Digging Up the Truth
Debunking garden myths

Saturday, April 18 
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Barber House

Fee: Friends of the Arb: $8; Guests: $10

Campus horticulturist Angie Girdham will look at popular gardening myths-both ancient and modern. Many myths that exist today arose from misinterpretation of good information while others have been proven incorrect by modern science. However, debunking garden myths and digging up the truth can be very difficult. You have to consider the source and whether the information applies to your growing environment. This course is sure to be enlightening and entertaining.

Plein Air Pastel in the Arb

Tuesday and Wednesday, June 9-10
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Slayton Arboretum

Fee: Friends of the Arb: $18; Guests: $20

Enjoy the open air in this two-day pastel painting event at Slayton Arboretum, taught by artist and faculty member Bryan Springer. This adult class will encompass the basics of color mixing and layering with pastels, working from the beauty of the surrounding natural environment as subject matter. Students will begin by observing an initial demonstration by the instructor, followed by their own personal exploration of the medium. This casual instructor-led class will involve two sessions resulting in an informal show-and-tell of final pieces. Paper and easels provided; pastels not provided. Class size is limited.

Bird Watching Series

Session I: June 6 . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m.

Session II: June 13 . . . . . TBA

Session III: June 20 . . . . . TBA

Location: Slayton Arboretum

Fee: Friends of the Arb: $18; Guests: $20

Back by popular demand! Want to learn how to begin watching and studying the birds of Hillsdale County? Bird watcher Dr. Jack Reinoehl has been photographing, documenting and studying the behavior and natural history of our local birds for over 20 years. This class will teach you the basics of birding, including essential equipment you need, and proper identification and field techniques. Bring binoculars, and dress for the weather. Get ready for a great time exploring the fields, meadows and woodlands of Hillsdale County. Class size limited to ten.

Paper-Making from the Garden

Saturday, September 12
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Little Stone Lab in the Arb

Fee: Friends of the Arb: $18; Guests: $20

Once a closely guarded secret, paper-making is an ancient process. This class will give you a basic introduction to Western-style hand paper-making. Learn how to make your own paper, what materials can be used from your garden, and what you can do with the finished sheets. Be ready to get your hands wet! Class size limited to ten.