Class Schedule September – December 2024

NEW! Moth Observation Night | September 13 | IN-PERSON

As the moon and stars come out, so do the moths! Join Lepidopterist Clara Aus for a night filled with fun moth activities in the Garden. First, we will set up a moth observation sheet and lamp. Then, as the moths begin to land nearby, we will take photographs, make observations, and attempt to identify and log each one for citizen science on iNaturalist. Moth observation will be supplemented with games, discussion, reference material, and light snacks.

NEW! Gardening for Birds | September 14 | IN-PERSON

By planting bird-friendly plants, you can attract more birds to your garden and support local bird populations! Join Barb and Buz Sawyer, both birdwatchers since childhood, as they share experiences from their own backyard garden, highlight which plants do well in our zone, and suggest ways to attract more species to your garden with a layered approach that focuses on what birds need during their life cycle.

NEW! Fall Planting for Pollinators | September 22 | IN-PERSON

Join entomologist and former Butterflies LIVE! Coordinator, Clara Aus, as she navigates how to best support the local Virginia wildlife with your fall plantings. Take home a fall-blooming native plant and a variety of native seeds, as well as handouts on gardening, pollinators, host plants, and more. Complete with a walk around the Garden to see the pollinators in action, this class is sure to be educational and fun! 

Fall Migration Tour | November 9 | IN-PERSON

Join Garden Guides Buz and Barb Sawyer, both birdwatchers since childhood, for a walk in the Garden to learn about how birds use our 80 acres to rest, refuel, and continue the journey south for the winter. Fall migration can be an exciting happening in the Garden where we provide an oasis for our travel-weary avian friends.

POP-UP! Birding for Beginners | November 16 | IN-PERSON

Join Garden Guides Buz and Barb Sawyer, both birdwatchers since childhood, for a fun-filled and informative morning exploring this enjoyable hobby. We’ll talk about where to go, what to take, which birds are likely to be seen at which time, how to identify birds and how to help birds with conservation techniques.