Saturday, September 10, 9 am - 11 am, Cafferty Building
Stephanie Shepherd, Wildlife Diversity Biologist, Iowa DNR, will lead a discussion about pollinators, their habits, habitat, and importance. One out of every three bites of food we eat relies on pollinators, mostly insects, to reproduce. Unfortunately, bees (colony and solitary), butterflies and moths, bats, birds and beetles are facing challenges due to habitat loss, disease, parasites and pesticides. Stephanie will share her knowledge and tips for helping pollinators in our backyards and gardens. She will emphasize diversification, use of native plant material, and landscape varieties. She will share many resources and guide a walk through Arboretum gardens pointing out best practices and reviewing plant identification.

Sunday, September 11, 1 pm - 3 pm, Hughes Education Center
Our presenter, Susan Siev, takes inspiration from the natural world of birds and plants-most especially flowers. Here's an opportunity for you to learn about pressed flowers from her. What flowers are best for pressing? When is it best to collect them? What equipment is needed? What are some elements of design to consider? Susan will show you how to combine pressed flowers with paper crafts so you can keep some of summer all year long. You will make a bookmark to take home. And you will leave with ideas for additional projects. Some may become gifts to give away. The glory of this class is that Susan has already collected and pressed all the flowers. You don't need to bring anything except tweezers.
Susan is a Master Gardener Intern and Iowa Arboretum volunteer.

Sunday, October 9, 1:00-3:00, Cafferty Building
This writing experience mixes direct instruction with playful experimentation. It's for beginners, journal jotters, author wannabes, and anyone curious about how the writing process unfolds. We'll start by exploring the Iowa Arboretum and finding words to convey a sense of place. Along the way Nan Bonfils will give you prompts for jumpstarting your writing and strategies for propelling it. You will not be obliged to share your writing although you will be welcome to do so. You will leave with three pieces for your portfolio and inspiration for more.
The workshop is designed for adults. Students of high school age can also enroll. Please dress to spend time outdoors and bring a chair for sitting outside.
Nan is our Education Coordinator. She co-directed and taught at the East Asia Writing Project.

Saturday, October 22, 9 am - 11 am, Hughes Education Center
Do the deer munch your hostas? Do chipmunks sabotage your landscaping? Rabbits, raccoons, moles, ground hogs and squirrels, just to name a few can all make gardening perilous. But there are ways to successfully coexist with the creatures in our backyards and farms. Jim Pease, Associate Professor Emeritus ISU, will talk about some principles of gardening with wildlife in mind. He says you must recognize the invaders, identify the damage they are doing, learn about the animal, and change the circumstances of the habitat.  These changes might include exclusion, scare tactics, repellents, or removal. Come get the details from a man with four decades of experience. Bring your questions.

Sunday, October 23, any time between 1 pm and 3 pm, Cafferty Building
What do trees and dogs have in common? Bark if you know the answer. It's our first ever WOOF WALK - a fun afternoon for canines and the people who love them. Bring your dog for a little socializing with others as you walk a trail of dog riddles that are sure to make you smile. No dog, no problem. You will still get exercise, meet new people, and grin. Refreshments, light-hearted contests, ECO Weave participation, and small door prizes await you. Nan Bonfils and Tobey are your hosts.

Free for members.

Saturday, November 5, 9 AM-11 AM, Cafferty Building
After lots of Halloween teasing about bats, Marlene Ehresman, Executive Director of the Iowa Wildlife Center, brings us the scientific perspective. Really, who are these creatures? What are their contributions, needs, and challenges in an ecosystem dominated by people? How can we coexist sustainably? Family friendly for sure, and, yes, there will be bats!

Sunday, November 6, 1 pm-3pm, Cafferty Building
Save the date and register early for our annual fall floral workshop taught by Sandy Gossman.  We guarantee you will take home something you can use right away plus tips from Sandy for quick switch outs to give your piece a fresh look for winter. Sandy will guide you and inspire you to complete a seasonal door decoration for your home. She will also demonstrate how to assemble a companion standing arrangement for your entrance using similar materials. You will leave with enough plant material to complete the second project at home if you wish.
Participants, guided by Arboretum staff, will be allowed to gather plant materials from the Arboretum grounds for this workshop. (That's half the fun.) Please dress so that you can spend some time outdoors and please bring garden clippers and light gloves. All other materials will be provided.

Prices include a $5.00 materials fee.