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
June classes open for registration on Wednesday, April 30, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Grow a Garden Bouquet
Friday, April 18 ~ 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.
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 folks are welcome to bring your own garden gloves.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Growing Mushrooms In Your Garden
Saturday, April 19 ~ 10am to 12pm
Saturday, May 31 ~ 10am to 12pm
Think beyond veggies—add mushrooms to your garden mix! Learn how to integrate edible mushrooms into your garden ecosystem using a variety of methods. This hands-on class will cover essential techniques including log inoculation, creating mushroom mulch, the straw bale method, and more. Each participant will receive either a mushroom log or grow bag, and will leave with the knowledge and experience to start growing their own edible fungi.
Community Instructor: Thomas Lodge
Container Gardening Success
Tuesday, April 22 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Are you tired of using the same geraniums and spike plants in your pots every year or feeling uninspired by the petunias in your window boxes? Luckily, there’s a whole world of interesting annual and tropical plants you can use to add color, texture, and sensory interest to your containers.
Join us for the perfect spring class to explore fresh, creative planting ideas and learn expert tips on selection, design, and care. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to create stunning container displays all season long!
577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling
Underwater Garden: Aquatic Plant Bowl
Wednesday, April 23 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Learn all about aquascaping as you create a customized mini-aquarium in a bowl to enjoy in your home. In this hands-on class, participants will design their underwater garden using a variety of aquatic plants, rocks, sand, and other decorative elements. Along the way, you’ll discover the best placement, care, and propagation techniques to keep your aquatic plants thriving.
For those looking to bring even more life to their creation, there will be an option to add snails and neocaridina shrimp, which are easy to care for and fascinating to watch. By the end of class, you’ll take home a beautifully designed aquatic paradise, along with the knowledge and confidence to maintain it for years to come. Approximate size of each bowl is 9. 5″ x 12″ x 12″.
Class Notes: Please bring a clean, disposable container with a secure lid to take home extra fish water.
577 Staff Instructor: Elena Bleyer
Introduction to Birdwatching
Friday, May 16 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Discover the excitement of bird watching! Whether you want to enjoy the exciting variety of species that migrate through Northwest Ohio each spring, or simply to get more familiar with the birds found every day in your own backyard, this class will help you get started.
Participants will learn both the necessary and optional tools to support their birdwatching journey, along with tips for identifying the birds you see and hear in our region throughout the year. 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: Bring binoculars if you have them (optional).
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Rain Barrel Make It and Take It Workshop
4 Sessions Available
Tuesday, May 20 ~ 4pm to 4:30pm
Tuesday, May 20 ~ 5pm to 5:30pm
Tuesday, May 20 ~ 6pm to 6:30pm
Tuesday, May 20 ~ 7pm to 7:30pm
Harvesting rainwater improves water quality, helps reduce flooding, and collects free water. In this outdoor workshop, participants will learn about the benefits of rain barrels and will be guided step by step to make their own rain barrel to take home. All supplies and materials will be provided. Please bring a vehicle large enough to transport a 55-gallon drum rain barrel home.
Community Instructors: Lauren Rush, stormwater program manager for the City of Perrysburg. Lauren’s work focuses on improving water quality in Northwest Ohio. She’s often quoted shouting “Only rain in the drain! Slow it down, spread it out, soak it in!” Members from Toledo-Lucas County Rain Garden Initiative. TLC RGI is a partnership made up of government agencies, educational institutions, environmental organizations, businesses and private citizens, all working together to promote natural stormwater management and urban beautification in efforts to protect our local waterways and Lake Erie.
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.