Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is offering the following programs, events and classes:

 

Become a Volunteer Educator

This spring Fernwood naturalists and Volunteer Educators will reach 1,500 students through the Environmental Studies Program. Fernwood is always looking for enthusiastic people who love nature and children to help with teaching. Those interested in joining them should attend the session on March 3, from 3 to 5 p.m., or contact Wendy Jones at Fernwood. All Fernwood volunteers are welcome to attend any session. Guests should dress for walking the trails.

 

Yoga

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

Practice the fundamentals of yoga at Fernwood with instructor, Deirdre Guthrie, of YogaGlow in Three Oaks, and Greta Hurst, Tabula Rasa Gallery, Baroda. Join the classes now on Saturdays, in addition to Wednesdays, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Cost is $10 or $8 for members $8.

 

Niles Handweavers Guild Meeting

Wednesday, March 4, 10 a.m.

The Niles Handweavers Guild meets at Fernwood the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m., followed by a members’ gathering from noon to 2 p.m. to socialize and work on projects.

Join them to learn about “Weaving on a Used CD” by Sue Russell and Sharon Eichler. Guests are asked to bring a used CD and yarn. Photo challenge woven pieces are due.

 

Celebrating Birds

Saturday, March 7

Gather tips about the birds of the region, from feeding to identification, and how to attract them in two special programs. Attend both programs for $18 or $15 for members. Single program cost is $12 or $10 for members.

 

Backyard Birding Basics

10 a.m. to noon

From feeding to identification, naturalist Wendy Jones introduces everyone to the basics of backyard birding.

 

Inviting Bluebirds to Your Backyard

2 to 4 p.m.

Bluebird expert, John Harville, discusses the natural history of bluebirds and shares tips on how to invite them to nest in your own backyard.

 

Sunday Journey: Gardens of Southern California

Sunday, March 8, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The natural world is filled with incredible beauty wherever you travel — as you will discover with our winter series of armchair adventures.

In this program Fernwood Executive Director, Carol Line, leads us on a tour of the gardens, missions, and other cultural sites of Southern California from the 2014 Fernwood-led trip to the area. Enjoy a warm lunch in the Fernwood Café. Cost is $10 or $8 for members.

New Exhibit in the Fernwood Clark Gallery: Basilius Besler

Friday, March 6 through Sunday, April 19

Opening Reception: Sunday, March 8, 1 to 3 p.m.

Fernwood, through the generosity of Alan Robandt (long a supporter of Fernwood’s artistic efforts), will present three of the world’s most amazing pieces of botanical artwork. Hortus Eystettensis (Garden of Eichstätt) is the earliest documentation of a specific garden and is the oldest botanical. In the early 1600s, Basilius Besler documented a vast garden in four seasons — probably the first botanical garden — that of the Prince Bishop of Eichstätt, Germany. It was the first time in history that flowering plants were portrayed as being beautiful things on their own standing. Originally engraved by more than 10 engravers, these life-sized botanicals were engraved on copper plates then printed on large folios, hand-colored, and bound into a book.

 

About Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve

Fernwood is a special place where nature blends with gardens and art to create an experience of wonder for all ages. Fernwood comprises 105 acres on the St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Michigan, at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The Fernwood Café is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. Call (269) 695.6491 or visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org for more information and to confirm status of classes.