Instructor: Scott Dean

Wednesdays, July 28, August 4,  11, 18, 25, Sept 1

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each session

Students will learn to identify native mountain flora using a non-technical keying system, while studying characteristics of plant families, the basics of plant community ecology, and both natural and cultural history of the flora of the Blue Ridge.  Our focus will be on wildflowers, but we will also work with trees, and students will become familiar with more technical dichotomous keys as a means of identification.

Dean recommends both "Newcomb's Wildflower Guide" and Swanson's "A Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of the Southern Appalachians."  Students should dress appropriately for walking along trails; water, rain gear and sun protection should always be carried.  Binoculars and fields are a good idea but not required.

Instructor: Elizabeth Ellison

Thursday – Saturday, August 12, 13, 14

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each session

$279 Member/$315 Public

Limit: 12 students

A favorite Arboretum instructor, Elizabeth Ellison leads this course for beginners who have never tried this medium and/or for painters who are still struggling to make their paintings work. After class work in basic technique, theory, design and color, students will spend individual time practicing in the gardens or working on individual projects in the classroom. Ellison's emphasis in the course is "to give encouragement and tools for participants to successfully paint on their own and to explore their unique vision of the natural world." For more information on this instructor visit www.elizabethellisonwatercolors.com. Materials list will be provided.

Instructor: Carlton Burke

Thursdays, Aug 12, 19, 26, Sept 2

1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

$59 Member/$68 Public

Limit: 20 students

Carlton Burke is a local naturalist and educator and operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists. Burke was on staff at the WNC Nature Center for 25 years and currently serves as a field instructor with Muddy Sneakers. Here he discusses Western North Carolina’s abundance of butterfly and moth species. In this class we will focus on the interesting life cycles of these creatures, learn to identify many of the species found in our mountain region, and participate in classroom and field activities relating to learning more about their natural history and methods of attracting them to the home landscape. Fulfills elective requirement for BRN Certificate of Merit.

Instructor: Nina Shippen

Mondays, August 16, 23, 30, & Sept 6

9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

$75 Member/$87 Public

Limit: 12 students

Learn a process of landscape design used by professional designers and apply the principles to your own property; participants in this course will create a landscape plan for installation. Nina Shippen of Hidden Road Landscape Design will host a series of lectures illustrating design process and principles, then students will apply
them to their own spaces during class and at-home time. Shippen will address topics such as circulation, scale, symmetry and pattern, and address conditions such as slope, surface water, sight lines and landscape orientation. Students should bring a site plan of their property, photographers, #2 pencils, and graph paper. Materials list provided.

Instructor: Robert Priddy

$175 Member/$198 Public

Limit: 12 students

Class 1: Sunday, Aug 22, 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Class 2: Monday, Aug 23, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Class 3: Thursday, Aug 26, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Class 4: Sunday, Aug 29, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

This curriculum is designed for beginning photographers who are interested in developing basic skills in photography using the 35mm SLR digital camera. The sessions are a mix of classroom instruction and field exercises in the Arboretum, and include lectures on aperture, shutter speed, and exposure. The focus is to give the students a strong working knowledge of basic photography principles and camera controls. Students will do exercises designed to help them use these new skills to have creative control. Students will need a digital SLR camera with the instruction manual and accessories (lens, batteries, memory cards), and a tripod. A digital point and shoot can be used if it offers manual control but some functions available on a digital SLR may not be available on such a camera.

Instructor: Elizabeth Ellison

Thursday – Saturday, August 26, 27, 28

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day

$279 Member/$315 Public

Limit: 12 students

Elizabeth Ellison leads this intermediate course for students who have had some experience with watercolor painting. This class continues
exploring watercolor techniques in theory, design and color. Students will spend individual time practicing in the gardens or working on individual projects in the classroom. Ellison's emphasis in the course is "to give encouragement and tools for participants to successfully paint on their own and to explore their unique vision of the natural world. For more information, visit: www.elizabethellisonwatercolors.com. Materials list will be provided.

Instructor: Carlton Burke

Wednesdays, Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct 6

1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

$119 Member/$134 Public

Limit: 20 students

In this series of classes, students will learn the basic identification and natural history of many of our mountain wildlife species. Each week we will cover a different group of vertebrate animals – fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds through the use of powerpoint presentations, hands-on activities, worksheets, and by observing live animals in the classroom. Fulfills elective requirement for BRN Certificate of Merit.

Instructor: Linda McCrea

Wednesdays, Sept 1 through Oct 20

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each session

$59 Member/$68 Public

Limit: 16 students

Looking for a few simple, yet effective exercises to do for yourself when you feel aches or pains in your back, neck or shoulders? Here you’ll learn ways to enhance your own overall well-being, restore balance, and relieve stress and discomfort in your body, all within your personal comfort and range of movement - seated, standing, and/or lying on a mat. In this series, we’ll learn self care exercises for back and hips, legs and feet, shoulders and arms, neck and head. McCrea has more than 2500 hours in bodywork training and instruction.

Instructor: Alison Arnold

Thursdays, September 2 & 9

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

$19 Member/$23 Public

This class, for new or newly transplanted gardeners, will teach the “ins and outs” of gardening in the western NC Mountains. Topics
include soil management, plant selection, weather and climate information and the many helpful resources that area available in the region. This class is offered in two sections with the first session in the classroom and the second as a garden walk learning and identifying plants.

Autumn Flora of the Blue Ridge: a 6-week series

Instructor: Scott Dean

Fridays, Sept 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8

9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

$119 Member/$134 Public

For the last seventeen years Dean has been a walk leader for UNCAsheville's annual Wildflower Pilgrimage, as well as leading wildlife and wildflower walks at the Western North Carolina Nature Center and the Arboretum. In this field study students will learn how to identify an unknown plant species, use a technical key, lead a class discussion on a plant family and be introduced to the basic concepts of plant ecology. Fulfills core requirement for BRN Certificate of Merit.

Instructor: Robert Priddy

$175 Member/$198 Public

Limit: 12 students

Class 1: Monday, Sept 6, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Class 2: Tuesday, Sept 7, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Class 3: Thursday, Sept 9, 4:30 p.m. - Sunset
Class 4: Sunday, Sept 12, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

This curriculum is designed for advanced beginning to intermediate photographers who are interested in developing intermediate skills
in photography using the 35mm SLR digital camera. Participants should have a good working knowledge of their cameras. The sessions consist of a mix of classroom instruction and field exercises at the Arboretum. Classroom instruction includes lectures on composition, and seeing and effectively using light in photography, and develop an understanding of how light changes based on time of day and weather conditions. Students will need a digital SLR camera with the instruction manual and accessories (lens, batteries, memory cards), and tripod. A digital point and shoot can be used if it offers manual control but some functions available on a digital
SLR may not available on such a camera. Students should also bring a flash, removable hot shoe flash preferred, and a lens with close focusing capability if possible.

Instructor:  Gary Elben

First Tuesday of each month, September through December

Program fee:  $69 Member/$83 Public 

Want to take advantage of the opportunity to hike in our Southern Appalachian mountains, but not sure how to begin?  Wondering about trail routes, good shoes, orienteering and trail etiquette?  This course leads those new to the area, or new to hiking, through the basics of safe and sustainable hiking techniques.

Instructor Gary Eblen, community outreach director for Diamond Brand Outdoors, leads this series of four monthly hikes that increase in length and difficulty.  With practice in between sessions, participants will be seasoned mountain hikers by summer.  The program fee covers all 4 sessions.  Hikes are held rain or shine, note that some routes may change.

Hike 1:  Arboretum, September 7 from 1-3 p.m.  Short hike after classroom discussion of walking basics.

Hike 2:  Daniel Ridge Loop,October 5 at 10 a.m.  4 mile hike with 600’ elevation gain/loss.

Hike 3:  High Balsam Loop, November 2 at 9 a.m.  Full day hike with areas above 5000’ elevation.

Hike 4:  John Rock Loop, December 7 at 9 a.m. Approximately 5.5 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain/loss.

Instructor: Alexandra Holland

Wednesdays, Sept 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27

9:30 a.m. to Noon each session

$119 Member/$134 Public

Limit: 18 students

Plants have amazing abilities to make their own food, pull water hundreds of feet into the air against gravity, and trick insects and other animals into helping them reproduce. Participants will explore plant structure, function, evolution, classification, and ecology. Blue Ridge Naturalist graduate Alexandra Holland teaches this 20-hour course that is primarily academic lecture with some hands-on activities, short outdoor walks and discussions of practical applications of botanical principles. Fulfills core requirement for BRN Certificate of Merit.

Instructor: Gina Bokmiller

Mondays, Sept 14 through Nov 1

5:30 pm to 6:30 p.m.

$69 Member/$86 Public

Limit: 10 students

Developed by Joseph Pilates, Pilates is an exercise system to strengthen core muscles, increase flexibility and improve overall health. This eight week series, taught by certified Pilates instructor Gina Bokmiller, will focus on key movement and alignment principles and the Pilates basic mat exercises. Every exercise is performed with attention to the breath, proper form and efficient movement patterns. The exercises are relatively safe, low impact and modifications are included in the program. This course is designed for those who have not done Pilates before and who do not have osteoporosis, or significant neck, shoulder or back issues. Participants should bring a foam mat, all other props provided.

Instructor:  Gary Elben

Second Tuesday of each month, September through December

Program fee:  $69 Member/$83 Public 

Want to take advantage of the opportunity to hike in our Southern Appalachian mountains, but not sure how to begin?  Wondering about trail routes, good shoes, orienteering and trail etiquette?  This course leads those new to the area, or new to hiking, through the basics of safe and sustainable hiking techniques.

Instructor Gary Eblen, community outreach director for Diamond Brand Outdoors, leads this series of four monthly hikes that increase in length and difficulty.  With practice in between sessions, participants will be seasoned mountain hikers by summer.  The program fee covers all 4 sessions.  Hikes are held rain or shine, note that some routes may change.

Hike 1:  Arboretum, September 14 from 1-3 p.m.  Short hike after classroom discussion of walking basics.

Hike 2:  Daniel Ridge Loop,October 12 at 10 a.m.  4 mile hike with 600’ elevation gain/loss.

Hike 3:  High Balsam Loop, November 9 at 9 a.m.  Full day hike with areas above 5000’ elevation.

Hike 4:  John Rock Loop, December 14 at 9 a.m. Approximately 5.5 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain/loss.

Instructor: Robert Priddy

Thursday, Sept 16; Thursday, Sept 22, & Friday, Sept 23

4:00 to 7:00 p.m. each session

$125 Member/$144 Public

Limit: 12 students

This curriculum is designed for advanced beginner to intermediate photographers who are interested in developing intermediate skills in close-up and macro photography using the 35mm SLR digital camera. Participants should have a good working knowledge of their cameras. The sessions consist of a mix of classroom instruction and field exercises at the Arboretum. Classroom instruction includes lecture on equipment requirements, light and managing backgrounds, and working with flowers and insects. Students will need a digital SLR camera with the instruction manual and accessories (lens, batteries, memory cards), and a quality tripod. A digital point and shoot can be used if it offers manual control but some functions available on a digital SLR may not be available on such a camera. Students should also bring a flash, removable hot shoe flash preferred, and a lens with close focusing capability if possible. Students who do not have a close focusing lens are encouraged to wait until after the first session to make a purchase, as equipment will be covered on September 16.

Instructor:  Bob Fesser

Tuesdays, September 28 through November 3

3:45 to 5 p.m. each session

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art which can be a low-impact form of exercise suitable for all ages.  Experienced instructor Bob Fesser will teach the 42 Movement Tai Chi form designed by Dr. Paul Lam and adopted by the Arthritis Foundation of America as an approved exercise program. 

While this Tai Chi form has been designed for folks with arthritis, anyone can gain its health benefits of flexibility, balance, strength and stress reduction.  Slow, graceful, low-impact movements and unique footwork characterize this basic form.  Feeser is a certified Senior Trainer in the Tai Chi for Health Association. 

Instructor: Carlton Burke

Tuesdays, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26

1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

$59 Member/$68 Public

Limit: 20 students

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. These creatures have often been misunderstood--even by seasoned nature enthusiasts. In truth, these interesting animals occupy an important niche in our mountain forests. In this class the student will be introduced to the many varied “herp” species found in our mountain region and meet many of them alive and up-close as we learn about their identification, natural history, and place in the ecosystem. Fulfills elective requirement for BRN Certificate of Merit.

Instructor:  Jim Morrison

Wednesday and Thursday, October 27 and 28

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days.

$175 Member/$198 Public

Limit:  18 students

This curriculum is designed for people that have some experience in painting.  There will be one painting project for each day.  Morrison will emphasize composition, color and value.  The techniques to create texture, shape and form of trees, mountains, skies and other elements of the scene will be presented.  Photo images will be provided to use for reference.  The objectives of the course include learning to create a focal point using color, mood and perspective.  Morrison is a Signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and teaches often in the mountain region. Materials list provided.

Instructor: Kathie Roig

Thursday, October 28 and Friday, October 29

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day

$90 Member/$106 Public

Limit: 12 students

Using a nature photograph or postcard as a guide for color and texture, participants will weave a small "tapestry" using a simple frame loom. Students will learn how to mix colors and textures using a wide selection of yarns, and instructor Roig will explore further expression through embellishments. Frame and yarns supplied, and this class is suitable for weavers and non-weavers alike. Kathie is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and her studio/gallery, KMR Handwoven, is located in the Riverwood Shops in Dillsboro, N. Carolina. Her work can also be found at The Bascom in Highlands, NC; and Textures Gallery in Waynesville.

Instructor: Brian Upchurch of Highland Creek Nursery

Saturday and Sunday, November 6 and 7

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day

$195 Member/$225 Public

Limit: 18 students

Instructor: Diane Almond

Saturdays, November 6, 13, 20

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

$39 Member/$45 Public

Diane Almond is a certified Master Beekeeper and has been keeping bees for 10 years. This class is for folks who are considering becoming backyard or hobbyist beekeepers. We will address time, money, space and equipment required to get started to help people understand ‘what they are getting into.’ We will learn about colony life cycles; honey plants and production; management protocols and issues for keeping healthy hives. North Carolina has more individual hobby beekeepers per capita than any other state, and our region has some of the finest nectar sources for honey. Beekeeping has a fascinating 3000 year history and good beekeepers are needed today more than ever.