edible and poisonous qualities. The course also includes field trips to collect mushrooms in four different natural areas. Each trip ends with display, identification, and discussion of the morning's finds, plus sautéing and tasting some of the edibles. Former students may register either for the complete course or for the field trips only.
Instructor: Robert Shaffer, Ph.D., Curator Emeritus of Fungi, Herbarium, U-M; and Jocelyn Shaffer |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 9/13/2008 - Michigan Mushrooms – Fall 2008 |
| Dates: Field Trip: Saturdays, September 13, 20, 27, and October 4, 9 am to noon |
| Fee: $120.00 (
$0.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-28 |
| Description: Wild mushrooms are studied through slide lectures which concentrate on their natural history, identifying characteristics, and edible and poisonous qualities. The course also includes field trips to collect mushrooms in four different natural areas. Each trip ends with display, identification, and discussion of the morning's finds, plus sautéing and tasting some of the edibles. Former students may register either for the complete course or for the field trips only.
Instructor: Robert Shaffer, Ph.D., Curator Emeritus of Fungi, Herbarium, U-M; and Jocelyn Shaffer |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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| 2/9/2020 - Ann Arbor Dance Works "In the Gardens" |
| Dates: Friday, February 9, 2007, 4:30pm. |
| Fee: $8.00 (
$5.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 07-SE-DP-2 |
| Description: A unique dance performance set in the lush indoor conservatory bringing together dancers from several global dance traditions. The dance performance is choreographed and directed by Jessica Fogel and others. Tickets are $5.00 for MBGNA members, children, students and seniors and $8.00 for the general public. |
| Class Max: 40 |
| registration information |
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| 4/12/2008 - April Arb Ramble |
| Dates: Saturday April 12
10am to noon |
| Fee: $5.00 (
$4.00 for members) |
| Class Number: 08-AE-16 |
| Description: Join local naturalist Robert Ayotte on a walk through Nichols Arboretum examining signs of spring with a walk titled “Early Bloomers”
Instructor: Robert Ayotte |
| Class Max: 18 |
| registration information |
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