We all have a part to play in conserving species. Join us for a hands-on exploration and learn more about some of the projects our staff, volunteers, students and partners are engaged in to help conserve species at the Arboretum and beyond. All programs will occur rain or shine (with the exception of severe weather) and are intended for all ages. Participants should be prepared to be outdoors, on and off trail, for up to two hours. 

All programs are free, though regular parking fees apply. Parking is always free to members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society. Donations will be accepted and will support our volunteer-led citizen science programming. 

October 8, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Starting Location: Education Center Lobby

Join us for an afternoon of monarch butterfly merriment! The Southern Appalachians are extremely important to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, as many migrate longitudinally through our region each Fall. At this event, we’ll discuss ways to support the survival of this imperiled species and learn about conservation efforts at the Arboretum and beyond. We’ll also get to know the monarch’s host plant, milkweed, as we search for caterpillars and eggs. We’ll have fun monarch-related activities available throughout the afternoon and end the program with a monarch butterfly release! 

October 15, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Starting Location: Education Center Lobby

Join our Arboretum educators and friends from Wild Bird Research Group for an afternoon that’s for the birds!. Watch conservation at work with mist netting demonstrations by professional ornithologists outside the Education Center, and get up close and personal with beautiful wild birds. You may even get to hold one! All the while, our educators will be leading guided bird hikes on the Arboretum’s leaf-littered trails in search of migrating songbirds and year-round residents. 

October 22, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Starting Location: Education Center Lobby

Did you know that over the past ten years there have been 100 different Eastern box turtles found at the Arboretum? Learn how the Arboretum participates in the 100 Year Box Turtle Project by documenting the box turtles found within our borders. You’ll learn how to tell the gender of a box turtle, how to estimate their age and meet some of our turtles. Tracking our box turtles by using radiotelemetry is sure to be a highlight!

October 29, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Starting Location: Education Center Lobby

Our Willow Pond is home to a breeding population of mole salamanders, a species of special concern in North Carolina. Learn how the Arboretum worked with research scientists, landscape architects and others to craft this important habitat. We’ll also use dip nets to search for these salamanders and the other amphibians that call Willow Pond home. Learn how you can help document amphibian diversity using iNaturalist, an online network of naturalists from around the world.