We welcome Chef Fred German, Executive Chef of JMU Dining Services and owner of Fresh Air Farms!

The evening’s presentation will feature the origin story of Fresh Air Farms, a pasture-based small animal farm that focuses on holistic approaches to animal husbandry and artisan food production as well as a brief overview of the Wine and Cheese menu by Chef German. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres that include ingredients derived from locally sourced ingredients with a variety of thirst-quenching beverages to compliment the flavors.

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From beneficial insects to starting native seeds and planning a rain garden, the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners will offer a wide range of talks and workshops at the Arboretum throughout the year and into 2025!

Join Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, Keala Timko, for a three (3) part series on insects! Each Wednesday of June (except for June 6), learn about the fascinating and wonderful world of insects.

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1st Tuesday Every Month @ 6:00-8:00 pm

Next Meeting: June 4th

Location: Frances Plecker Education Center

Have you always wanted to explore bonsai as a hobby or are just curious about the art? Join presenters, Clark Driver and Simon Jilg, at Frances Plecker Education Center for a short lecture, bonsai displays, and door prizes! For questions and concerns please reach out to ShenandoahValleyBonsaiSociety@gmail.com 

Register Here

Friday, May 3rd at 7:45 pm

Location: The Pond

Visitors should arrive 15 minutes before sunset to hear a brief presentation about bat conservation and behavior, followed by the opportunity to watch bats of the Arboretum emerge for their evening hunt.  Master Naturalists and BCRV volunteers will also be hosting a bat call monitoring station as part of the evening, and visitors can watch and learn more about acoustic monitoring, and what it's telling us about the bats who live in the Arboretum.

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May 15th and 29th | 2-4 PM

July 2nd | 11:30 AM- 1 PM

Location: Start at the Pavilion

Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku, was developed in Japan in the 1980s as a form of preventative medicine with many scientific studies confirming its beneficial impacts on our sense of well-being and physical health. Experience some of the mindful and multi-sensory exercises that make forest bathing an enjoyable and beneficial nature therapy. Join Tamera Helms, a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, or Annette Naber, Ph.D. of Emerald Mountain Sanctuary in this guided walk.

Registration required; limited to 12 registrants per session.

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May 21 & June 18 | 5:30-6:45 pm

July 23, August 20 & October 8 | 6-7:30 pm

$25/session

Location: Ernst Tree Terrace (beside the Education Center)

Using gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, voice, drums, shakers, and chimes, Connie Magee will take you on a sound journey that will relax and de-stress you and bring your whole being back into a state of harmony on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Connie Magee is a multi-modality massage therapist, medicine woman, Yoga Instructor, and meditation teacher.

Registration required

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Saturday, June 22nd | 1:30-3:30 pm

Location: The Pavilion

Harrisonburg Songtuary is a community song circle that seeks to propagate co-enchanting cohorts of contemplayful singers, sponsored by the Arts Council of the Valley and the Office of Creative Propulsion.

At www.songtuary.org/events, you may find more details and RSVP for upcoming gatherings; receive email updates, add to your calendar, or share on social media. We appreciate when you let us know you’re coming, and we hope the web RSVP is convenient for you as well!

Register Here