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
May classes open for registration on Wednesday, March 25, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Grow a Garden Bouquet
Thursday, April 2 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Thursday, April 23 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Learn how to start the seeds for a cut flower garden and enjoy vibrant blooms and beautiful bouquets all summer long. In this hands-on class, participants will select and plant their chosen seeds while learning about the many benefits of locally grown flowers.
With expert guidance, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to successfully grow your chosen flowers and take home approximately 20 planted seeds, along with detailed care and transplanting instructions. The class will also cover different at-home seed-starting methods and where to source quality seeds.
Class Notes: Flower selections will be best for an area that gets 6+ hours of direct sunlight each day. All of the seedlings can be transplanted into large pots, containers, raised beds, or an in-ground garden. All supplies are included, but you are welcome to bring your own garden gloves.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Composting 101
Tuesday, April 7 ~ 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Do you eat food? Do you garden? Do you like healthy soil? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this class is for you! Learn the magic behind transforming food scraps and yard waste into a beneficial end product. Don’t have a spot to compost where you live? This class will also cover other creative options and local opportunities to keep these items out of the landfill and still make the magic happen.
If you’d like to leave the class with the proverbial recipe for the potion AND the magic wand, plan to procure the take-home composting kit the day of class to go home with everything you need to start.
Class Note: A limit of 10 compost bin kits will be available for purchase with a debit or credit card in class for $67.34 each (includes tax). More compost bin kits will be available later in April–please see instructors for more information.
Community Instructor: Lauren Rush – City of Perrysburg, Natural Resources Manager; Zachary Nemec – Wood County Solid Waste Management District, Outreach and Program Planner
Spring Foraging Workshop
Wednesday, April 15 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Friday, April 17 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Early to mid-April is a truly abundant time for foraging in Northwest Ohio, as many plants send up tender shoots and fresh new greens. In this three-hour class, 577’s Organic Garden Horticulturist Samantha Day will guide participants through the grounds, identifying a variety of edible plants that can be foraged in our region during spring.
After gathering our finds, we’ll head to the Kitchen in Virginia’s House to create a fresh, seasonal salad, sauté some shoots into flavorful “garlicky greens,” and prepare others in okonomiyaki or yachaejeon-style (Japanese/Korean vegetable pancake) for a savory snack—plus, possibly more treats, depending on our discoveries. Along the way, we’ll discuss foraging tips specific to Northwest Ohio, explore helpful identification guidebooks and resources, and each participant will receive a printed copy of the monthly foraging guide compiled by Samantha.
Class Note: A portion of this class takes place outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
577 Staff Instructor: Samantha Day
Beekeeping 101
Saturday, April 18 ~ 10am to 1pm
Come curious and ready to dive in as you learn the fundamentals of beekeeping. In this hands-on class, you’ll discover beekeeping best practices, from essential equipment and sourcing your bees to understanding hive anatomy, setup, and much more.
Participants will also have the unique opportunity to set up the foundation of the hive in the newly selected site for our bees. Come dressed for the weather, as part will take place outdoors. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of beekeeping basics and the confidence to continue your beekeeping journey.
Prerequisite: Participants must have completed the 577 “Honeybees 101” class to register for this class.
Community Instructor: Sara Grunberg
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
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.