Start a quest to deepen your knowledge of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Join a community of adult learners who are dedicated to understanding the natural sciences, ecology and culture of the Southern Appalachian region through the Blue Ridge Naturalist (BRN) Certificate of Merit program. Classes meet year round online, onsite and in the field.
For further information on the program is located here on the website. Students complete core and elective courses on ecology, botany, geology and plant identification, animals, lichens, insects and more. New courses are offered for certificate credit every month and in every season. All current courses are listed on the Adult Education Classes page and in the Arboretum’s Learn & Grow monthly newsletter.
All students complete and present a final project prior to graduation. Projects often take the form of service learning, empowering students to tackle needs in their own communities, including establishing pollinator gardens for public enjoyment or researching the effects of stream sedimentation
Sign up online today to understand your place in the natural world and how to preserve, protect and care for our common home.
Enroll year round and start in season!
Enroll Here
There is a one-time, non-refundable $75 application fee. Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society receive additional on all classes taken for certificate credit.
For more information, please contact Adult Education Programs at AdultEducation@ncarboretum.org.
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