Click on the each program title to register. Programs with an (*) are eligible for a member discount (Pacesetters and above).
Art in Nature Programs
*ANIMAL ART CLASS: FROG FOCUS!
To get the jump on world frog day (March 20th), join us as we celebrate our appreciation for these amazing amphibians with an art class! Learn to sketch and paint these charming creatures and take home your very own “tree cookie” masterpiece, perfect to use as a coaster or quirky decor around your home. This class intended for adults and teens age 13+. All levels of experience are encouraged to join– from newbie to seasoned artist. All are welcome.
Instructor: Brittany Roger, Irvine Educator and MICA-trained artist
Friday, March 15th
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $15/individual
Advance registration encouraged – class will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*IRVINE MAKE AND TAKE: HEALING HERBAL SALVES!
Learn the process of making a healing herbal salve from foraged springtime leaves, take home a tin of salve and the knowledge to make more. Common springtime plants: violets, chickweeds, plantain, yarrow, cottonwood buds and more can heal skin and treat bug bites, irritations, and burns. We will learn how to identify and harvest plants before making our own blend of salve.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Wednesday, April 17th
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $15/individual
Advance registration encouraged – class will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*IRVINE MAKE AND TAKE: WILD PESTO
Spring is the perfect time to forage for nutrition-filled wild foods. In this workshop we will learn how to correctly identify many different edible wild greens, often dismissed as weeds. Then we will prepare our harvested leaves and create pesto. Combine leaves of varying ‘spice’ with oil and optional foraged nuts to create the perfect blend for you to take home a tub.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Sunday, April 28th
2:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $20/family
Advance registration encouraged – class will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*ANIMAL ART : WORLD TURTLE DAY!
Celebrate your love for turtles with an art class. Irvine’s animal ambassadors include the Maryland State Reptile, the Diamondback Terrapin! Learn to draw and paint this rare species and your other favorite turtles. All experience levels and ages welcome, ages 10+ recommended.
Instructors: Brittany Roger, Irvine Educator and MICA-trained artist
Thursday, May 23rd
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $20/individual
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*ANIMAL ART: MAMMALS
Practice observational drawing with a live mammal and mammal artifacts. Leave the class with observational drawing/painting techniques and new ways expressing your connection to nature. This is a mixed media activity with options including acrylic paint, watercolor, colored pencils, charcoal, pens, and a variety of surfaces. Irvine’s animals will model for participants as they draw and paint! This is not a Paint Night style activity. We’re not all painting the same thing step-by-step. Ideal for ages 13+
Participants may take home their artwork.
Participants are allowed to bring their own supplies if they like.
Participants’ parents are not required to be a chaperone.
Instructors: Brittany Roger, Irvine Educator and MICA-trained artist
Sunday, June 9th
1:00 – 3:00PM
Cost: $25/individual
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
NATURE EXPLORATION Programs
*FORAGING FOUNDATIONS: Winter Tree Identification
The foundation of foraging is being able to correctly identify plants but knowing your trees makes any hike more interesting too. This class will start by looking at evergreen needles, then advance to using clues from bark to buds to identify trees without their leaves. After practicing indoors with cut branches, test what you have learned on the trails with a guided forage. Finally, warm up indoors as we discuss the different traditional uses of these plants. If you have foraged at Irvine before you know there is usually something to taste! Ages 18+ This program is intended for all experience levels – novice to proficient.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Saturday, March 9th
10:00AM-12:30PM
Cost: $15/individual
Pre-registration encouraged. Walk-ups welcome, if space allows.
*IRVINE MAKE AND TAKE: HEALING HERBAL SALVES
Learn the process of making a healing herbal salve from foraged springtime leaves, take home a tin of salve and the knowledge to make more. Common springtime plants: violets, chickweeds, plantain, yarrow, cottonwood buds and more can heal skin and treat bug bites, irritations, and burns. We will learn how to identify and harvest plants before making our own blend of salve.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Wednesday, April 17th
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $15/individual
Advance registration encouraged – class will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*STORIES OF SPRING WILDFLOWERS CANCELLED
Visit Irvine to admire the displays of woodland spring wildflowers including such delights as Virginia bluebells and Dutchman’s breeches. On an easy guided walk through the understory loop and woodland garden, we will learn some of the folklore, stories and traditional uses of these short-lived beauties.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Saturday, April 20th
2:00 – 3:30PM
Cost: $10/individual
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*IRVINE MAKE AND TAKE: WILD PESTO
Spring is the perfect time to forage for nutrition-filled wild foods. In this workshop we will learn how to correctly identify many different edible wild greens, often dismissed as weeds. Then we will prepare our harvested leaves and create pesto. Combine leaves of varying ‘spice’ with oil and optional foraged nuts to create the perfect blend for you to take home a tub.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Sunday, April 28th
2:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $20/individual
Advance registration encouraged – class will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*LUNCH & LEARN – THE ROYAL CONNECTION: SPRING FLOWERS AND QUEEN BUMBLE BEES
Queen Bumble Bees are one of the first bees to emerge in early spring. Their warm, fuzzy coats and innate ability to raise their body temperature means they can fly even on cold spring mornings when other bees are still snug and warm in bed. This makes them an essential pollinator for many spring ephemeral flowers. Discover the special relationship this charismatic bee has with spring flowers, such as the enchanting Dutchman’s breeches, shooting star, and larkspur. In this fun talk, we will learn about the perils of being both a Queen and a single mom; it’s not easy to raise your daughters while coping with problems like nectar robbers and cuckoos. Tickets include a tea party, fit for royalty, and themed mocktail for your enjoyment. This program is intended for adults.
Following the lunch and talk, enjoy a guided walk around Irvine’s Woodland Garden at the peak of flowering of spring ephemerals.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Wednesday, May 1st
12:00-2:00PM
Cost: $35/member, $45/non-member (or SAVE when purchasing the 3-event series)
Limited space, must register in advance!
*CELEBRATE SPRING HIKE: BIRDING AND BOTANY
Come for an early hike at Irvine on one of the best days for seeing birds. We will take a gentle stroll looking and listening for warblers, orioles and more. See who is setting up home in our bird houses and listen for the warbles of wood thrushes. Finish with a stroll through the woodland garden where spring flowers including orchids, bluebells and trilliums should be at their best. Start your weekend with a celebration of spring! Suitable both for beginner birders and those with more experience. Bring binoculars if you own them but we will also have them available to borrow. Ideal for ages 13+
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Saturday, May 4th
8:00 – 10:00AM
Cost: $10/Family
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*BUILD A POLLINATOR GARDEN WORKSHOP
Want to help butterflies and bees but need advice on how to start? Or want to reduce maintenance requirements for an existing garden? In this workshop you will discover how to support the full lifecycle of both bees and butterflies. Get ideas on where to locate your garden, the easiest way to start and plant recommendations that thrive even in yards with deer or heavy clay soil. Visit Irvine’s gardens to see examples. Take home a set of native plant plugs to start your garden.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Environmental Educator
Saturday, May 11th
1:30 – 2:30PM
Cost: $20/Family
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*A SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Connect with nature on the special solstice that this year coincides with a full moon (or wait another 19 years). Take a gentle walk to our pollinator meadow to experience the evening peace. Listen to solstice stories from around the world while gathering around a fire scented with herbs collected on this longest day. Enjoy some seasonal beverages like elderflower spritzers. Then watch the moon rise over the meadow as it dances with fireflies. Irvine magic! Ideal for adults and children 8+
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker & Cecilia Boynton, Environmental Educators
Friday, June 21st
7:30 – 9:30PM
Cost: $12/individual or $25/family
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
Health and wellness Programs
QIGONG & TAI CHI
Through Qigong and Tai Chi, participants will explore the ancient practices of moving meditation to align body, mind, and spirit and build a deeper connection to nature. In addition to learning and practicing these healing arts, we will also experience one or more additional components of the following: qigong forest bathing, qigong walks, mindfulness meditation, and focused breath work. The classes will begin in the tent or conference room, then transition to various beautiful locations throughout the Irvine campus. Age 18+ No prior experience needed. All are welcome.
Instructors: Mary Pinkard, NQA Level II Instructor, and Michele Tsonis
Offered Sundays, March 3 – May 19 (no class March 31or April 28)
9:30 – 10:30AM
Cost: $15/individual
Register for one or more session dates. Preregistration available, walkups welcome.
People in 100s of cities and 80 nations on 6 continents will take part in the celebration of Tai Chi. The Qi-MaryP Qigong Team will lead the local event celebrating and practicing various forms of Tai Chi/Qigong moving mediations. Age 18+ No prior experience needed. All are welcome.
Instructors: Mary Pinkard, NQA Level II Instructor, and Michele Tsonis, GFI
Saturday, April 27th
9:30 – 10:30AM
Cost: $15/individual
