
Geology of the Blue Ridge I
Four-hour introductory geology course covering Earth’s interior, plate tectonics, and a formation model for the Southern Appalachian Mountains, combining lectures, discussions, and self-guided field explorations.
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Deep-dive into a model of Southern Appalachian mountain building with focused overviews of earthquakes, mass movements, and floods, concluding with a case study of the Spruce Pine Mining District and the 2020 Sparta earthquake.

Deep-dive into a model of Southern Appalachian mountain building with focused overviews of earthquakes, mass movements, and floods, concluding with a case study of the Spruce Pine Mining District and the 2020 Sparta earthquake.
Deep-dive into a model of Southern Appalachian mountain building with focused overviews of earthquakes, mass movements, and floods, concluding with a case study of the Spruce Pine Mining District and the 2020 Sparta earthquake.

Hands-on field identification of common Western North Carolina trees using leaf, bark, and bud characteristics plus field guides while walking arboretum trails to observe early spring leaf out; outdoor class on easy paths, beginner friendly.

Hands-on field identification of common Western North Carolina trees using leaf, bark, and bud characteristics plus field guides while walking arboretum trails to observe early spring leaf out; outdoor class on easy paths, beginner friendly.
Hands-on field identification of common Western North Carolina trees using leaf, bark, and bud characteristics plus field guides while walking arboretum trails to observe early spring leaf out; outdoor class on easy paths, beginner friendly.

Engaging illustrated talk exploring ecological interrelationships through storytelling, slides, and participatory activities that reveal plant and animal habitat connections, ideal for curious adults and families seeking nature education.

Engaging illustrated talk exploring ecological interrelationships through storytelling, slides, and participatory activities that reveal plant and animal habitat connections, ideal for curious adults and families seeking nature education.
Engaging illustrated talk exploring ecological interrelationships through storytelling, slides, and participatory activities that reveal plant and animal habitat connections, ideal for curious adults and families seeking nature education.

Paint an original landscape from direct observation in a two-hour, beginner-friendly workshop focused on composition, color mixing, and translating outdoor sketches into a finished piece.

Paint an original landscape from direct observation in a two-hour, beginner-friendly workshop focused on composition, color mixing, and translating outdoor sketches into a finished piece.
Paint an original landscape from direct observation in a two-hour, beginner-friendly workshop focused on composition, color mixing, and translating outdoor sketches into a finished piece.

Beginner-focused botanical illustration workshop teaching line work, shading, contour composition, and pen and ink techniques across four weekly sessions at the North Carolina Arboretum with guided studio practice and plant reference studies.

Beginner-focused botanical illustration workshop teaching line work, shading, contour composition, and pen and ink techniques across four weekly sessions at the North Carolina Arboretum with guided studio practice and plant reference studies.
Beginner-focused botanical illustration workshop teaching line work, shading, contour composition, and pen and ink techniques across four weekly sessions at the North Carolina Arboretum with guided studio practice and plant reference studies.

Guided shinrin-yoku walks through Blue Ridge forest at The North Carolina Arboretum, using slow-paced sensory practices—breathwork, mindful listening, and gentle movement—to reduce stress and deepen connection with seasonal mountain ecology.

Guided shinrin-yoku walks through Blue Ridge forest at The North Carolina Arboretum, using slow-paced sensory practices—breathwork, mindful listening, and gentle movement—to reduce stress and deepen connection with seasonal mountain ecology.
Guided shinrin-yoku walks through Blue Ridge forest at The North Carolina Arboretum, using slow-paced sensory practices—breathwork, mindful listening, and gentle movement—to reduce stress and deepen connection with seasonal mountain ecology.

Illustrated lecture on the natural history, ecology, and conservation of regional salamanders, covering habitat threats, monitoring methods, and community science opportunities for adult learners with practical guidance for local stewardship.

Illustrated lecture on the natural history, ecology, and conservation of regional salamanders, covering habitat threats, monitoring methods, and community science opportunities for adult learners with practical guidance for local stewardship.
Illustrated lecture on the natural history, ecology, and conservation of regional salamanders, covering habitat threats, monitoring methods, and community science opportunities for adult learners with practical guidance for local stewardship.

Hands on three hour workshop guiding selection of native plants for pollinators, larval host insects, cut flowers, ornamental displays, and edible landscaping. Practical planning exercises focus on low maintenance, ecologically rich garden design.

Hands on three hour workshop guiding selection of native plants for pollinators, larval host insects, cut flowers, ornamental displays, and edible landscaping. Practical planning exercises focus on low maintenance, ecologically rich garden design.
Hands on three hour workshop guiding selection of native plants for pollinators, larval host insects, cut flowers, ornamental displays, and edible landscaping. Practical planning exercises focus on low maintenance, ecologically rich garden design.

Hands on springtime foraging walk through Appalachian woodlands teaching identification of wild edible plants, seasonal uses, sustainable harvesting techniques, and safety tips for beginner foragers led by local experts.

Hands on springtime foraging walk through Appalachian woodlands teaching identification of wild edible plants, seasonal uses, sustainable harvesting techniques, and safety tips for beginner foragers led by local experts.
Hands on springtime foraging walk through Appalachian woodlands teaching identification of wild edible plants, seasonal uses, sustainable harvesting techniques, and safety tips for beginner foragers led by local experts.

Beginner friendly hands-on field workshop focused on nature photography in Linville, combining outdoor composition techniques, natural light mastery, and landscape and close-up shots across forests and overlooks over a weekend.

Beginner friendly hands-on field workshop focused on nature photography in Linville, combining outdoor composition techniques, natural light mastery, and landscape and close-up shots across forests and overlooks over a weekend.
Beginner friendly hands-on field workshop focused on nature photography in Linville, combining outdoor composition techniques, natural light mastery, and landscape and close-up shots across forests and overlooks over a weekend.

Nighttime guided walk through The North Carolina Arboretum to locate frogs, toads, and salamanders by their calls and flashlight beams; naturalists discuss species, habitats, and detection techniques.

Nighttime guided walk through The North Carolina Arboretum to locate frogs, toads, and salamanders by their calls and flashlight beams; naturalists discuss species, habitats, and detection techniques.
Nighttime guided walk through The North Carolina Arboretum to locate frogs, toads, and salamanders by their calls and flashlight beams; naturalists discuss species, habitats, and detection techniques.

Intensive daylong immersion teaching foundational herbalism: plant identification, sustainable foraging, and hands on apothecary skills like tinctures and salves, tailored for beginners seeking practical folk medicine know-how and community practice.

Intensive daylong immersion teaching foundational herbalism: plant identification, sustainable foraging, and hands on apothecary skills like tinctures and salves, tailored for beginners seeking practical folk medicine know-how and community practice.
Intensive daylong immersion teaching foundational herbalism: plant identification, sustainable foraging, and hands on apothecary skills like tinctures and salves, tailored for beginners seeking practical folk medicine know-how and community practice.
Exploratory talk on the transformative role of art and ornament in garden design, highlighting ornamental accents and placement strategies to turn landscapes from beautiful into unforgettable at a local nursery.
Exploratory talk on the transformative role of art and ornament in garden design, highlighting ornamental accents and placement strategies to turn landscapes from beautiful into unforgettable at a local nursery.
Exploratory talk on the transformative role of art and ornament in garden design, highlighting ornamental accents and placement strategies to turn landscapes from beautiful into unforgettable at a local nursery.

Interactive workshop exploring mountain microclimates, extreme weather drivers, and regional climate trends with forecasting demos, data analysis, and community science activities geared toward students and local stakeholders.

Interactive workshop exploring mountain microclimates, extreme weather drivers, and regional climate trends with forecasting demos, data analysis, and community science activities geared toward students and local stakeholders.
Interactive workshop exploring mountain microclimates, extreme weather drivers, and regional climate trends with forecasting demos, data analysis, and community science activities geared toward students and local stakeholders.

Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.

Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.
Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.

Guided community foraging walks through urban and forested Asheville greenspaces identifying seasonal wild edibles, hands on plant id, and ethical harvest techniques for a beginner friendly, participatory nature skills experience.

Guided community foraging walks through urban and forested Asheville greenspaces identifying seasonal wild edibles, hands on plant id, and ethical harvest techniques for a beginner friendly, participatory nature skills experience.
Guided community foraging walks through urban and forested Asheville greenspaces identifying seasonal wild edibles, hands on plant id, and ethical harvest techniques for a beginner friendly, participatory nature skills experience.

Layered gel plate monoprints exploring texture, serendipity, and a wabi sabi embrace of imperfection. Hands on printmaking techniques, collage and color exploration for beginners and makers at Trackside Studios.

Layered gel plate monoprints exploring texture, serendipity, and a wabi sabi embrace of imperfection. Hands on printmaking techniques, collage and color exploration for beginners and makers at Trackside Studios.
Layered gel plate monoprints exploring texture, serendipity, and a wabi sabi embrace of imperfection. Hands on printmaking techniques, collage and color exploration for beginners and makers at Trackside Studios.
Hands on terrarium building workshop with demonstrations of terrarium tools and step by step instruction for creating your own mini glass ecosystem; ideal for beginners learning plant selection, layering techniques, and basic care.
Hands on terrarium building workshop with demonstrations of terrarium tools and step by step instruction for creating your own mini glass ecosystem; ideal for beginners learning plant selection, layering techniques, and basic care.
Hands on terrarium building workshop with demonstrations of terrarium tools and step by step instruction for creating your own mini glass ecosystem; ideal for beginners learning plant selection, layering techniques, and basic care.
Quiet, guided forest bathing among mature pines and rhododendrons, blending gentle movement, deep breathwork, and mindful sensory awareness for a restorative afternoon of nature immersion.
Quiet, guided forest bathing among mature pines and rhododendrons, blending gentle movement, deep breathwork, and mindful sensory awareness for a restorative afternoon of nature immersion.
Quiet, guided forest bathing among mature pines and rhododendrons, blending gentle movement, deep breathwork, and mindful sensory awareness for a restorative afternoon of nature immersion.
Hands-on beginner workshop focused on mountain microclimates, soil preparation, and seasonal plant selection for Western North Carolina gardens. Led by Cooperative Extension educators with practical tips for starting raised beds, containers, and timing.
Hands-on beginner workshop focused on mountain microclimates, soil preparation, and seasonal plant selection for Western North Carolina gardens. Led by Cooperative Extension educators with practical tips for starting raised beds, containers, and timing.
Hands-on beginner workshop focused on mountain microclimates, soil preparation, and seasonal plant selection for Western North Carolina gardens. Led by Cooperative Extension educators with practical tips for starting raised beds, containers, and timing.