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
December classes open for registration on Wednesday, October 29 at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Make Your Own Harvest Wreath
Saturday, October 25 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm
Monday, October 27 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Celebrate the harvest season with a wreath craft at 577, using seed heads, dried flowers, herbs, and other beautiful wild plant cuttings. You’ll be surprised by how much beauty can come from plants that grow around our backyards and in our gardens.
Wreaths will be 100% biodegradable, using twine instead of wreath wire. All supplies are included. Participants will complete one wreath within the class time. Completed wreaths will be approximately 1 foot in diameter.
577 Staff Instructor: Samantha Day
Collab Class: Pottery & Weaving
Two-Part Class:
Friday, October 17 ~ 12pm to 1pm
Friday, November 7 ~ 1pm to 4pm
*This two-part class is open to adults 18 and over; no prior clay or weaving experience is needed.
Create a unique clay and coiled fiber vessel in this beautiful collaboration of nature and pottery, led by 577 Horticulturist Samantha Day and Pottery Manager & Ceramic Artist Julie Beutler.
In the first session, Julie will guide you in creating your ceramic base using slab-building techniques. You’ll add holes around the edges for weaving, explore interesting textures to decorate your piece, and choose a gorgeous glaze color. Your base will stay with Julie for firing and glazing.
A couple of weeks later, you’ll return for your weaving session with Samantha. She’ll show you how to wax thread and a needle to coil grasses on the edge of your ceramic base, then weave upward to complete your vessel.
Two days of creativity and fun — no prior clay or weaving experience needed! You’ll leave with a stunning, one-of-a-kind treasure that blends the best of both worlds.
577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler & Samantha Day
Honeybees 101
Saturday, November 15 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Explore the fascinating and complex world of honeybees, from their behaviors to their importance in nature. Whether you are toying with the idea of beekeeping, looking for simple ways you can help our local bee population, or just love Apis mellifera, participants will gain a better understanding of these amazing and vital creatures.
Learn about the diverse and interconnected workings of a honeybee hive, explore the lifecycle and jobs of bees, see what a year of natural beekeeping looks like, and leave inspired and ready to support bees in big and small ways. **Please note: This class is the prerequisite class needed for Beekeeping 101 classes at 577. **
Community Instructor: Sara Grunberg
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.