Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum at the Univeristy of Michigan

Hands-On Museum class at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Expand your knowledge about the natural world, explore a new topic, or learn a new skill by enrolling in one of the many classes we offer through the year. Adult education classes include lecture series, field classes, and garden related topics. We offer family programs that help caregivers guide children (and themselves) in nature study. Programs for scouts or groups of children make learning about plants fun.

Registration is easy and can be done via phone, fax, mail or in person at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Information Desk. Click here to learn more about registration.

Adult Education

10/17/2009 - Joseph Cornell Sharing Nature with Children Session A

Dates: Saturday October 17 from 9am to 5pm

Fee: $90.00 ( $72.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-44W

Description: Teachers, youth group leaders, parents, aunts and uncles here is your chance to learn methods and activities that will enhance children's experiences outside. Joseph Cornell, a renowed nature educator and author of the groundbreaking nature education book Sharing Nature with Children will lead this interactive and engaging workshop. The workshop is 6 hours, and will take place mainly outdoors. Please bring a lunch and snacks, beverages will be provided. Special rate for full time UM students $30.00, other college students may also receive the student rate with proof of full time enrollment. (Workshop is held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens)

Class Max: 55

10/18/2009 - Joseph Cornell Sharing Nature with Children Session B

Dates: Sunday October 18 9am to 5pm

Fee: $90.00 ( $72.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-45W

Description: Teachers, youth group leaders, parents, aunts and uncles here is your chance to learn methods and activities that will enhance children's experiences outside. Joseph Cornell, a renowed nature educator and author of the groundbreaking nature education book "Sharing Nature with Children" will lead this interactive and engaging workshop. The workshop is 6 hours, and will take place mainly outdoors. Please bring a lunch and snacks, beverages will be provided. Special rate for full time UM students $30.00, other college students may also receive the student rate with proof of full time enrollment. (Workshop is held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens)

Class Max: 55

10/21/2009 - Indoor Bulb Forcing

Dates: Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Fee: $60.00 ( $48.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-34

Description: One of the many ways to combat winter dreariness is to force bulbs for continuous color and fragrance. Learn how easy it is to grow perfect pots of flowers. Several pots of bulbs will be planted including amaryllis, daffodils, hyacinth, paper whites, and tulips. Bring a box to take home the pots; everything else is supplied. Lead by Adrienne O’Brien, MBGNA staff member who coordinates plants for the Conservatory special exhibits blooming each spring, fall and winter.

Class Max: 18

10/22/2009 - Stocking the Michigan Pantry

Dates: Thursday October 22, 7-9pm

Fee: $20.00 ( $16.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-41L

Description: Join the farmer's market expert Kim Bayer as she demonstrates the hows and whys of buying local produce and meat and how doing so helps support your local farmers and Michigan's economy, too. Held at the Botanical Gardens. Click here for more information about the Local Table

Class Max: 100

10/26/2009 - Edible Garden Planning & Design

Dates: Monday October 26, 7-9pm

Fee: $20.00 ( $16.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-42L

Description: Most of us of a garden as a place to grow flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants of beauty and sesory interest. But there's more to gardening than pretty flowers. You can create an edible garden, too! Join Erica Kempter of Nature and Nature and Nurture, LLC and learn how to create a landscape both bountiful and beautiful. Held at the Botanical Gardens. Click here for more information about the Local Table

Class Max: 100

10/26/2009 - Yoga at the Gardens: Fall Session II

Dates: 6 Mondays, noon to 1:00, October 26, November 2, 9,16, 23, 30

Fee: $60.00 ( $48.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-35

Description: Vinyasa Yoga is for those who enjoy a flowing sequence of sun salutations and postures coordinated with music. Moderately paced, with emphasis on the integration of breath and movement to increase strength and flexibility. Please enter at the west entrance and bring a yoga mat and bath-sized towel. Registration required.

Class Max: 18

10/28/2009 - 'Tween the Holidays Wednesday Hiker

Dates: Two Wednesdays, October 28 and Novembber 4 9am to noon

Fee: $60.00 ( $48.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-36

Description: Take a relaxing break from holiday preparations to keep botanically sharp and in shape for holiday 'pig-outs'. These field trips feature invigorating hikes to little-known nature areas, state land, or turn-of-the century classic botanical locales. Plants, habitats, and people encountered will be identified and enjoyed. Come dressed for the outdoors for both sessions. Stay the last day for a potluck lunch. Hikes led by Ellen Elliott Weatherbee.

Class Max: 18

11/7/2009 - Introduction to the Art of Pressed Flower Cards

Dates: Saturday, November 7 2009 10am to noon

Fee: $10.00 ( $8.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-37

Description: The old-fashioned craft of pressing flowers helps preserve memories and connect others to our love of nature. Rekindling a tradition, Beth Gilford teaches the art and skill she learned from beloved Garden volunteers Maxine Miles and Catherine Belknap. Beth demonstrates how to create greeting cards with pressed flowers and shares her knowledge of pressing flowers. Participants will take home at least four cards created in class. Preregistration required.

Class Max: 18

11/9/2009 - The 100-Mile Holiday Dinner

Dates: Monday November 9, 7-9pm

Fee: $20.00 ( $16.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-43L

Description: Join Susan Lackey of Washtenaw County Land Trust and learn how to prepare a delicious holiday meal created with ingredients collected or grown within 100 miles of Ann Arbor. Click here for more information about the Local Table

Class Max: 30

12/5/2009 - Holiday Photo Session in the Conservatory

Dates: Saturday Decembber 5 2009 10 am to 4pm

Fee: $45.00 ( $36.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-AE-46p

Description: Holiday Photo Sessions in the Conservatory Sat., Dec. 5, 10 am–4 pm Picture yourself this December during our winter exhibit, when we’ll be offering a one-day photo opportunity in the Conservatory. Nationally recognized photographer Carolyn McCarthy, who specializes in children and family photography, will be on hand for 15-minute mini-photo sessions of up to five people. A great holiday gift idea for friends and family! Nonmembers $45; members $36; pregistration required. Included in the sitting fee will be an online private gallery of your images and online ordering. For more information and to register call 734.647.7600.

Class Max: 18

Register Online
Participant Name:
Participant Age (youth classes only):

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Special Events

~~12/5/2009 - Holiday Photo Sessions~~ Canceled

Dates: Saturday December 5, 10 am to 4 pm

Fee: $45.00 ( $36.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-SE-38

Description: Sat., Dec. 5, 10 am–4 pm Picture yourself this December during our winter exhibit, when we’ll be offering a one-day photo session in the Conservatory. Nationally recognized photographer Carolyn McCarthy, who specializes in children and family photography, will be on hand for 15-minute mini-photo sessions of up to five people. Nonmembers $45; members $36. Included in the sitting fee will be an online private gallery of your images and online ordering. For more information and to register for a sitting call 734.647.7600.

Class Max: 18

Youth Education

10/24/2009 - Build Your Own Scarecrow

Dates: Saturday October 24, 10am - noon

Fee: $5.00 ( $0.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-YE-23

Description: Bring your used children's clothes, hat, gloves, and other materials you'd like and make your own kid-sized scarecrow. We'll provide the straw and necessary materials. Take your "kidcrow" home or enter it in our Scarecrow Contest! For kids ages 6-10, registration required.

Class Max: 25

10/31/2009 - Halloween Spooktacular Workshop

Dates: Saturday, October 31, 10am to noon

Fee: $5.00 ( $0.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-YE-25

Description: Decorate a jack-o-lantern and learn how to make your own pumpkin seeds, decorate cut-out bats, and vote for your favoriate scarecrow! Plus, learn what vegetables kids in other countries use to make jack-o-lantern. What local veggies could we decorate? For kids ages 6-12.

Class Max: 20

11/14/2009 - What Do We Do With All These Apples?

Dates: Saturday November 14th, 10am to noon.

Fee: $5.00 ( $5.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-YE-24

Description: There's more than one way to eat an apple- and there's more to apples than Red Delicious! Taste apples that are different form any you've ever had and learn what apples were like when your grandma was a kid! Make a garland of dried apples and cranberries to hang in your yard for the birds this winter. Registraton required. Ages 6 - 12; class size is limited to 20. Materials fee $5 per person.

Class Max: 18

12/12/2009 - The Wonder of Winter:Solstice Celebration

Dates: Saturday December 12, 1-4pm

Fee: $5.00 ( $0.00 for members)
To receive a UM student discount, please register in person or by calling 734-647-7600. Please click here for more information.

Class Number: 09-YE-27

Description: What does "solstice" mean and why does winter begin here in December? Celebrate the beginning of winter and change of seasons with games from around the world and make garlands to take home. Registration required. Ages 6-12.

Class Max: 20

Register Online
Participant Name:
Participant Age (youth classes only):

additional registration options