
Hidden in Plain Sight
Hands-on nature lesson on animal camouflage and survival tactics, led by naturalist and environmental educator Eric Young. Expect guided outdoor observation challenges on the arboretum grounds that sharpen spotting skills for hidden wildlife.
Similar Events

Hands-on autumn plant walk through the Arboretum focused on identifying wildflowers by key traits, flower families, and lookalike clues. Learn practical field methods and tools for narrowing down tricky species in real time.

Hands-on autumn plant walk through the Arboretum focused on identifying wildflowers by key traits, flower families, and lookalike clues. Learn practical field methods and tools for narrowing down tricky species in real time.
Hands-on autumn plant walk through the Arboretum focused on identifying wildflowers by key traits, flower families, and lookalike clues. Learn practical field methods and tools for narrowing down tricky species in real time.

Hands-on wildflower identification walk through the Arboretum with practical tips for spotting plant families and narrowing tricky species. Practice using easy field tools and Newcomb’s guide to key out less common blooms.

Hands-on wildflower identification walk through the Arboretum with practical tips for spotting plant families and narrowing tricky species. Practice using easy field tools and Newcomb’s guide to key out less common blooms.
Hands-on wildflower identification walk through the Arboretum with practical tips for spotting plant families and narrowing tricky species. Practice using easy field tools and Newcomb’s guide to key out less common blooms.

After-dark naturalist program exploring Grandfather Mountain’s forests and trails with a focus on nocturnal wildlife, ecology, and night-sky observation. Expect guided interpretation, low-light walking, and hands-on nature learning in a mountain setting.

After-dark naturalist program exploring Grandfather Mountain’s forests and trails with a focus on nocturnal wildlife, ecology, and night-sky observation. Expect guided interpretation, low-light walking, and hands-on nature learning in a mountain setting.
After-dark naturalist program exploring Grandfather Mountain’s forests and trails with a focus on nocturnal wildlife, ecology, and night-sky observation. Expect guided interpretation, low-light walking, and hands-on nature learning in a mountain setting.

Hands-on plein air painting instruction set among the NC Arboretum’s gardens, with guidance from artist Erika Busse. Create an original Appalachian inspired outdoor artwork while learning composition, color, and brushwork in natural light.

Hands-on plein air painting instruction set among the NC Arboretum’s gardens, with guidance from artist Erika Busse. Create an original Appalachian inspired outdoor artwork while learning composition, color, and brushwork in natural light.
Hands-on plein air painting instruction set among the NC Arboretum’s gardens, with guidance from artist Erika Busse. Create an original Appalachian inspired outdoor artwork while learning composition, color, and brushwork in natural light.
A slow, sensory forest bathing walk through the North Carolina Arboretum’s landscaped trails, designed for calm attention to sounds, scents, and textures. Expect a restorative nature immersion led by Asheville Wellness Tours.
A slow, sensory forest bathing walk through the North Carolina Arboretum’s landscaped trails, designed for calm attention to sounds, scents, and textures. Expect a restorative nature immersion led by Asheville Wellness Tours.
A slow, sensory forest bathing walk through the North Carolina Arboretum’s landscaped trails, designed for calm attention to sounds, scents, and textures. Expect a restorative nature immersion led by Asheville Wellness Tours.

A free, volunteer led walk through botanically diverse woodland trails, moving across multiple forest types in small groups. Seasonal interpretive stops cover wildflowers, tree and plant identification, and local natural history.

A free, volunteer led walk through botanically diverse woodland trails, moving across multiple forest types in small groups. Seasonal interpretive stops cover wildflowers, tree and plant identification, and local natural history.
A free, volunteer led walk through botanically diverse woodland trails, moving across multiple forest types in small groups. Seasonal interpretive stops cover wildflowers, tree and plant identification, and local natural history.

Gentle guided walks through mixed hardwood and evergreen canopy, emphasizing slow sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and nature-based stress relief suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

Gentle guided walks through mixed hardwood and evergreen canopy, emphasizing slow sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and nature-based stress relief suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
Gentle guided walks through mixed hardwood and evergreen canopy, emphasizing slow sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and nature-based stress relief suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

Field-based instruction on identifying edible Appalachian plants and fungi, with safety tips and ethical harvesting practices. Practical outdoor lessons emphasize seasonal wild foods, habitat awareness, and confident identification skills.

Field-based instruction on identifying edible Appalachian plants and fungi, with safety tips and ethical harvesting practices. Practical outdoor lessons emphasize seasonal wild foods, habitat awareness, and confident identification skills.
Field-based instruction on identifying edible Appalachian plants and fungi, with safety tips and ethical harvesting practices. Practical outdoor lessons emphasize seasonal wild foods, habitat awareness, and confident identification skills.

Seasonal birding walk focused on September fall migration, spotting warblers, hawks, and other songbirds moving through the Hickory Nut Gap landscape. Expect binocular-friendly wildlife viewing, field ID tips, and a relaxed pace for all levels.

Seasonal birding walk focused on September fall migration, spotting warblers, hawks, and other songbirds moving through the Hickory Nut Gap landscape. Expect binocular-friendly wildlife viewing, field ID tips, and a relaxed pace for all levels.
Seasonal birding walk focused on September fall migration, spotting warblers, hawks, and other songbirds moving through the Hickory Nut Gap landscape. Expect binocular-friendly wildlife viewing, field ID tips, and a relaxed pace for all levels.

Hands-on mushroom identification class with specimen study indoors, then a guided walk through the Botanical Garden to spot common Southern Appalachian fungi. Covers safety, edible and medicinal uses, regional species ID, and bring-your-own finds for discussion.

Hands-on mushroom identification class with specimen study indoors, then a guided walk through the Botanical Garden to spot common Southern Appalachian fungi. Covers safety, edible and medicinal uses, regional species ID, and bring-your-own finds for discussion.
Hands-on mushroom identification class with specimen study indoors, then a guided walk through the Botanical Garden to spot common Southern Appalachian fungi. Covers safety, edible and medicinal uses, regional species ID, and bring-your-own finds for discussion.

A guided foraging stroll focused on identifying wild edible plants and seasonal foods while learning safe harvesting basics. Social, beginner friendly walk that builds local nature knowledge through hands on observation.

A guided foraging stroll focused on identifying wild edible plants and seasonal foods while learning safe harvesting basics. Social, beginner friendly walk that builds local nature knowledge through hands on observation.
A guided foraging stroll focused on identifying wild edible plants and seasonal foods while learning safe harvesting basics. Social, beginner friendly walk that builds local nature knowledge through hands on observation.

Hands-on mycology walk through garden trails focused on identifying common Southern Appalachian mushroom groups and their key field marks. Expect seasonal fungi spotting, safety-minded ID tips, and naturalist-style discussion in an outdoor setting.

Hands-on mycology walk through garden trails focused on identifying common Southern Appalachian mushroom groups and their key field marks. Expect seasonal fungi spotting, safety-minded ID tips, and naturalist-style discussion in an outdoor setting.
Hands-on mycology walk through garden trails focused on identifying common Southern Appalachian mushroom groups and their key field marks. Expect seasonal fungi spotting, safety-minded ID tips, and naturalist-style discussion in an outdoor setting.

Kid-focused behind-the-scenes wildlife experience with an animal ambassador and keeper-style lessons on daily animal care. Includes day admission and a same-day gift shop discount; adult accompaniment required for ages 5–12.

Kid-focused behind-the-scenes wildlife experience with an animal ambassador and keeper-style lessons on daily animal care. Includes day admission and a same-day gift shop discount; adult accompaniment required for ages 5–12.
Kid-focused behind-the-scenes wildlife experience with an animal ambassador and keeper-style lessons on daily animal care. Includes day admission and a same-day gift shop discount; adult accompaniment required for ages 5–12.
A midday lunch and learn exploring the sacred connections between earth, sky, and sea through reflective storytelling and nature-based insight. Ideal for seekers of eco-spirituality and contemplative connection to the natural world.
A midday lunch and learn exploring the sacred connections between earth, sky, and sea through reflective storytelling and nature-based insight. Ideal for seekers of eco-spirituality and contemplative connection to the natural world.
A midday lunch and learn exploring the sacred connections between earth, sky, and sea through reflective storytelling and nature-based insight. Ideal for seekers of eco-spirituality and contemplative connection to the natural world.
Hands-on pruning demonstration in the PPLG garden at the NC Arboretum, focusing on practical do’s and don’ts to avoid common plant care mistakes. Expect tool and technique guidance for shaping and maintaining healthy garden plants.
Hands-on pruning demonstration in the PPLG garden at the NC Arboretum, focusing on practical do’s and don’ts to avoid common plant care mistakes. Expect tool and technique guidance for shaping and maintaining healthy garden plants.
Hands-on pruning demonstration in the PPLG garden at the NC Arboretum, focusing on practical do’s and don’ts to avoid common plant care mistakes. Expect tool and technique guidance for shaping and maintaining healthy garden plants.

In-the-field birdwatching course at Grandfather Mountain centered on the wonders of seasonal migration. Expect naturalist-led identification practice, migration ecology insights, and time outdoors scanning ridgelines and forests for traveling species.

In-the-field birdwatching course at Grandfather Mountain centered on the wonders of seasonal migration. Expect naturalist-led identification practice, migration ecology insights, and time outdoors scanning ridgelines and forests for traveling species.
In-the-field birdwatching course at Grandfather Mountain centered on the wonders of seasonal migration. Expect naturalist-led identification practice, migration ecology insights, and time outdoors scanning ridgelines and forests for traveling species.

A social group walk with the Asheville Amblers on the NC Arboretum’s garden paths and forest trails, timed for the weekend of the annual plant show. Expect an easygoing outdoor meetup focused on fresh air and community connection.

A social group walk with the Asheville Amblers on the NC Arboretum’s garden paths and forest trails, timed for the weekend of the annual plant show. Expect an easygoing outdoor meetup focused on fresh air and community connection.
A social group walk with the Asheville Amblers on the NC Arboretum’s garden paths and forest trails, timed for the weekend of the annual plant show. Expect an easygoing outdoor meetup focused on fresh air and community connection.

A short guided hike into a mature Appalachian mountainside forest in Weaverville blends forest bathing, quiet presence with trees, and nature-based reflection. Expect periods of silence plus gentle sharing focused on roots, grounding, and reconnecting with Mother Earth.

A short guided hike into a mature Appalachian mountainside forest in Weaverville blends forest bathing, quiet presence with trees, and nature-based reflection. Expect periods of silence plus gentle sharing focused on roots, grounding, and reconnecting with Mother Earth.
A short guided hike into a mature Appalachian mountainside forest in Weaverville blends forest bathing, quiet presence with trees, and nature-based reflection. Expect periods of silence plus gentle sharing focused on roots, grounding, and reconnecting with Mother Earth.

Hands-on archery fundamentals with close coaching on stance, draw, aiming, and release, plus clear range safety and equipment guidance. A structured two-hour session at an indoor training range geared to first-timers.

Hands-on archery fundamentals with close coaching on stance, draw, aiming, and release, plus clear range safety and equipment guidance. A structured two-hour session at an indoor training range geared to first-timers.
Hands-on archery fundamentals with close coaching on stance, draw, aiming, and release, plus clear range safety and equipment guidance. A structured two-hour session at an indoor training range geared to first-timers.

Early-morning quiet hours bring a low-noise pause to the gardens and trails, with maintenance equipment silenced for a calmer soundscape. Wander, sit, and breathe in a slow-paced nature immersion designed for mindful reflection.

Early-morning quiet hours bring a low-noise pause to the gardens and trails, with maintenance equipment silenced for a calmer soundscape. Wander, sit, and breathe in a slow-paced nature immersion designed for mindful reflection.
Early-morning quiet hours bring a low-noise pause to the gardens and trails, with maintenance equipment silenced for a calmer soundscape. Wander, sit, and breathe in a slow-paced nature immersion designed for mindful reflection.