Spring in the Azalea Collection
Each spring visitors are drawn to the NC Arboretum’s National Native Azalea Collection to behold the singular beauty of azaleas in bloom. Visiting the National Native Azalea Collection, tucked into the forest alongside Bent Creek, is a unique opportunity to stroll through acres of mature azalea specimens, with 16 of North America’s 18 native azalea species growing alongside an array of cultivars and hybrids in a spectacle of color and fragrance. Read on to learn more about the events and opportunities offered by the Native Azalea Collection this year!
Native Azalea Day
April 27, 2024
A shuttle to the Collection will be available between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., departing to and from the Baker Visitor Center throughout the event. Visitors are also welcome to walk to the Native Azalea Collection from the Gatehouse Parking Lot using Old Mill Road to Bent Creek Road, or can park at the Baker Visitor Center and walk down Running Cedar Road to Bent Creek Road. Walkers should be prepared to travel one mile over unpaved roads and paths.
All activities, unless otherwise noted, are included with general admission fees.
Event Schedule
Pre-registered “Ecology of the Native Azalea Collection” with Lauren Lampley
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
“For Native Azalea Day, join Adult Education Coordinator, Lauren Lampley, on an ecology walk through the Native Azalea Collection highlighting different plants, wildlife, and ecosystems found within the collection. We will also discuss how the different wetlands and creeks play into the ecology of the space and how our Community Science Projects make use of the unique space for science.”
Ongoing walk up features
All day (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Ongoing walk up features including:
Tabling with local environmental organizations including Carolina Native Nursery, NC Native Plant Society, Azalea Society of America, Shane w/ TNCA Adult Education Citizen Science, Dayna of Solstice Handmade, Graham County
Ecology scavenger hunt with Hemlock Restoration Initiative
Dissecting scope and interactive drawing activities with Educator, Erin Ellis.
Cyanotyping activity
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The educational programs at the Arboretum completely transformed our students’ understanding of local ecology. The hands-on approach made complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting.
— SARAH JENKINS, MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER
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