Class Schedule July – December 2026

Nightlife at Home: Creating Firefly Habitat | July 25 | IN-PERSON

A garden doesn’t stop being beautiful when the sun goes down– the nighttime brings a whole new dynamic! In this course we will discuss which flowers are pollinated by moonlight and why, what native plants create habitat for overnight “guests”, and ways you can create spaces at home for both you and these beautiful insects. Students will receive 1 native perennial (1 qt size) selected for firefly support, and a copy of the book “Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies” by Sara Lewis.

---

Butterfly Pinning 101 | August 16 | IN-PERSON

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the delicate art of butterfly pinning — a timeless method of preserving these stunning insects for display. In this class, you’ll be guided through each step of the process, from rehydration of the specimens to proper pinning techniques. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this class combines elements of entomology, art, and natural history. All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with your own beautifully preserved butterfly and the knowledge to continue the craft at home. Conclude the class with a guided visit to Butterflies Bloom with Butterfly Exhibit Manager, Clara Aus. Note: All butterfly specimens are ethically and sustainably sourced!

---

NEW!  Our Little Feathered Friends: A Bird Photography Workshop | August 29 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to photograph birds with practical tips on gear, technique, and attracting them even in your own backyard. You’ll explore bird behavior, practice skills in the field, and discover how patience leads to better shots. A follow-up session includes a fun group critique to share your work and insights.

---

NEW! Butterflies Bloom Backstage Pass

Step behind the scenes of the new Butterflies Bloom exhibit for an exclusive backstage tour. Join Butterfly Exhibit Manager Clara Aus for a look inside the exhibit to learn more about adult butterflies and then explore the back of house spaces to see how we care for butterflies at all life stages. Offered on select Sundays in 2026, this action-packed tour is sure to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience in our Conservatory’s new Subtropical House and Butterflies Bloom exhibit!

Early July Backstage Pass | July 12 | IN-PERSON

Late July Backstage Pass | July 26 | IN-PERSON

Early August Backstage Pass | August 9 | IN-PERSON

Late August Backstage Pass | August 23 | IN-PERSON

---

Beginning Birding | September 12 | IN-PERSON

Want to learn more about birding? Join Barb and Buz Sawyer, birdwatchers since childhood, for a fun-filled and informative morning exploring this enjoyable hobby. We’ll talk about where to go, what to bring with you, which birds are likely to be seen at which time, how to identify birds, and how to help birds with conservation techniques.

---

Fall Planting for Pollinators | September 20 | IN-PERSON

In the fall, our pollinator friends are busy at work! Join entomologist and Butterflies Bloom Manager Clara Aus as she navigates how to best support the local Virginia wildlife with your fall plantings. You’ll learn pollinator flower preferences, fall-blooming keystone species, host plants, fall planting techniques, and how to create a fall garden that is attractive to both people and pollinators. Take home a fall-blooming native plant and a variety of native seeds, as well as handouts on gardening, pollinators, host plants, and more. Complete with a walk around the Garden to see the pollinators in action, this class is sure to be educational and fun!

---

NEW!  Exploring the Mystery of Bird Migration | October 17 | IN-PERSON

What is Migration? Why do birds migrate? Where do they go? How do they know how to get there? Some birds fly nearly 2500 miles nonstop to their winter homes! Some fly at altitudes over 20,000 feet! How do we know this? Barb and Buz Sawyer have been birders for decades and have asked these questions and more. Join them for some answers, as well as exploring some still unsolved mysteries. After the classroom presentation we will go out into the Garden to look for both migrants and birds that stay year-round, and point out some plants and trees that help support the birds on their journey.

---

NEW!  Beginner Beekeeping 2.0 | October 17 | IN-PERSON

Congratulations on making it this far in your beekeeping journey! Whether you’re a first, second, or third-year beekeeper, you’ve likely discovered that beekeeping is both rewarding and full of surprises. This Beginner Beekeeping 2.0 course is designed to refresh your knowledge, answer common questions, and help you improve your beekeeping success. During this informative one-day session, we’ll focus on the critical management practices that help colonies survive winter and thrive the following spring.

---

NEW!  Butterfly Pinning 102: Common Morpho | October 18 | IN-PERSON

Embrace the beauty of the common morpho (Morpho peleides), one of the world’s most well-known butterflies, in this hands-on workshop with lepidopterist and Butterfly Exhibit Manager, Clara Aus. We’ll cover the morpho’s life cycle, anatomy, behaviors, and adaptations (like their iridescent blue color) before we begin the guided pinning session. Clara will guide participants through the entire pinning process, from how to rehydrate specimens to pinning and positioning the wings. All our common morpho specimens are ethically sourced from the Butterflies Bloom exhibit after they complete their full natural life cycle.

---

NEW!  Butterfly Pinning 103: Owl Butterfly | November 8 | IN-PERSON

Celebrate the uniqueness of the owl butterfly (Caligo spp.), known for its striking owl eye mimicry, in this hands-on workshop with lepidopterist and Butterfly Exhibit Manager, Clara Aus. We’ll cover the owl butterfly’s life cycle, anatomy, adaptations, and behaviors (like their crepuscular nature) before we begin the guided pinning session. Clara will guide participants through the entire pinning process, from how to rehydrate specimens to pinning and positioning the wings. All our owl butterfly specimens are ethically sourced from the Butterflies Bloom exhibit after they complete their full natural life cycle.

---

NEW!  DIY Floating Butterfly Ornaments | December 13 | IN-PERSON

Create a stunning, one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake for the nature-lover in your life (or for yourself)! Join lepidopterist Clara Aus for a workshop focusing on handmade butterfly ornaments that capture the beauty of their unique patterns and delicate wings. Along the way, you’ll learn about butterfly life cycles, wing adaptations, and the fascinating natural history behind these amazing insects. Each participant will take home three handcrafted ornaments with butterfly wings appearing to float inside. Butterfly specimens are ethically and sustainably sourced from our Butterflies Bloom Exhibit after they live out their full natural life cycle.