Plant-Lover's Tour: Hummingbird Plants

Meditation in the Garden is a restorative outdoor workshop focused on mindfulness and stress reduction. This session teaches participants how to use the natural environment to build a consistent meditation practice and foster mental clarity. You will learn practical techniques to help ground yourself and manage daily tension in a peaceful setting. During this workshop, you will participate in guided meditation sessions and body awareness exercises. We incorporate gentle movement and journaling to help you process your experiences and deepen your connection with nature. These tools are designed to be accessible for all skill levels and can be easily integrated into your personal routine at home. This event is ideal for anyone seeking a break from a busy schedule or those looking to explore meditation in a supportive community atmosphere. We welcome both beginners and experienced practitioners to join us for this morning of calm. Please come dressed in comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor seating and bring a notebook for reflection. Secure your spot now to experience the lasting benefits of this tranquil garden retreat.

Art and Blooms at the JCRA is a hands-on workshop dedicated to creating handmade flower-themed greeting cards. Participants will explore painting techniques to design custom, whimsical landscapes under the guidance of volunteer artist Debra Singer-Harter. This session offers a creative space to practice blending watercolors on card stock to produce personalized artistic stationery. You will receive all necessary materials, including three blank cards, brushes, and watercolor paints. Throughout the two-hour experience, you will learn to build vibrant garden and mountain scenes starting from simple lines. No prior drawing or painting experience is required, making this session perfect for beginners looking to learn basic color blending techniques in a supportive, creative environment. Whether you are a hobbyist or someone seeking a relaxing afternoon, this class provides a structured yet expressive way to engage with art. The workshop focuses on individual style, ensuring each attendee leaves with three unique cards. Space is limited to ensure personal guidance for every participant. Register now to secure your spot and enjoy a productive, artistic session at the JCRA.

This hands-on workshop teaches you the fundamental techniques for propagating woody ornamental plants using softwood stem cuttings. Participants will gain the skills necessary to expand their home gardens inexpensively while learning proper methods for growing new plants from existing collections. The session begins with a classroom overview covering rooting hormones and essential cutting techniques. You will then move into the gardens for a practical demonstration of how to harvest healthy cuttings. Following this, you will apply these methods in a supervised practice session using a selection of plants optimized for successful rooting. Every participant will leave the workshop with a complete tray of cuttings sourced directly from the JC Raulston Arboretum collection. This event is perfect for beginners or anyone interested in the science and hobby of plant propagation. The atmosphere is collaborative, educational, and focused on building your confidence as a gardener. Join us to learn how to turn simple cuttings into thriving new plants. Please register early to secure your spot for this practical and engaging horticultural experience.

Let’s Make Maps is an educational program focused on the history and creation of cartography. Participants will explore how various maps have been constructed throughout history and apply these techniques by creating their own maps of the Prairie Ridge area. During the session, attendees will discover how mapping connects to global citizen science initiatives. You will learn practical ways to contribute to projects that monitor and conserve ecosystems. The experience involves a short walk of approximately one half mile to our outdoor classroom where we will conduct our mapping activities. This program bridges the gap between historical craft and modern environmental science, providing you with the tools to document the natural world. This event is perfect for anyone curious about geography or conservation efforts. We encourage participants of all skill levels to join us for this engaging outdoor experience. Please dress appropriately for the current weather conditions, as we will be walking to our site from the main building near the parking lot. We look forward to seeing you there for a productive and educational afternoon of mapping and environmental discovery.

Champagne and Friends is an educational tasting event designed to broaden your appreciation for sparkling wines beyond the Champagne region. This class provides a comprehensive overview of global sparkling styles, helping you understand the history, production methods, and flavor profiles that define everything from Prosecco and Cava to international selections from places like Argentina and the United States. You will learn practical skills including how to interpret wine labels, proper storage techniques, and optimal serving methods. Chef Doreen Colondres joins the session to demonstrate professional pairing techniques and share ideas for cooking with sparkling wine. The experience includes expert-led tastings of various global varieties such as Cremant and Franciacorta, accompanied by curated hors d'oeuvres. This event is ideal for wine enthusiasts of all levels who want to gain confidence in selecting and serving sparkling wine. Whether you are looking to impress at your next gathering or simply enjoy a sophisticated social experience, you will leave with the knowledge to navigate the sparkling wine aisle with ease. Reserve your spot today to refine your palate and explore these exceptional global bubbles.

The Park Tour is a guided walking experience that highlights the diverse plants, animal life, and sustainable design elements integrated throughout the Museum Park. This program invites participants to connect with the local natural world while gaining a deeper understanding of fundamental biology and ecological principles. During this tour, guests examine various species and observe how the park maintains a balance between human design and natural systems. Participants will explore specific environmental features that demonstrate modern sustainable practices in action. This is a unique opportunity to view the museum landscape as a living laboratory for science and conservation efforts. This event is designed for attendees ages twelve and older. It offers an informative and accessible atmosphere for anyone curious about the intersection of nature and urban design. Space for each session is limited, so early registration is necessary to secure your spot. These tours are conducted annually during the spring and fall seasons, provided the weather conditions remain suitable for outdoor exploration. Please check the schedule and register online to join us for this walk.

Experience the magic of literature and the beauty of the outdoors this May with the Wake County Parks StoryWalks initiative. This unique program combines physical activity with early literacy, allowing families to enjoy a children book page by page as they navigate scenic nature trails. It is an excellent way to encourage a love for reading while exploring the diverse landscapes of our local park system. Throughout the month, various parks will feature rotating story selections, offering fresh adventures for recurring visitors. Whether you are strolling through the walkways of Oak View or wandering the natural paths of Harris Lake, these curated experiences provide a refreshing escape for readers of all ages. We invite you and your family to visit these sites throughout May to engage with these wonderful tales in an immersive environment. Please check the official park schedules to plan your visit and ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the trails until sunset. Grab your walking shoes and prepare for a delightful journey where every step leads to a new page of discovery. We look forward to seeing you out on the trail soon.

Experience the botanical wonder of Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during their exclusive seasonal open house events. Spanning twenty eight acres in Raleigh, North Carolina, this world renowned destination showcases over thirty thousand unique plant varieties, including rare perennials, exotic specimens, and unusual trees collected from global expeditions. Whether you are a dedicated horticulturalist or a passionate home gardener, you will find endless inspiration wandering through these meticulously maintained display gardens and research spaces. These open weekend events provide a rare opportunity for the public to explore the grounds without prior reservations. Discover new favorites for your own landscape while shopping for unique additions in the onsite sales greenhouses. The nursery is committed to educational excellence and botanical diversity, making this an essential destination for nature enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Join us for a weekend of discovery and community in a truly remarkable setting. Admission and parking are entirely free, and the event proceeds rain or shine. Visit our website today to plan your trip and browse our extensive online catalogue for your next planting project.

Experience a refreshing way to prioritize your health and well-being with Fit4Mom. We invite you to join our Stroller Strides workout at North Hills Main District, designed specifically for mothers who want to combine physical activity with fresh air and meaningful community support. This class provides an opportunity to focus on yourself for one hour, helping you recharge and connect with other local parents in a welcoming environment. Following the morning workout, we will host a casual picnic and play session along with mini-stroller exercises. These gatherings are crafted to foster friendships and provide a supportive space for both you and your children. Whether you are looking for a challenging fitness routine or simply a chance to enjoy a coffee and conversation, our program is here to uplift you. We are currently offering a free week of classes for those interested in experiencing our community firsthand. There is no pressure and no long-term commitment required to participate. Please visit our official webpage to view the full schedule of upcoming free sessions and secure your spot today. We look forward to seeing you there.