Anat Sweeney
Baker

Learn how easy it is to change how you bake by substituting healthy options for typical ingredients. You can use beans instead of flour, avocados instead of cream, and more. Anat has a a three-year-old who loves her baking, but hates beans and avocado. In this class we will explore basic ingredient switches that will not only make your baking healthier, but tasty enough so you won’t know the difference. Anat will demonstrate her techniques and you will have a chance to taste her creations.  Recipes will be provided. Anat is a mom who learned how to make healthy baked goods that still taste good for her son.

Saturday, October 27
10 a.m.–12 noon

Amanda Tardiff, Vegan Cook
Mike Indorato, Morris Arboretum Assistant Chef

Join us as we prove that vegan cooking does not have to be tasteless or boring! Our vegan brunch class will feature gourmet French toast with fruit compote, tofu scramble, vegan seitan breakfast sausages, and more. Learn helpful vegan cooking tips while sipping on a complimentary mimosa and locally crafted coffee from Speakeasy Coffee Company. Come hungry because you will get to enjoy everything that is prepared. These recipes are so tasty that they can hold their own in any setting.  Who said vegans only eat grass?!

Sunday, November 4
12:30–2:30 p.m.

Peggy Paul Casella
Cookbook Editor and Writer

Learn a few simple formulas for transforming your fall farmers’ market haul into hearty, warming soups and stews. Peggy will give you a crash course in complementary fall flavors, then demonstrate how to make two different soups that can be customized to work with different combinations of available produce and suit personal tastes. You will be able to sample the soups and Peggy will provide bread to accompany them. If you want to get inspired before the class, check out her unique, seasonal flavor combos on ThursdayNightPizza.com.

Saturday, November 10
12:30–2:00 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Birding Expert and Trip Leader

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Academy of Natural Sciences’ amazing collection. The Academy, the oldest natural science institution in the Western Hemisphere, was founded in 1812 when Philadelphia was the cultural, commercial, and scientific center of our new nation. The Academy’s collection also contains more than 17,000,000 specimens. While the Academy has exhibits open to the public, it also has large collections that are used primarily by researchers, and rarely seen by visitors. We will see bird and plant specimens collected by pre-eminent ornithologists and botanists. On this special tour we will also have the opportunity to see some of the priceless books in the Academy’s library. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will leave from the Arboretum and travel by van. Space is limited. Lunch will be at the Academy’s Bistro and is not included in the cost of the trip.

Tuesday, November 13
9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Sara Trohaugh
Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Arboretum as a setting to stretch, move, breath, and practice relaxing mindfulness techniques. This gentle yoga series is geared toward beginners and seasoned yogis alike looking to improve flexibility, focus, and overall well being.  Participants will be guided through a series of accessible yoga postures and techniques known for their therapeutic benefits. Sara offers individual hands-on attention to support a safe and nurturing yoga experience. Class will be held outside weather permitting. Please bring a yoga mat, water, and dress in layers. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Four Fridays: September 21, 28, October 5, 12   (Rain date: October 19)
10:30–11:30 a.m.

Sara Trohaugh
Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner

Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation designed to develop the skills of deep listening to our inner and outer experiences with acceptance, patience, and compassion.  Mindfulness guides us to become more aware of thoughts and the sensory world: of what we are hearing, feeling, smelling, and experiencing through the body in the present moment, either inside or outside of ourselves. In the beautiful setting of the Arboretum, this class will guide us to use mindfulness meditation practices to enjoy nature and be fully present with ourselves as we stroll through the Arboretum. Sara Trohaugh is a longtime yoga instructor and massage therapist in the Philadelphia area. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Meet Sara at the Visitor Center.

Friday, October 26
10–11:30 a.m.

Megan Koppel
Natural Health Educator

Learn about go-to essential oils for surviving and thriving during the hectic and sometimes exhausting holiday season. Megan will provide her favorite tips, tricks, and recipes for rest and stress management, preventing the spread of illness, and dialing up the joy. Get your hands oily by creating a personalized blend to help you enjoy your holiday season to the fullest!

Saturday, November 17
12:30–2 p.m.

Samantha Nestory
Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Pollination is arguably the most important benefit that insects provide and, in the face of declining pollinator populations, many people have taken up beekeeping as a way to promote pollinators in our ecosystems. However, honeybees aren’t the only bees that pollinate flowers. Mason bees are native bees that can actually be more effective pollinators than honeybees. They are also much easier and cheaper to keep in your backyard. These small, docile, solitary bees build their nests in small tubular cavities and use mud to make small compartments within their nest for their eggs. With a nesting box in your yard, you can attract these fantastic, non-stinging pollinators and help boost pollinator populations, even in urban spaces. South-facing garages, houses, or garden shed walls are ideal places for your nesting boxes. Your instructor will provide all materials, as well as step-by-step instructions, so you can successfully make a mason bee house to take home. Meet at the Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right turn into the parking lot. Follow the paved path to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, October 27
10–11:30 a.m.

Sarah Plonski
Beekeeper & Owner, Sarah Plus Bees

Did you know that you can enjoy honey, beeswax, pollen, and the miracle of bees right in your own backyard? Backyards (and even rooftops) are often excellent locations for beehives. A healthy hive can produce several gallons of delicious honey every year, and working with bees is tremendously enjoyable. In this one-session workshop, you will gain an introduction to the fascinating world of the honeybee. We will talk about what it takes to keep a busy, productive hive of bees happy; where to get bees of your own; how to set up and maintain a hive; and what types of activities and time commitment are required throughout the year. This is a beginner’s workshop, so no previous knowledge is required. The workshop will include time for questions and answers.

Saturday, November 3
10 a.m.–12 noon

Nicky Beadle
Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist

Create a beautiful living container of spring bulbs to grace your front door or patio. Growing bulbs in containers is easy. You can grow virtually any bulb in containers, and you can mix different types of bulbs together. Learn how to arrange bulbs in your pot to create continuous bloom for several weeks. Nicky will share tips for how to pot up the bulbs based on their size and will talk about timing bulbs to achieve a sequence of bloom. All materials including pots, soil and bulbs are included so that you will go home with a container ready to enjoy in the spring. Meet at the Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right turn into the parking lot. Follow the paved path to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, November 3
10 a.m.–12 noon

Dr. Keith Bowman
Moss Ecologist

Join us for a walk in the woods. We will explore the moss community found in the understory of a deciduous forest. On our journey we will meet many of the mosses and liverworts that can be found on moist roadside banks, boulders, logs, tree bases, and in streamside habitats. We will identify the mosses and liverworts with a focus on the key features and the relation of those features to the ecology and biology of the mosses and liverworts. Bring your enthusiasm, questions, and specimens that you might want Keith to identify. Keith Bowman has been studying the biology and ecology of mosses for more than 15 years. This class meets in the Wissahickon Section of Fairmount Park at the concrete picnic tables at the intersection of Bells Mill Road and Forbidden Drive. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

Saturday, September 29
9 a.m.–12 noon

Winnie Radolan
Master Papermaker and Teacher

Create a beautiful and unique cast paper vessel from handmade paper pulp. We will cast into a plastic container to establish the shape of your bowl. Bring a collection of small personal treasures to incorporate into your vessel to personalize your creation. Inclusions might be printed collage materials, thread, raffia, stamps, old maps, or decorative thin papers. Finished vessels will measure approximately 6”x 6” x 5”. No experience necessary. Winnie Radolan is a nationally known papermaker, artist, and educator who runs “Winnie’s Paperworks,” an itinerant teaching papermill. Since 1989 she has been involved with papermaking as an art form and educational vehicle. Former Director of Papermaking and Education at Historic Rittenhouse Town, she teaches and conducts many workshops locally and nationally for artists of all ages.

Sunday, November 4
12:30–3:30 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

During the Thanksgiving holiday season, mixing flowers and dried materials along with fruits and vegetables creates stunning arrangements. Learn some tricks when working with these natural materials and create a fabulous centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or to give as a hostess gift. Success is guaranteed. You will take home a unique and beautiful arrangement. Everything is included. Bring a rectangular box to transport your finished arrangement home.

Sunday, November 18
1–3:30 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

Add a festive holiday touch to your front door. This workshop is designed for those who want to create a beautiful wreath from fresh, loose boughs of greens. You will work with a wire ring and spool wire to construct your wreath. There will be a selection of ribbons and decorations to make it festive. All supplies will be provided. Bring a pair of pruners and a box to take your wreath home.

Section 1: Saturday, December 1   10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Section 2: Monday, December 3   10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

You will create a special centerpiece that is sure to put you into the holiday spirit. Create your own tree from long-lasting greens and choose your colors for bows and glass balls. We will also use fresh flowers to decorate this spectacular holiday centerpiece that is 22-24 inches tall. LED battery lights will be added to make the tree even more festive. Your tree arrangement will last four to five weeks. Bring a pair of pruners and a box to take your tree home.

Section 1: Sunday, December 9   12:30 p.m.–3 p.m.
Section 2: Monday, December 10   10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

Design a beautiful, long-lasting arrangement for your table centerpiece or fireplace mantle. There are a number of shapes to choose from and they will be demonstrated. You will have a wonderful assortment of greens, flowers, branches, candles, accessories, and more to choose from to make your one-of-a-kind arrangement. Bring a rectangular box to transport your design home.

Saturday, December 22
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Learn how to identify backyard birds and get tips on how to attract them. With an illustrated lecture, Ruth will highlight birds in our area and the time of year you can expect to see them. She will consider birds that frequent our yards throughout the year, as well as migrating birds and those of conservation concern. Using close-up pictures, Ruth will help you sharpen your identification skills. She will discuss the basic elements birds require to live including food, water, shelter, and places to raise their young, and she will highlight a variety of native plants that create desirable habitat. Meet at the Arboretum Visitors Center.

Saturday, October 27

10-11:30 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a day-long birding adventure at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. This southern New Jersey refuge, also known as Brigantine, features more than 47,000 acres of protected coastal habitat, and is located in one of the Atlantic flyways’ most active flight paths. It provides tidal marsh and meadow habitats, as well as shallow coves and bays that are important resting and feeding habitats for migratory water birds. We will see birds that are migrating to their Central and South American wintering sites. Waterfowl will be abundant, and we also hope to see shorebirds, and raptors. Dress for the weather, as it is usually windier along the coast. Bring binoculars, lunch, and something to drink. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will travel by van.

Tuesday, October 30

7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a day of birding at the Conowingo Dam, a prime spot for viewing bald eagles as they feed on fish coming over the dam. These are magnificent birds and a thrill to see. We will also see lots of great blue herons, gulls, and other raptors. The Conowingo Dam is located on the Susquehanna River on the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. It is one of the nation’s largest nonfederal, hydroelectric installations, and is a great birding area any time of year because of its close proximity to the Delaware Bay. We will walk on a woodland trail along the river and visit the historic town of Port Deposit, Maryland. Bring binoculars, your lunch and something to drink. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Thursday, December 13

7:30 am - 4:30 p.m.