Talks & Workshops
Kokedama Workshop March 2, 2025 $35 for adults, $10 for children
Kokedama Ball Workshop

Sunday, March 2 | 1-2 PM 

Learn the art of creating unique Japanese moss ball planters! All materials will be provided. Don't miss this opportunity to get creative and make your own stunning kokedama to take home!

Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center

Register here 

Promotional graphic for the Master Gardeners Talk Series featuring event details and logos for Virginia Cooperative Extension and Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
Notable Native Trees | Master Gardeners Talk

Saturday, March 8 | 2-3 PM | FREE

Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center

Set your garden up for success this year with helpful tips and resources from the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners!

Register here

Nature's Narratives Book Club
Nature's Narratives Book Club
Choose the date that works best for you: March 19 at 4:30 PM or March 22 at 1 PM
Join our friends from the Rockingham County Landfill for a quarterly, relaxed book club for environment lovers. Each session we'll explore riveting, mostly nonfiction books about nature, the environment, wildlife, and sustainability. We will have engaging discussions where you can share ideas, discover new perspectives, and connect with other eco-minded readers. Whether you have finished the book, just started it, or are just curious about the topic, all are welcome.
Reading: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Register here
Spring Cleaning for the Home Workshop
Scrub Smarter, Not Harder
Saturday, March 29 | 1-2 PM | FREE
Join our friends from the Rockingham County Landfill show us how to reduce our waste and discover eco-friendlier options for our homes.
Learn new ways to keep harmful chemicals out of landfills! The event will feature an engaging presentation on ecofriendly cleaning alternatives, followed by a hands-on workshop where participants will create and take home their own nature cleaner to make a home shine naturally, and a reusable wax wrap. Help protect the planet while discovering sustainable solutions for your home.
Register here 
Reoccuring Programs
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Bonsai Club Meeting

1st Tuesdays | 6-8 PM | FREE

Next Meeting: March 4th

Location: Frances Plecker Education Center

Join presenters, Clark Driver and Simon Jilg for a short lecture, bonsai displays, and door prizes!

Register Here

Wellness and Soundscape Programs
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Tai Chi

Saturdays through March | 8-9 AM | $15/session

Location: Frances Plecker Education Center

Tai chi is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. 
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Buguazhang

Tuesdays & Thursdays through March | 5:30-7 PM | $15/session

Location: Frances Plecker Education Center

Baguazhang is an 18th century Chinese martial art inspired by a form of Taoist meditative circle walking. 
ad for sound bathing
Sound Bathing Experience

Tuesday, March 11th | 5:30-7 PM | $25/session

Location: Frances Plecker Education Center

Connie Magee will take you on a sound journey that will relax and de-stress you and bring your whole being back into a state of harmony on all levels.

Register Here

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Harrisonburg Songtuary

2025 Dates TBA

Location: Frances Plecker Education Center

Harrisonburg Songtuary is a community song circle that seeks to propagate co-enchanting cohorts of contemplayful singers, sponsored by the Arts Council of the Valley and the Office of Creative Propulsion.

Register Here

At www.songtuary.org/events, you may find more details and RSVP for upcoming gatherings; receive email updates, add to your calendar, or share on social media. We appreciate when you let us know you’re coming, and we hope the web RSVP is convenient for you as well!
ANNUAL EVENTS

February
Frances Litten Botanical Lecture & Invitiational Reception
Great Backyard Bird Count

March
 Workshop and/or Wine & Cheese

April
Guided Wildflower Walks
Spring Celebration Plant Sale

May
Spring Celebration Plant Sale
Guided Wildflower Walks
Wine & Cheese on the Ernst Tree Terrace

June - August
Summer Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

September
 Wine & Cheese on the Ernst Tree Terrace
Fall Plant & Bulb Sale
Monarch Tagging Workshop

October - December
Festive Greens Workshop
Harvest Festival

May - September | Private Greenhouse Shopping by Appointment
$50 Minimum purchase required, call (540)-568-3194 to schedule

View Annual Youth Programs Calendar

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Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Frances Plecker Education Center
MSC 3705
780 University Blvd
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center: 
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM