UW Botanic Gardens

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Coyotes in the Arboretum

Where: Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum, Coyotes are part of our natural ecosystem and help control rodent and small wildlife populations. You may see them more in early summer, while raising pups, and in fall, when young coyotes leave their parents. Coyotes can lose their natural fear of people if they associate us with easy food like garbage and bird seed – this can lead to unsafe encounters. Humane hazing (being large and loud) helps reinforce natural avoidance of humans, keeping coyotes wild and safe. Join staff from Seattle Parks and Recreation, USDA Wildlife Services, UW Botanic Gardens, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at the Graham Visitors Center to learn more about coyote ecology and behavior. You will also be able to make your own noisemaker and practice effective humane hazing techniques. Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Washington Park Arboretum (LNDMK-8). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

The Art of Botanical Watercolor (in-person)

Class Cost: $200 for 4-class series, advanced registration required Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE, Class series is all four Saturdays in April: April 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th, each session running from 10:00am-12:30pm, Come to this beginner to intermediate class to watercolor portraits of plants. In this class you’ll capture the different moments from the lifecycle of a plant (bulbs, seed heads, flowers, leaves, fruit).  Students will learn: how to create a harmonious color palette, techniques that produce realistic and accurate paintings, an understanding how light reveals form, and how to improve their observational and visual interpretation skills. Students will work from both photographs and live specimens. Upon completion of class, students will leave with finished watercolor pieces and the confidence to paint other subject matter! Students will receive a required supply list upon registration. Instructor Robin Bundi is a teacher, artist, and designer… Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Robin Bundi. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_6ddb046f3a0b. Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Windowsill Carnivorous Bogs

Class Cost: $55 Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis REGISTRATION CLOSED  Come learn how to make a miniature bog where carnivorous plants can thrive in this wet environment. We will be getting muddy and messy while we make some swampy plant arrangements. This class is for all levels of plant experience! Carnivorous plants are relatively easy to care for with the right light and lots of water. The class will also include instruction on care of bogs over time so you can watch your bogs grow and thrive! All ages. Class fee includes all necessary supplies: Thrifted glass vessel/bowl Variety of carnivorous plants (ex. Sundews, sarracenias, utricularia, Stylidium) Carnivorous soil 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… Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Douglas Research Conservatory (DRC). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Adelaide Nitroy, Founder & Owner of Fancy Plants Seattle. Saturday, April 4, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

2026 Ecological Restoration Symposium: Human Health Dimensions

Cost: $110 for in-person registration, $45 for virtual registration Financial aid rates available for students and CORPS members General financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE, The Society for Ecological Restoration’s core values underscore the importance of ecological restoration as a tool for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem services, sustainable socioeconomic development, and improved human health and well-being. From grant writing to project execution and evaluation, this year’s symposium will focus on tangible ways to better center human health and cultural dynamics across all levels of our work.  This symposium is co-hosted by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the Northwest Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration to provide continuing education for restoration ecology practitioners. Speaker list & agenda will be updated on the symposium website as and when details are available. . Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Northwest Horticultural Society Hall (NHS). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/education/adults/conferences-symposia/ecological-restoration-symposium/. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. For more info visit botanicgardens.uw.edu.

Garden Lovers' Book Sale Opening Night

Opening Night: Friday, April 10, 5 - 8 pm (tickets available now) Public Sale: Saturday, April 11, 9 am - 3 pm Thousands of gently used books for sale on gardening, plants, ecology and related topics. Enjoy the company of fellow plant lovers while shopping for unique horticultural books. Remaining book sale inventory will be available at discounted prices in the Library Program Room during Library open hours April 13-30. Event interval: Accessibility Contact: nickjpw@uw.edu. Event Types: Special Events. Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. UW Botanic Gardens - Center for Urban Horticulture, Elisabeth C. Miller Library, 3501 NE 41st St. Seattle, WA, 98105. For more info visit depts.washington.edu.

Garden Lovers' Book Sale

Opening Night Friday, April 10, 5 - 8 pm (tickets available now!) Public Sale Saturday, April 11, 9 am - 3 pm Thousands of gently used books for sale on gardening, plants, ecology and related topics. Enjoy the company of fellow plant lovers while shopping for unique horticultural books. Remaining book sale inventory will be available at discounted prices in the Library Program Room during Library open hours April 13 - 30. Event interval: Accessibility Contact: nickjpw@uw.edu. Event Types: Special Events. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. UW Botanic Gardens - Center for Urban Horticulture, Elisabeth C. Miller Library, 3501 NE 41st St. Seattle, WA, 98105. For more info visit depts.washington.edu.

Clearance Rack Plant Rehab

Class Cost: $40 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 covers all necessary supplies.  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 & Owner of Fancy Plants Seattle. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_75c379f57711. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Garden Lovers' Book Sale

Gently used books for sale on gardening, plants, ecology and related topics. Public Sale was Saturday, April 11, 9 am - 3 pm Remaining book sale inventory will be available at discounted prices in the Library Program Room during Library open hours April 13 - 30. Event interval: Accessibility Contact: nickjpw@uw.edu. Event Types: Special Events. Monday, April 13, 2026, 12:00 PM – Thursday, April 30, 2026, 5:00 PM. UW Botanic Gardens - Center for Urban Horticulture, Elisabeth C. Miller Library, 3501 NE 41st St. Seattle, WA, 98105. For more info visit depts.washington.edu.

Organic Integrated Pest Management for Native Gardens (online)

Cost: $25 REGISTER ONLINE, Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Garden pests are inevitable, but they don’t have to be harmful to manage. This class introduces the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with a focus on organic and ecologically friendly practices. We’ll cover common pests of the Pacific Northwest, how to identify and prevent them, and strategies that work with nature—including beneficial insects, mechanical and cultural controls, and safe organic alternatives to pesticides. This class will be taught by Lea Dyga, Oxbow Farm’s Native Plant Nursery Manager, formerly the SER-UW Native Plant Nursery Manager. Professional credits pending. Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Lea Dyga, Oxbow Farm Native Plant Nursery Manager. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_fbdf51fef601. Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. online via Zoom. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Right Plant Right Place: Choosing the Best Plants for Your Site

Cost: $30 Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis REGISTER ONLINE “Right plant, right place” means that plants do best when they’re in the right setting. Aspects of your location (sun, water, space, and soil makeup) all factor into whether a plant survives or thrives. Too much of one, not enough of another, and plants will struggle. Gardeners can find themselves fighting nature. Successful gardeners understand what we can control and what we can’t, and how to work with the characteristics of a site to get the most out of a landscape. In this class, we’ll learn how to read your landscape, including on-site practice. What is your sun exposure? Does your soil retain moisture? Is this plant going to ultimately get larger than the space can handle? And if you already have the wrong plant, are there ways to work around past siting mistakes? In addition, we’ll talk about shopping! How to read plant tags, assess the plants in a pot, and what resources you can use to get realistic… Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Douglas Research Conservatory (DRC). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Cynthia Welte. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_e4da7f3a68c5. Thursday, April 16, 2026, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Botanical Fiber Art Workshop: Upcycle Your Clothing with Hand Embroidery (in-person)

Class Cost: $50, pre-registration required  REGISTER ONLINE, Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Cover up stains and small holes in your clothing with hand embroidery! Join fiber artist and author Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ for a hands-on workshop. Simply bring a garment to embroider and we’ll provide you with playful nature-inspired sample designs to stitch. This class will cover helpful dos and don’ts of embroidering garments as well as stitches best suited for your individual garment and pattern. Each attendee will also receive an embroidery hoop, thread, needle, and stabilizer to get started. This workshop is beginner-friendly and no prior embroidery experience is required.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, workshops, and her… Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). 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_a4d231c57aa2. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Forest Bathing (in-person)

Cost: $25 for first registration, $15 for each additional ticket 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… 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_f585904d672e. Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Fruit Basket Virtual Story Time

What’s your favorite fruit? You never know, it could be one you haven’t tried yet! Visit the Miller Library in November or December to make a collage portrait featuring fruits. FARAH LOVES MANGOS by Sarthak Sinha SPRING IS FOR STRAWBERRIES by Katherine Pryor and Polina Gortman WHEN GRANDMA GIVES YOU A LEMON TREE by Jamie L.B. Deenihan and Lorraine Rocha 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. Friday, May 1, 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026. Online. For more info visit depts.washington.edu.

Polaroid Landscapes (in-person)

Class Cost: $60, advanced registration required Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE, Join us for a fun and creative watercolor class, where you'll paint charming mini Polaroid landscapes! Let your imagination run wild as you dream up serene scenes and bring them to life with watercolor. You'll learn essential techniques in watercolor and composition. By the end of the class, you'll have two mini paintings to show off! Whether you're a beginner or just looking for a creative escape, this class is the perfect way to dive into the world of watercolor art. Instructor Robin Bundi is a teacher, artist, and designer living in Seattle, Washington. She loves to explore the natural world and primarily creates work to celebrate the natural world and our connection to it. Robin’s studio practice includes watercolor painting, drawing, and making her own watercolors from foraged materials. She has a BFA in Graphic Design and Art History from Ohio University and certificate in… Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Robin Bundi. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_902834159dce. Sunday, May 3, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Free 1st Thursday Public Tour

TOUR CAPACITY: To ensure a positive tour experience and the safety of our visitors, our tours are now capped at 50 attendees. Attendees must register in advance to claim their spot on the tour. 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.  Blooming plants in our collection will be featured.   In May we will feature Dogwoods, Magnolias and and other late spring bloomers. To join the walk, meet us at the Graham Visitors Center: 2300 Arboretum Drive East.   Docents will be there to greet and gather tour attendees We make every effort to tailor our tours to our audience.  If you have any specific requirements or mobility limitations we will do our best to accommodate them. UW Botanic Gardens is committed to enriching the lives of all community members with free public tours. Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: cmn23@uw.edu. Event Types: Not Specified. Age Range: Adults. Presenter: UW Botanic Garden Tour Docents. Contact Information: cmn23@uw.edu. Thursday, May 7, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.

Botanical Print-Making Workshop

Total class cost: $45 Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. REGISTER ONLINE, Come make your own unique Mother’s Day cards through an exploration of mixed media print-making! Explore the patterns and textures of plants through print-making processes. This class will invite you to use natural materials, like spring flowers & conifer needles, to create one-of-a-kind cards with/for a mother figure. 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: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). 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_7ea9deb7b58d. Saturday, May 9, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Forest Bathing (in-person)

Cost: $25 for first registration, $15 for each additional ticket 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… 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_9009c36afd64. Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Urban Foraging: Weeds & Wild Foods (in-person)

Cost: $45 Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-serve basis, REGISTER ONLINE Participate in this 'weed walk' and learn how to identify and gather some of the most common edible weeds and wild foods available in your garden and in other disturbed areas. Many gardeners are already recognizing many of the benefits of these 'interlopers.' However, when it comes to serving them up in the kitchen, few of us have learned to take full advantage of these labor-free gifts. This hands-on workshop at Discovery Park includes discussion on gathering ethics, local rules and regulations, safety, and general information about how to cook with weeds. Attendees receive a handy take-home flier with field identification information and cooking tips. Instructor Melany Vorass Herrera studied ethnobotany at Evergreen State College and holds a degree in environmental policy. For well over 20 years, her public policy work focused on such subjects as stormwater, hazardous waste, solid waste, environmental cleanup and… Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Melany Vorass Herrera. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_9c8d6cececc9. Saturday, May 16, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Discovery Park, North Parking Lot. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Gardening with Edible & Medicinal Native Plants (in-person)

Cost: $30, advanced registration required Financial aid available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE, Join us for an exploration of the edible and medicinal plants native to the PNW. In this interactive class, you'll learn how to identify, grow, harvest, and utilize 10+ local plants with nourishing and healing properties. Throughout the session, you'll gain practical knowledge on how to incorporate these plants into your daily life and learn how to cultivate them in your own garden. Plus, you'll have the chance to sample a variety of edible plants and create a custom tea blend to take home.  This class will be taught by Lea Dyga, Oxbow Farm’s Native Plant Nursery Manager, formerly the SER-UW Native Plant Nursery Manager. Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Lea Dyga, Oxbow Farm Native Plant Nursery Manager. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_5a8e4f17ceef. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Botanical Fiber Art Workshop: Embroidered Photo Frame (in-person)

Class Cost: $50, pre-registration required  REGISTER ONLINE, Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Want to create an embroidered photo frame keepsake? Create a personalized hand stitched frame to remember a special memory, location, event, and more. This two-hour hands-on class with Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ will get you started with hand embroidering a photo frame. Each person will be able to choose from a variety of nature inspired patterns and thread colors to create a personalized project. Class will cover hand embroidery stitches such as the satin stitch, split back stitch, stem stitch, and French knot.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, workshops, and her books: 3D Botanical Embroidery & Stumpwork, DIY Embroidered Shoes, and … Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). 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_f0e636fff384. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Grow a Cut Flower Garden at Home (in-person)

Cost: $45 Advance registration required Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE, Enjoy homegrown blooms from your backyard to spread throughout your home and share with friends and family! In this class, you will be guided through planning a cut garden space, starting seeds at home, harvesting flowers and foliage, and the basics of arranging. Plus, we’ll practice planting some summer-loving flowers for you to take home! Instructor Sarah Nayani runs Grow Girl Seattle, a seasonal flower growing and arranging studio, and chats with other flower growers and florists on her podcast, Flower Friends. Each year she grows thousands of flower and foliage stems in her small home garden, and designs textural and fragrant bouquets and arrangements for clients. She loves learning from the garden and continues to be amazed by the jaw-dropping beauty that the tiniest of seeds can bloom into. This in-person class will be held at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Sarah Nayani. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_f280261c9cfd. Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Summer Sun Virtual Story Time

Sunny weather is coming. In these books, learn how sunlight supports life on earth. WILD SUMMER: LIFE IN THE HEAT by Sean Taylor, Alex Morss, and Cinyee Chiu LIVING SUNLIGHT by Molly Bang and Penny Chisolm SUN IN MY TUMMY by Laura Alary and Andrea Blinick 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. Monday, June 1, 2026 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Online. For more info visit depts.washington.edu.

The Eagles of Washington (Online)

Cost: $25 - Advance registration required. Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINEThe Bald Eagle is our most beloved bird, the emblem of our country. Almost as admired are their cousins, the Golden Eagles. But do these apex predators deserve their noble reputations? Benjamin Franklin believed eagles were the opposite of honorable, nothing more than thieves, and wanted the turkey as our national bird. So, noble kings/queens of the sky or brazen thieves? You be the judge. Come hear master birder Connie Sidles tell you all about the eagles of Washington. New to Zoom or need more information? Get Started Here. All times are Pacific Time. Accessibility: Closed captioning (through Zoom) is available for all of our online classes. This class will be recorded and available for registrants for 2 weeks after the class date. Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Constance Sidles. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_8738c309064f. Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Online via Zoom. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Free 1st Thursday Public Tour

TOUR CAPACITY: To ensure a positive tour experience and the safety of our visitors, our tours are now capped at 50 attendees. Attendees must register in advance to claim their spot on the tour. 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.  To join the walk, meet us at the Graham Visitors Center: 2300 Arboretum Drive East.   Docents will be there to greet and gather tour attendees We make every effort to tailor our tours to our audience.  If you have any specific requirements or mobility limitations we will do our best to accommodate them. UW Botanic Gardens is committed to enriching the lives of all community members with free public tours. Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: cmn23@uw.edu. Event Types: Not Specified. Age Range: Adults. Presenter: UW Botanic Garden Tour Docents. Contact Information: cmn23@uw.edu. Thursday, June 4, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.

Botanical Fiber Art Workshop: Cactus Embroidery Basics (in-person)

Class Cost: $50, pre-registration required  REGISTER ONLINE, Limited financial aid slots offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Calling all cactus lovers! Learn beginner and advanced embroidery in this cactus-inspired workshop with fiber artist Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ. This two-hour, hands-on workshop covers a variety of beginner-friendly embroidery stitches including the back stitch, reverse chain stitch, couching, needle weaving, and more! Each attendee will receive a full kit. Kits include: a wooden embroidery hoop, cactus transfer designs, embroidery needle, full skeins of embroidery thread, a surprise pattern fabric, backing materials, and printed instructions.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, workshops, and her books: 3D Botanical Embroidery &… Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). 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_afa643469ec1. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Urban Foraging: Weeds & Wild Foods (in-person)

Cost: $45 Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-serve basis, REGISTER ONLINE Participate in this 'weed walk' and learn how to identify and gather some of the most common edible weeds and wild foods available in your garden and in other disturbed areas. Many gardeners are already recognizing many of the benefits of these 'interlopers.' However, when it comes to serving them up in the kitchen, few of us have learned to take full advantage of these labor-free gifts. This hands-on workshop at Discovery Park includes discussion on gathering ethics, local rules and regulations, safety, and general information about how to cook with weeds. Attendees receive a handy take-home flier with field identification information and cooking tips. Instructor Melany Vorass Herrera studied ethnobotany at Evergreen State College and holds a degree in environmental policy. For well over 20 years, her public policy work focused on such subjects as stormwater, hazardous waste, solid waste, environmental cleanup and… Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Melany Vorass Herrera. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_3e940beb422a. Saturday, June 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Discovery Park, North Parking Lot. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Gardening with the Seasons: Summer (online)

Cost: $25 Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE, Summer brings an abundance of growth and blooms...and sometimes garden problems. Managing weeds and irrigation are prime targets for attention at this time of year. Time-saving tips for proactive garden care will help gardeners have more time to enjoy their gardens. Key topics will include care of seasonal containers, watering practices, potential weed and pest problems to be aware of, and specialized pruning practices for the season. About this series: Plants and gardens don't live by the written calendar, but by the seasonal cycles and cues of changes in daylight, temperature, and moisture. When gardeners become acquainted with the seasonal rhythms and life cycles in the garden, and learn to work in sync with nature, caring for the garden becomes more of a process and less of a battle with potential garden enemies. This series will help beginning and seasoned gardeners learn how to capitalize on optimal timing and… Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Christina Pfeiffer. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_d229820c1cca. Thursday, June 18, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Online via Zoom. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Gardening with the Seasons: Summer (in-person)

Cost: $35 Financial aid slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, REGISTER ONLINE, Join us in person at the Center for Urban Horticulture! Summer brings an abundance of growth and blooms...and sometimes garden problems. Managing weeds and irrigation are prime targets for attention at this time of year. Time-saving tips for proactive garden care will help gardeners have more time to enjoy their gardens. Key topics will include care of seasonal containers, watering practices, potential weed and pest problems to be aware of, and specialized pruning practices for the season. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, we will end the class by taking a stroll through the Center for Urban Horticulture’s gardens. About this series: Plants and gardens don't live by the written calendar, but by the seasonal cycles and cues of changes in daylight, temperature, and moisture. When gardeners become acquainted with the seasonal rhythms and life cycles in the garden, and learn to work in sync with nature, caring for… Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Center for Urban Horticulture Complex (CUH). Campus room: Douglas Research Conservatory. Accessibility Contact: urbhort@uw.edu. Presenter: Christina Pfeiffer. Contact Information: urbhort@uw.edu. Ticket Link: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/uwbg?key=2WSB-TGY2T_K9KH-5PTF_0e61db27fb6e. Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Forest Bathing (in-person)

Cost: $25 for first registration, $15 for each additional ticket 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… 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_796ca173cc21. Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. For more info visit apps.ideal-logic.com.

Free 1st Thursday Public Tour

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.  To join the walk, meet us at the Graham Visitors Center: 2300 Arboretum Drive East.   Docents will be there to greet and gather tour attendees We make every effort to tailor our tours to our audience.  If you have any specific requirements or mobility limitations we will do our best to accommodate them. UW Botanic Gardens is committed to enriching the lives of all community members with free public tours. Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: cmn23@uw.edu. Event Types: Not Specified. Age Range: Adults. Presenter: UW Botanic Garden Tour Docents. Contact Information: cmn23@uw.edu. Thursday, July 2, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.