The 577 Foundation

Mission Statement: Open to all, 577 builds a creative, caring community through curiosity and lifelong learning.

The 577 is open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm. Open to all.

Come on in! What’s Open?

Grounds and Gardens
Nature Play Areas
StoryWalk®
Log Cabin
Bee House
Geodesic Biodome

What’s Opening in May?

Did’s Dig (opening soon – date based on weather)
Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop (formally the Book Center) is opening with limited hours this May (details below).
Opening weekend is May 7 & 8 during the Spring Plant Sale. Book and art donations will be accepted beginning Thursday, May 19.
Full details on the exciting upgrades to the space, donation days, and more can be found on page 4 and 5 of our May update. CLICK HERE to view.

Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop ~ May Hours

Saturday, May 7: 9am to 5pm
Sunday, May 8: 9am to 5pm
Saturday, May 14: 9am to 5pm
Sunday, May 15: 9am to 5pm
Thursday, May 19: 10am to 7pm
Friday, May 20: 10am to 4pm
Saturday, May 21: 9am to 2pm
Sunday, May 22: 1pm to 5pm
Thursday, May 26: 10am to 7pm
Friday, May 27: 10am to 4pm
Saturday, May 28: 9am to 2pm

Paused until further notice:

Guided Tours & Field Trips
Meeting Reservations
Professional Photography

May 2022 eNewsletter: Click HERE to get the latest news on upcoming classes, special events, and more.

Want to know the latest news first? Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter! Just email hello@577foundation.org with your name and you will be added to the list. Check your email on the last Wednesday of the month at 9am for the latest news. *Can’t find the email? Check your spam and junk boxes until you add us to your primary inbox.

The 577 Plant Sale is Back! The 577 horticulture team has been growing a variety of organic heirloom tomatoes, organic pepper plants, a variety of herbs and succulents, water plants, and pollinator-loving flowers.

Plant Sale dates are:

Saturday, May 7: 9am to 5pm
Sunday, May 8: 9am to 5pm
Saturday, May 14: 9am to 5pm
Sunday, May 15: 9am to 5pm

Plant prices will vary from $2 to $10. The 577 Plant Sale will take place in the 577 Courtyard and Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop (formally the Book Center) and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. All proceeds from our plant sale fundraiser will be invested back into 577's programs, services, buildings, and gardens. Questions? Contact us at 419-874-4174

Take a class!Click Here to view our classes in May & June. Don’t forget to check out the classes (art, movement, and culinary) that will take place in Virginia’s House – the iconic large building at the north end of 577. Class sizes will remain small for your safety and comfort, but more participants will fit into these classrooms than in our original classroom spaces.

Give the gift of creativity with a 577 Gift Certificate! Click HERE for details.

Joyful Emergence: Join Our Community Art Installation:Click here to learn why we chose the butterfly.

577’s May Update from 577 Executive Director, Heather Gallant and other Frequently Asked Questions:

At 577, we’ve been working toward becoming whole with our phased reopening and growth plans. In that spirit, I ’m pleased to finally announce that 577’s improved Book Center will be reopening for several preview days as the Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop. The full schedule is listed on page 5 (CLICK HERE), with opening day on May 7th in conjunction with the return of our Spring Plant Sale. This space will be dedicated to lingering, browsing, and learning. Watch for more regular hours in June once we’ve had a chance to “run the experiment”; we’ll continue to make improvements to the Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop through the month of May.

Patience and perseverance have also brought us to a point where it is safe to bring back in-person classes at 577 even better than ever! You can take classes in Virginia’s House, in the Pottery Studio, and outdoors, as well as some that will continue to be held online or remotely. Look forward to improving your skills and pursuing your dreams in new classes!

And, since we’re embracing the joy alongside the sadness, we’ll feel all of our emotions at the end of May with the changing of the Garden Horticulturist guard as Vicki Gallagher retires after being on the 577 team for 28 years. Join us as we celebrate Vicki at an Open House on Sunday, May 22, 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Click HERE to RSVP

To view the full updated and the answers to other frequently asked questions, please CLICK HERE.

Take care,

Heather Gallant, 577 Executive Director

Mission Statement: Open to all, 577 builds a creative, caring community through curiosity and lifelong learning.

On March 25, 2022, we celebrated what would have been Virginia Secor Stranahan’s 116th birthday by rededicating 577 to her vision. Over the past few years, we have reflected on the essence of 577 -- the most important parts of Virginia's intentions for its people, place, and activities – and realized that it was time to express our mission with more focus. Click HERE to watch a short video highlighting the journey.