Fall in the Arboretum
19th Annual Frances Litten Botanical Lecture
Event flyer promoting a lecture on invasive plants and biodiversity loss, featuring details about the schedule, pricing, and registration for the event.
Tuesday, February, 18, 2025
Reception | 5:45-7 PM | $15 for non-Members/Free to Members
Lecture | 7-8 PM | Free

Location: Festival Conference Center Ballroom

What do western wildfires, plant blindness, and mass extinctions have in common? The complex — and controversial — world of invasive plants. In this talk we'll explore the impacts of invasive plants on wildflowers, pollinators, birds, and forests; and the difference you can make right in your own garden.
Talks & Workshops
carnivorous terrarium workshop at the arboretum on february 2nd
Carnivorous Terrarium Workshop

Sunday, Feb. 2 | 1-2 PM | $45/adult + $10/kid

Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center

Dive into the art of creating a unique, self-sustaining terrarium featuring some of nature’s most intriguing and exotic plant species. 
Promotional graphic for the Master Gardeners Talk Series featuring event details and logos for Virginia Cooperative Extension and Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
Seeding Sow | Master Gardeners Talk

Saturday, Feb. 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

Promotional graphic for a free "Birding 101" event hosted by the Rockingham Bird Club, featuring people birdwatching in a forest setting.
Birding 101 | Rockingham Bird Club

Saturday, Feb. 15 | 10:30-11:30 AM | FREE

Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center

Join Mike Donaldson of the Rockingham Bird Club for a brief overview of local birds and how to find them, then start birding in the Arb! This is an adult orientated program, but any interested kids are welcome!

Register here

Reoccuring Programs
flyer for bonsai club meetings
Bonsai Club Meeting

1st Tuesdays | 6-8 PM | FREE

Next Meeting: Feb. 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
flyer for tai chi classes
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. 
flyer for bugua classes
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, Jan. 28th | 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