CANCELLED - Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ)
Cost: $1,500
ASCA member discount available during registration, REGISTER ONLINE
If you want introductory training in the theory and application of current tree and plant appraisal, register now to attend our TPAQ training. This event will utilize both instructor-led discussions and case scenarios to illustrate concepts allowing participants to become familiar with the relevant methods and techniques used to approach plant appraisals and the ability to make reasoned judgement about the value of trees and landscape plants.
Schedule: October 22nd & 23rd, 8am-5pm both days Upon completion of this course, you will: , Understand basic appraisal concepts. , Define the tree and plant appraisal process. , Understand tree and plant appraisal, approaches, methods, and techniques. , Apply tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques. , Present assignment results. Eligible candidates will have the opportunity to take the exam to earn the TPAQ certificate. For more information on eligibility, visit the…
Event interval: Ongoing event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Event Types: Lectures/Seminars. Workshops. Presenter: Dr. Bill Fountain, University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_c5e00d9b48c1.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 8:00 AM – Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:00 PM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Nature heals: The global movement for mental and physical health
Research shows that access to nature is essential for our mental and physical wellbeing. But just over a decade ago, that idea was far from common knowledge.
Join UW Environment for the 2025 Doug Walker Lecture & Reception, where former REI Co-op executive Marc Berejka will share reflections on how the global movement for nature and health was born, the lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how we can all play a part in helping our communities benefit from the healing power of the outdoors.
Ticket price includes access to our special pre-reception designed to spark meaningful connections across Seattle’s vibrant sustainability and environmental science community. Complimentary gourmet creations provided by Cameron Catering, consistently ranked among Seattle’s finest! Pre-reception starts at 5:30 PM.
About our speaker: Marc Berejka held leadership roles at REI Co-op for more than 13 years, most recently as divisional vice president for community advocacy and impact and president of the REI Cooperative…
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Town Hall Seattle, The Forum.
For more info visit events.uw.edu. Cemetery Lichens
Cost: $45, pre-registration required
Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE
Ghosts and Goblins in a cemetery for Hallowe'en? Why not consider lichens as an alternative? Lichens are friendly and interesting organisms that love to grow on headstones and old trees. They are harmless to your plants and add aesthetic value to trees and shrubs. We can actually use them as indicators of air pollution!
Cemeteries can take on new meaning as a fun place to observe a symbiotic organism made up of fungus and algae. You will also learn about common lichens found in an urban environment and take home a user-friendly chart that lists lichens found in your neighborhood.
Instructor Katherine Glew, Ph.D. is Curatorial Associate of Lichens at the University of Washington Herbarium, Burke Museum. She manages historic collections and processes lichens from the Pacific Northwest and Russian Far East. In addition to assisting with lichen curation, her research interests include alpine…
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Katherine Glew, Ph.D. Curatorial Associate of Lichens at the UW Herbarium, Burke Museum. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_931e57be8f5c.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
700 W Raye St. Seattle, WA 98119.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Boo-tanical Relief Block Printing (in-person)
Class Cost: $80, advanced registration required
Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis
REGISTER ONLINE, Find some inspiration from the season and make some botanical-themed Halloween cards for your family and friends! In this class, students will be introduced to the process of relief printing using a technique known as linocut. Using botanical motifs, students will learn the basics of relief design, block cutting and inking, and hand printing techniques. Each student will leave with a series of their own hand printed cards and a block printing supply starter kit to continue printing at home!
Location: Douglas Headhouse, Center for Urban Horticulture, Anneke Wilder is an artist and illustrator based in Seattle, WA. Anneke received degrees in Biology and Studio Art, as well as a certificate in Natural Science Illustration from UW. She’s participated in numerous artist residencies at the nexus of art and science and is a contributor to Hyldyr, a publication company that combines art,…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture. Campus room: Douglas Headhouse. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Anneke Wilder. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_f1c5ec798409.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Howl-O-Ween Luminaria Walk
Paw-ty alert! Join us Thursday, October 30th at the Washington Park Arboretum for a night of spooky fun. Wander through beautifully illuminated paths adorned with festive luminarias, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for a hauntingly good time.
REGISTRATION
Suggested donation of $20 benefits the Washington Park Arboretum.
Event Highlights: Choose Your Adventure: The event kicks off at 5:30pm and goes until 7pm. Arrive at any point and walk at your own pace! Feel free walk the loop more than once if you (or your pup) want a longer hike!
Photo Op: Snap a sweet picture with UW's mascot, Harry the Husky! Catch our hanging frame installation along the path for even more photo ops with your pup.
Scooby Snacks and Giveaways: What's Halloween without a little treat? We're thrilled to welcome Just Food For Dogs to the fun this year! They'll be handing out free treats for your furry friend and other goodies at their booth in the Graham Visitors Center. Make sure to stop by before the walk and say hello!
…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Washington Park Arboretum (LNDMK-8). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/howl-o-ween-luminaria-dog-walk-2025-tickets-1767150567919?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Harvest Time Virtual Story Time
Let’s head to the farm this month to see what good food is growing there. Visit the Miller Library in November or December to make an Archimboldo-inspired collage portrait featuring vegetables.
AMARA’S FARM by JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy
IN OUR GARDEN by Pat Zietlow Miller and Melissa Crowton
MY DELICIOUS GARDEN by Anne-Marie Fortin and Julien Castanié Check in each month for new stories and activities that celebrate gardens, plants, and nature.
Event interval: Ongoing event. Accessibility Contact: Nick at nickjpw@uw.edu. Event Types: Not Specified. Age Range: Children. Families.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Online.
For more info visit depts.washington.edu. Molly Hashimoto: Paintings and Prints
Please welcome Molly Hashimoto with her paintings and prints of Northwest trees, flowers, wildlife and landscapes. We are celebrating her new book, Wildflowers of the West: an Artist's Guide. Molly will present a demonstration in the library on Thursday, November 6, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
The exhibit runs November 4-December 29 (overlapping with our December Arts & Crafts Exhibit & Sale) during library open hours.
Event interval: Campus location: Elisabeth C. Miller Library (EMLB). Accessibility Contact: Nick at nickjpw@uw.edu. Event Types: Exhibits.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Monday, December 29, 2025.
For more info visit depts.washington.edu. Free 1st Thursday Public Tour
UW Botanic Gardens is committed to enriching the lives of all community members with free public tours. Please note our tours are for individual participants not organized groups. If you wish to have a group tour, please explore your options at botanicgardens.uw.edu. To ensure a positive tour experience and the safety of our visitors, our tours are now capped at 50 attendees on a first come first serve basis.
Our 1st Thursday public tours are casual walks through various areas of the 230 acre Washington Park Arboretum. Walks feature seasonal themes, collections plants, explorations of botany, and the history of our organization.
Our topic this month has to be Autumn color in our plant collection!
To join the walk, meet us at the Graham Visitors Center, docents will be there to greet and gather visitors.
We make every effort to tailor our tours to our audience and most months we are able to offer visitors a choice of a longer or shorter walk depending on their capabilities. If you have any specific…
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: cmn23@uw.edu. Event Types: Information Sessions. Age Range: Teens. Adults. Presenter: UW Botanic Garden Tour Docents. Contact Information: Catherine Nelson at cmn23@uw.edu.
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
Washington Park Arboretum
Graham Visitors Center
2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle.
For more info visit botanicgardens.uw.edu. Autumn Botanical Collage - Art Workshop (in-person)
Cost: $57
Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. REGISTER ONLINE, Cut, tear, and paste layers of colorful papers to create small pieces to frame! Taking inspiration from the autumn flora of the UW Botanic Gardens, you will learn to simplify the subject matter, create dynamic compositions, and discover techniques to take with you. All materials will be supplied, but students are welcome to bring in their own subject matter, photos and ideas to work from, as well as collage papers to recycle into their pieces. Students of all artist levels welcomed.
Instructor Lisa Snow Lady has a BFA in painting from the University of Washington, and a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Edmonds Community College and has been sketching and painting for over 20 years. She has a passion for travel sketching and is a member of Urban Sketchers. Lisa loves to encourage students of all artistic levels.
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Lisa Snow Lady. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_3e6dc23fbb3b.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Center for Urban Horticulture.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Fiber Art Workshop: Embroider a PNW Landscape Ornament (in-person)
Class Cost: $52, pre-registration required
REGISTER ONLINE, Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Celebrate the mountains, greenery, and waterways of the Pacific Northwest with this hand-embroidered ornament. Perfectly sized at 3 inches for decorating a tree, gifting to a loved one, or displaying all year round. This beginner-friendly workshop is the perfect way to celebrate the PNW landscape.Melissa Galbraith is the fiber artist behind MCreativeJ. She was born and raised in the desert of Washington state where her mother instilled a love of making things by hand at an early age. Melissa shares her love of nature through whimsical and modern hand embroidery kits, patterns, workshops, and her books; DIY Embroidered Shoes and How to Embroider Texture and Pattern. Melissa enjoys seeing makers fall in love with the needle arts, especially that magical ah-ha moment of learning something new.
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Melissa Galbraith. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_b06c6fa68579.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Douglas Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Forest Bathing (in-person)
Cost: $25
Advance registration required.
REGISTER ONLINE
Join UW Botanic Gardens and Cascadia Forest Therapy for a unique forest bathing opportunity in the Washington Park Arboretum. Forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku) has been popular in Japan for decades and is gaining momentum in the US. The practice encourages you to move in nature at a slower pace and take in the atmosphere around you. Multiple scientific studies have shown that the practice lowers stress and blood pressure levels, while increasing immune system functioning, making you more resilient to diseases and illness.
During this class the guide, in partnership with the forest, will offer an evolving series of invitations crafted to help participants slow down and open their senses. The opening of one’s senses encourages mindfulness, which readies the heart and mind to be fully present in the natural world. Come discover the medicine of being in the forest.
Accessibility: These sessions are slow-paced and generally cover less than a mile of trail.…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Washington Park Arboretum (LNDMK-8). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Cascadia Forest Therapy. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_3d3487c58e5c.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Arboretum Lichens
Cost: $45
Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
REGISTER ONLINE
Lichens grow on trees, shrubs and rocks in botanic gardens and can tell us about air quality and the make-up of plants and geology. Botanic gardens can take on new meaning as a *fun* place to observe a symbiotic organism made up of a fungus and algae. You will also learn about common lichens found in an urban environment and take home a user-friendly chart that lists lichens found in your neighborhood.
Lichens are harmless to your plants and add aesthetic value to trees and shrubs. We can actually use them as indicators of air pollution! Join Dr. Katherine Glew at the Washington Park Arboretum to get a head start on learning lichens from one of Seattle’s botanic gardens. You can enjoy the late winter/early spring season by looking for lichens, rather than staying inside and missing out on the excitement of being outside!
Instructor Katherine Glew, Ph.D. is Curatorial Associate of Lichens at the University of…
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Katherine Glew, Ph.D. Curatorial Associate of Lichens at the UW Herbarium, Burke Museum. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_e203fde2a561.
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Washington Park Arboretum.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Succulent Arrangement Workshop
Class cost: $50
Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE
Come join us for a fun and interactive class where you will learn how to create beautiful and functional succulent arrangements for your sunniest windowsill or your summertime patio! This class is welcome to all experience levels and is a fun, creative and relaxing way to spend your time with other plant-enthusiasts creating functional plant art! The class will also include care tips that will ensure the success of your succulent planter so you can watch it grow! All ages.
Class fee includes: 5-inch terracotta pot with tray , Variety of succulent plants , Succulent soil , Decorative rocks and stones, This in-person class will be delivered at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
Adelaide Nitroy, founder and owner of Fancy Plants, opened her business in 2022 with the hope of creating a safe and inclusive environment for people to learn plants and begin their plant journey. Her background in biology and plant…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Douglas Research Conservatory (DRC). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_daac7930e80e.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Outdoor Joy Virtual Story Time
Is it too cold to go outside? Too gray? These books prove you can enjoy being outdoors no matter what!
THE EXTRAORDINARY GARDENER by Sam Boughton
STICKLER LOVES THE WORLD by Lane Smith
THE SHORTEST DAY by Susan Cooper and Carson EllisCheck in each month for new stories and activities that celebrate gardens, plants, and nature.
Event interval: Ongoing event. Accessibility Contact: Nick at nickjpw@uw.edu. Event Types: Not Specified. Age Range: Children. Families.
Monday, December 1, 2025 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Online.
For more info visit depts.washington.edu. Glass Terrarium Workshop
Class Cost: $47
Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE
Join us for a fun, hands-on terrarium workshop—no experience needed! We'll provide everything you need: a mason jar, plants, substrate, tools, and even tiny springtails to keep your ecosystem healthy. Create your own thriving miniature garden and learn as you go. This all-ages workshop is great for curious minds, though a bit of patience and hand dexterity will go a long way. Come craft your very own living world in a jar!
Class fee includes:
Thrifted glass
Variety of plant cuttings
LECA, rocks, wood, and decorations
Adelaide Nitroy, founder and owner of Fancy Plants, opened her business in 2022 with the hope of creating a safe and inclusive environment for people to learn plants and begin their plant journey. Her background in biology and plant science gives a unique perspective to provide scientific understanding of how plants have evolved, how plants work at a biological level, and how plants can be grown…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Douglas Research Conservatory (DRC). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_0ccf34918e81.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Forest Bathing (in-person)
Cost: $25
Advance registration required.
REGISTER ONLINE
Join UW Botanic Gardens and Cascadia Forest Therapy for a unique forest bathing opportunity in the Washington Park Arboretum. Forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku) has been popular in Japan for decades and is gaining momentum in the US. The practice encourages you to move in nature at a slower pace and take in the atmosphere around you. Multiple scientific studies have shown that the practice lowers stress and blood pressure levels, while increasing immune system functioning, making you more resilient to diseases and illness.
During this class the guide, in partnership with the forest, will offer an evolving series of invitations crafted to help participants slow down and open their senses. The opening of one’s senses encourages mindfulness, which readies the heart and mind to be fully present in the natural world. Come discover the medicine of being in the forest.
Accessibility: These sessions are slow-paced and generally cover less than a mile of trail.…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Washington Park Arboretum (LNDMK-8). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Cascadia Forest Therapy. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_ea7405962d79.
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Botanical Print-Making Holiday Card Workshop
Cost: $45
Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. REGISTER ONLINE, Come make your own unique holiday cards and gift tags through an exploration of mixed media printmaking! Explore the patterns and textures of plants through print-making processes. This class will invite you to use natural materials, like fallen leaves & conifer needles, to create one-of-a-kind holiday cards to give to your loved ones this holiday season. All class supplies are provided.
Instructor Dillyn Adamo is a print-maker and arts educator in Skagit County, WA. Currently she works as the Learning & Engagement Coordinator at the Museum of Northwest Art, where she creates arts experiences for visitors of all ages. She has a passion for both biology and fine arts, and uses print-making as a way to explore both of these interests.
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Douglas Research Conservatory (DRC). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Dillyn Adamo. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_a0b9460a6be5.
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Big Box Store Plant Rehab
Class Cost: $45
Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis
REGISTER ONLINE
Have you ever been tempted by a good deal at a big box store, only for your clearance rack plant to die as soon as you bring it home? In this class, we’ll learn about which plants are worth rehabbing, and how to bring a struggling plant back to life. No experience necessary. All ages.
Class fee includes:
Pot
Variety of plants
Soil
This in-person class will be delivered at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
Adelaide Nitroy, founder and owner of Fancy Plants, opened her business in 2022 with the hope of creating a safe and inclusive environment for people to learn plants and begin their plant journey. Her background in biology and plant science gives a unique perspective to provide scientific understanding of how plants have evolved, how plants work at a biological level, and how plants can be grown successfully.
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Douglas Research Conservatory (DRC). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Adelaide Nitroy, founder and owner of Fancy Plants. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_8ca05f8007c2.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com. Sounds Fun Virtual Story Time
This month’s stories celebrate the sounds of nature. Stop by the library during January or February 2026 to pick up an auditory scavenger hunt. , THE BAT by Elise Gravel
CHIRRI & CHIRRA by Kaya Doi
SQUEAK! By Laura McGee Kvasnosky and Kate Harvey McGee, Check in each month for new stories and activities that celebrate gardens, plants, and nature.
Event interval: Ongoing event. Accessibility Contact: Nick at nickjpw@uw.edu. Event Types: Not Specified. Age Range: Children. Families.
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Online.
For more info visit depts.washington.edu.