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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. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
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. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
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. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
Fish and Wildlife Seminar: Mapping and Modeling Characteristics of Rocky Habitat and Habitat Suitability for Rock-Dwelling Wildlife in the Cascade Mountains
.
Contact: amcintur@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Via Zoom - https://washington.zoom.us/j/4432362511.
For more info visit washington.zoom.us. Sustaining Our World Reception - Invitation Required
Please join us from 5:30-7PM for this year's Sustaining Our World reception. SEFS is welcoming Peter Reich, Filibert Roth Professor at the University of Michigan and Director of the Institute for Global Change Biology.
Appetizers and beverages will be served.
This is an invitation only event.
Where: Forest Club Room | Anderson Hall (second floor, Room 224)
When: May 6, 2026 | 5:30-7PM PST.
Contact: sefscomm@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsevents@uw.edu.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Forest Club Room | Anderson Hall (second floor, Room 224).
Sustaining Our World Lecture with Peter Reich, University of Michigan
SEFS YouTube Live link here.
Contact: sefscomm@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsevents@uw.edu.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Anderson Hall Auditorium (Room 205) or via YouTube Live
SEFS YouTube Live - https://youtube.com/live/qwXiIBi4noA.
For more info visit youtube.com. 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. Christina Bjarvin | PhD Final Exam Dissertation Defense
Title: Cradle-to-Grave Environmental Impacts of Mass Timber Construction in the United States: A Comparative Assessment to Conventional Construction Materials
Committee Members:
Indroneil Ganguly, Chair, UW SEFS
Tania M. Busch Isaksen, GSR, UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
Kent Wheiler, Member, UW SEFS
Francesca Pierobon, Member, SEFS Affiliate and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Maureen Puettmann, Member, CORRIM
Abstract:
The use and end-of-life (EOL) phases of mass timber products (MTP)—including cross-laminated and glue-laminated timber—remain comparatively understudied in life cycle assessment (LCA) literature, leaving uncertainty around their cradle-to-grave environmental performance relative to conventional construction materials. This dissertation addresses that gap by building on assumptions used in prior U.S.-based LCA studies of MTP and other structural materials.
A comprehensive environmental assessment was conducted for two case-study buildings: Google’s “MT1”…
Contact: bjarvin@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM.
Anderson Hall G24 or via Zoom
Zoom link - https://washington.zoom.us/j/8809125620?pwd=2saGOPEA1RzRz4TklRgYyUmcvuHf1Q.1&omn=97279347362.
For more info visit washington.zoom.us. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
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. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
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. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
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. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
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. SEFS Faculty Meeting (11:30am - 12:30pm)
Contact: Mary Keyes: mkeyes2@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: sefsmain@uw.edu.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Anderson Hall G25.
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. SEFS Graduation Celebration
Details about SEFS Graduation Celebration can be found on the SEFS' website. More information about the event and the reception will be made available in the coming weeks.
Contact: sefsadv@uw.edu. Accessibility Contact: lectures@uw.edu.
Friday, June 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
Kane Hall Room 130.
For more info visit sefs.uw.edu. 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 (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.