Click on the each program title to register. Programs with an (*) are eligible for a member discount (Pacesetters and above).
Art in Nature Programs
*WORKSHOP: USING GOLDENRODS FOR DYES & HERBALS
Goldenrods grow in abundance in the meadows at Irvine and are valued in pollinator gardens because of the number of pollinators they support. But did you know that these plants were also traditionally used by people? In this class we will explore how their golden hues can be used as dyes. Using a provided silk scarf, you will get the chance to learn the dyeing process and experiment to see what colors and patterns you can produce. While the dyes are soaking, try some goldenrod tea as we discuss the medicinal properties on this plant and how to make herbal oils. Bring a pair of dishwashing gloves so your hands don’t dye too! All participants will take home their own custom-dyed scarf. This program is intended for adults.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Tuesday, September 26th
6:30-8:30PM
Cost: $30/participant
Limited space, pre-registration encouraged.
*WORKSHOP: MAKE A NATURAL WREATH – With Refreshments
Create a beautiful, all-natural wreath for your home while enjoying some seasonal music, holiday drinks, nibbles and conversation. Join Irvine Nature Center for this workshop where we will create a beautiful but sustainable wreath. We will provide a large assortment of evergreen boughs, berries, fruits, cones, and ribbons and all the instructions. Bring gloves, pruning shears and/or scissors if you have them (we will have some to borrow) and a large box to take your wreath home in. Enjoy special refreshments including a selection of wines and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as appetizers and seasonal desserts. Each participant will go home with their own custom wreath for the season. This program is intended for Adults and teens 16+
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Thursday, November 30th
6:00-8:30PM
Cost: $45/participant
Pre-registration Required – MUST REGISTER by 2PM on Wed, 11/29.
*WORKSHOP: MAKE A NATURAL WREATH
Create a beautiful, all-natural wreath for your home while enjoying some seasonal music, holiday teas, cookies and conversation. Join Irvine Nature Center for this workshop to learn about the many different local evergreens available to create a beautiful but sustainable wreath. We will provide a large assortment of evergreen boughs, berries, fruits, cones, and ribbons and all the instructions. Bring gloves, pruning shears and/or scissors if you have them (we will have some to borrow) and a large box to take your wreath home in. Each participant will go home with their own custom wreath for the season. This program is intended for Adults and teens 13+
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Saturday, December 2nd
1:30-4:00PM
Cost: $35/participant
Pre-registration Required – MUST REGISTER by 12PM on Fri, 12/1.
*WORKSHOP: HERBAL BODYCARE GIFTS
Have some seasonal fun making sustainable and thoughtful herbal gifts to pamper body, face, and lips. In this hands-on workshop, participants will create a body butter, skin soothing face lotion, and chapped lip balm using oils infused with herbs collected at Irvine. Each participant will make and take home 4 of each product (1 for you, 3 to give as gifts) made from quality, sustainable ingredients. This program is intended for Adults
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, December 3rd
1:00-4:00PM
Cost: $40/participant
Pre-registration Required – MUST REGISTER by 12PM on Fri, 12/1.
NATURE EXPLORATION Programs
*FORAGING in Fall: PAWPAWS & MORE
Pawpaws are one of the jewels of the foraging calendar and well worth hunting out. Find out why the largest fruit on the East coast is rarely available to buy despite their unique tropical flavor. We will take a hike to explore the season’s bounty at Irvine during one of the best times of the year to forage and see how to harvest (and how to know they are ready). Then we will sit with some seasonal teas to taste and discuss how to prepare and preserve the many fall foods to ensure maximum flavor. This program is intended for adults.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Saturday, September 16th
2:00-4:00PM
Cost: $20/participant
Limited space, register early, this program with pawpaw ice cream always fills fast!
*LUNCH & LEARN – OUTSTANDING ASTERS & GLORIOUS GOLDENRODS
In the fall, Irvine’s meadows glow with the colors of goldenrods and asters, while a wide diversity of pollinators buzz as they visit. It is a sight and sound not to be missed! Join us for a talk by plant and pollinator expert Dr. Clare Walker and discover the vital ecological role of the aster family –including the glorious goldenrod. Learn about the many creatures that depend upon these plants: migratory monarchs, bumblebees, overwintering birds, gall flies, and goldenrod spiders with their marvelous camouflage, to name a few. These late-season wildflowers are often thought of as badly behaved and too tall for a neat flower garden. However, with over 60 species of goldenrod and asters in Maryland, we will meet short varieties that can thrive in sun or shade – and not take over your garden.
Following lunch and presentation, enjoy a guided walk to see these glories up close. Observe asters and goldenrods growing in full sun near the nature center, and shade varieties in Irvine’s Woodland Garden. There will be an optional longer walk to the overlook, from where you can see Irvine’s Pollinator Meadow. Tickets include a seasonally catered lunch and themed mocktail for your enjoyment. This program is intended for adults.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist
Tuesday, September 19th
12:00-2:00PM
Cost: $35/member, $45/non-member (or SAVE when purchasing the 3-event series)
Limited space, must register in advance!
*PLANT A POLLINATOR PATCH – CANCELED
Are you interested in helping pollinators, from bees to butterflies? This workshop will take you step by step through how to get started, the best plants for supporting pollinators in different growing conditions, and how to deter deer. We will explore different planting plans that can make your yard a magnet for monarchs and the basics of keeping maintenance to a minimum. Then on a short hike we will look at how how to collect your own seeds for a budget native garden. Fall is a great time for gardening without the stress of heat for people or plants. Join Clare at Irvine and take home all the resources you need to be successful, including a starter set of plants for your pollinator patch. This program is intended for adults.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, September 24th
1:30-3:30PM
Cost: $25/participant
Limited space, pre-registration encouraged. Walk-ups welcome, if space allows.
*WORKSHOP: USING GOLDENRODS FOR DYES AND HERBALS
Goldenrods grow in abundance in the meadows at Irvine and are valued in pollinator gardens because of the number of pollinators they support. But did you know that these plants were also traditionally used by people? In this class we will explore how their golden hues can be used as dyes. Using a provided silk scarf, you will get the chance to learn the dyeing process and experiment to see what colors and patterns you can produce. While the dyes are soaking, try some goldenrod tea as we discuss the medicinal properties on this plant and how to make herbal oils. Bring a pair of dishwashing gloves so your hands don’t dye too! All participants will take home their own custom-dyed scarf. This program is intended for adults.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Tuesday, September 26th
6:30-8:30PM
Cost: $30/participant
Limited space, pre-registration encouraged.
*CELEBRATE NATIVE PEOPLE’S MONTH at IRVINE
Visit Irvine’s Native American Educational Site to learn more about Maryland’s first people. Learn about pre-colonial culture of the Eastern Woodland Indians with hands-on activities and demonstrations of traditional skills while exploring the longhouse and wigwams. Grind corn, throw an atlatl, try your hand at starting a friction fire, make cordage, a buckskin bracelet and more. American Indians have made, and continue to make, lasting contributions to our nation in every arena. Help celebrate their achievements and learn about just some of their history in Maryland.
Please note: Irvine’s Native American Educational Site is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot. Guided hikes to the site will be provided at 10:15, 11:30, and 1pm but the route will also be clearly marked for self-guided access. For those with limited mobility, transportation to the site can be arranged with advance notice. This program is intended for all ages (best for 6+).
Instructor: Irvine’s Environmental Educators
Sunday, November 5th
10:30AM-3:00PM
Cost: $15/participant OR $40/family
Ticket prices include a donation to the Baltimore American Indian Center.
Limited space, pre-registration encouraged. Walk-ups welcome, if space allows.
*WORKSHOP: SOUTHEASTERN STYLE MOCCASIN MAKING with Jeff Gottlieb
These beautiful, supremely comfortable, custom fitted moccasins are patterned after the traditional footwear of the Cherokee, Seminole, Creek and other Southeastern tribes. Under the guidance of The Primitive Naturalist Jeff Gottlieb, we will learn how to take measurements of the foot, make a pattern, choose buckskin, lay out the pattern and cut the material. Then the precise stitching is done using simple awls and buckskin thong lacing cut from the same hide. Jeff will cover long-term care, added sole pieces for durability, insole cushioning and hi-tops. Each participant will go home with the most comfortable footwear you have ever worn! They are warm, quiet, lightweight and made from natural materials – you will love them! This program is intended for Adults and teens 16+
Jeff Gottlieb learned to make moccasins from the organizer of the FALLING Leaves Rendevous, Darry Wood, who learnt the traditional technique from a Seminole Elder. Jeff feels fortunate to have this skill passed on from a member of the Native Community who wished to keep the tradition alive. For the last 30 years he has led workshops to keep passing on that knowledge to others.
Instructor: Jeff Gottlieb, The Primitive Naturalist (VIEW BIO)
Saturday & Sunday, November 11-12th
9:00AM-5:00PM both days.
Cost: $145/participant
Limited space, pre-registration required. Class will be canceled if minimum is not met.
*LUNCH & LEARN – INDIGENOUS LIFEWAYS
Maryland has a long and rich history of Indigenous People, from early mammoth hunters to large villages along the Chesapeake Bay to a mid-century migration to Baltimore. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, come learn more about Maryland’s Indigenous People. While providing a historical overview of the adaptions of the region’s first inhabitants, this talk will focus on the Eastern Woodland Indians, including their use of natural resources, foods – both growing and preparing – and tool creation. Tickets include a hot lunch that will celebrate the Three Sisters crops: corn, beans, and squash and themed mocktail for your enjoyment.
Following the lunch and talk there will be a guided tour of Irvine’s Native American educational site* that was first built in partnership with the Baltimore American Indian Center, Stevenson University, Interpretive Naturalist Jeff Gottlieb, and many volunteers in 2016. The home to many school field trips and community programs, the site has grown to include a longhouse, 2 styles of wigwams, a work shelter, and Three Sisters Garden. You can explore the structures, see replica artifacts used for our school programs, watch a demonstration of friction fire starting, try your hand at throwing atlatls, or just relax around the fire. This program is intended for adults.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist
Tuesday, November 14th
12:00-2:30PM
Cost: $35/member, $45/non-member (or SAVE when purchasing the 3-event series)
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Baltimore American Indian Center. Limited space, must register in advance!
* #OptOutside – OPT FOR A NATURE HIKE
Skip the stores and choose nature and fresh air with Naturalist Clare. On this hike we will explore some of the less known trails at Irvine as the seasons change. We can look for how plants and animals are preparing for the coming of winter. Learn some of the history of this land that has shaped the habitats we see today. Dress for the weather with good shoes.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Friday, November 24th
10:00AM-12:00PM
Cost: $10/participant
Pre-registration encouraged, walk-ups welcome.
*WORKSHOP: MAKE A NATURAL WREATH – With Refreshments
Create a beautiful, all-natural wreath for your home while enjoying some seasonal music, holiday drinks, nibbles and conversation. Join Irvine Nature Center for this workshop where we will create a beautiful but sustainable wreath. We will provide a large assortment of evergreen boughs, berries, fruits, cones, and ribbons and all the instructions. Bring gloves, pruning shears and/or scissors if you have them (we will have some to borrow) and a large box to take your wreath home in. Enjoy special refreshments including a selection of wines and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as appetizers and seasonal desserts. Each participant will go home with their own custom wreath for the season. This program is intended for Adults and teens 16+
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Thursday, November 30th
6:00-8:30PM
Cost: $45/participant
Pre-registration Required – MUST REGISTER by 2PM on Wed, 11/29.
*WORKSHOP: MAKE A NATURAL WREATH
Create a beautiful, all-natural wreath for your home while enjoying some seasonal music, holiday teas, cookies and conversation. Join Irvine Nature Center for this workshop to learn about the many different local evergreens available to create a beautiful but sustainable wreath. We will provide a large assortment of evergreen boughs, berries, fruits, cones, and ribbons and all the instructions. Bring gloves, pruning shears and/or scissors if you have them (we will have some to borrow) and a large box to take your wreath home in. Each participant will go home with their own custom wreath for the season. This program is intended for Adults and teens 13+
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Saturday, December 2nd
1:30-4:00PM
Cost: $35/participant
Pre-registration Required – MUST REGISTER by 12PM on Fri, 12/1.
*WORKSHOP: HERBAL BODYCARE GIFTS
Have some seasonal fun making sustainable and thoughtful herbal gifts to pamper body, face, and lips. In this hands-on workshop, participants will create a body butter, skin soothing face lotion, and chapped lip balm using oils infused with herbs collected at Irvine. Each participant will make and take home 4 of each product (1 for you, 3 to give as gifts) made from quality, sustainable ingredients. This program is intended for Adults
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, December 3rd
1:00-4:00PM
Cost: $40/participant
Pre-registration Required – MUST REGISTER by 12PM on Fri, 12/1.
*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.
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, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist
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!
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, October 1 – November 19
9:30 – 10:30AM
Cost: $10/participant
Register for one or more session dates. Preregistration available, walkups welcome.
