Connect with nature and deepen your appreciation for the environment through Gardening, Nature & Conservation classes at 577. From rain barrels and seed collecting to foraging, beekeeping, and citizen science, these classes offer hands-on opportunities to explore the natural world.
Learn how to create a thriving home garden using organic and sustainable methods—just like 577! Monthly classes cover topics such as growing a garden, planting for pollinators, tree care, and permaculture, all taught by passionate community instructors, local partners, and 577 horticulture staff.
With topics changing each month, classes take place in the Geodesic Dome, Virginia’s House, the Cottage, and throughout 577’s beautiful gardens and grounds, where learning is inspired by the landscape itself.
Upcoming Classes
July classes open for registration on Wednesday, May 27, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Introduction to Birdwatching
Thursday, May 14 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Monday, May 18 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Discover the excitement of bird watching! Whether you’re interested in the incredible variety of species that migrate through Northwest Ohio each spring or want to become more familiar with the birds in your own backyard, this class will help you get started.
Participants will learn both the essential and optional tools to support their birdwatching journey, along with tips for identifying birds by sight and sound throughout the seasons. We’ll also explore how to create and support a bird-friendly backyard habitat using both native plants and bird feeders. Weather and time permitting, we’ll wrap up the evening with a short birdwatching walk around the 577 grounds.
Class Note: Binoculars are optional but encouraged if you have them.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Native Plants 101
Thursday, May 21 ~ 6pm to 8pm
You’ve heard that native plants have so many benefits—but what are they, really? From low-maintenance beauty to supporting pollinators and attracting wildlife, native plants offer so much more than meets the eye.
In this class, we’ll explore what makes a plant “native,” why they matter, and how they can transform your yard. You’ll learn how to choose the right plants for your space, soil, and sunlight conditions, and how to align your selections with your specific landscape goals.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Color: A Powerful Garden Tool
Tuesday, May 26 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Join us for this engaging class exploring how color in foliage, flowers, and garden accents can transform your garden and bring new life to your outdoor space. We often know what we like when we see it, but what makes certain color combinations feel calming, energizing, or harmonious?
Through an introduction to color theory and the use of the color wheel, you’ll learn how color influences the way we experience a garden. Participants will enjoy hands-on activities that explore how colors interact across plants and garden elements.
You’ll leave inspired and equipped with ideas to create a garden plan that reflects your personal style through thoughtful color choices.
577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling
Rain Barrel Make It & Take It Workshop
Four Sessions Available:
Thursday, May 28 ~ 4pm to 4:45pm
Thursday, May 28 ~ 5pm to 5:45pm
Thursday, May 28 ~ 6pm to 6:45pm
Thursday, May 28 ~ 7pm to 7:45pm
Harvesting rainwater is a simple and effective way to improve water quality, reduce runoff and flooding, and collect a free source of water for your garden. In this outdoor workshop, participants will explore the benefits of rain barrels and be guided step-by-step in creating their own to take home. All supplies and materials are included.
Class Note: Please bring a vehicle large enough to transport a 55-gallon rain barrel home.
Community Instructors: Lauren Rush & Members from Toledo-Lucas County Rain Garden Initiative
Herbal Remedies for Summer
Saturday, May 30 ~ 11am to 1pm
Maximize your enjoyment of the great outdoors this summer with the power of herbal remedies. This practical and engaging class will teach you how to prepare and use effective herbal solutions for common seasonal needs, such as soothing bug bites and stings, easing sun exposure, preparing cooling herbal infusions for hydration, and more.
Everyone will make and take home their own sunburn cream, first aid salve, and the recipes, preparation techniques, and knowledge to confidently care for themselves and their family using nature’s pharmacy throughout the summer months.
Community Instructor: Lily Kunning
All About Flower Essences
Saturday, June 6 ~ 11am to 1pm
Learn all about flower essences and how they may help you with stress, anxiety, or personal growth. Participants will be led through a quiz process narrowing what essences might be best for their issues, and we will make an essence together. Everyone will take home one 1/2 oz bottle of the essence we make in class, plus their quiz and an informational booklet.
Flower Essences are a form of energetic therapy started by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. They have no scent, are extremely gentle, and are used to promote emotional well-being and mind-body health. Many are familiar with Wirth Rescue Remedy- this is a flower essence.
Community Instructor: Lily Kunning
Identifying Medicinal Herbs
Saturday, June 6 ~ 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Join us for an engaging, hands-on exploration of the local landscape as we take a stroll on the 577 grounds to learn how to identify the powerful plants growing right beneath our feet.
Blending botanical science with traditional herbal lore, we’ll move beyond basic recognition to discuss the historical and modern medicinal uses of various native and naturalized species. We’ll also cover the key features used to distinguish medicinal plants from their look-alikes, along with ethical foraging practices that ensure a safe and sustainable interaction with nature. Everyone will take home a plant identification booklet.
Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned gardener, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the natural pharmacy surrounding us.
Class Notes: We prioritize a relaxed learning environment. Please plan ahead for your comfort: wear comfortable shoes, and bring water, a notebook, clear packing tape, & a camera/phone. If you prefer not to stand during our group discussions, please bring a lightweight portable chair to use at our various stopping points. Our walk will take us over mostly even, gentle terrain in a low-impact “saunter” designed for observation, not a high-intensity workout.
Community Instructor: Lily Kunning
Summer Soap Making: Gardener’s Soap
Saturday, June 27 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Create your own custom soaps in this beginner-friendly class using the Melt & Pour method—a safe, simple, and quick way to craft soaps with no lye and no long curing times required.
In this class, you’ll learn the basic equipment and techniques needed to get started, along with an introduction to different soap bases, scents, colors, and additives. You’ll then put your new skills into practice by creating three (3) bars of layered gardener’s soap. Each participant will take home their finished soaps, soap molds, and instructions to continue creating custom soaps at home.
577 Staff Instructor: Lindsay Grider
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.