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 26, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Growing Mushrooms In Your Garden
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
Chicken Keeping 101
Tuesday, July 29 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Raising chickens is easier than you think—and more rewarding than you can imagine! In this introductory class, you’ll explore everything you need to know to get started, from preparing to raise your own chicks to collecting your first eggs—and all the steps in between.
Like growing any type of food, raising chickens is both rewarding and hard work. We’ll cover all the essentials to set you up for success, including hatching eggs, purchasing chicks, building coops, predator proofing, proper nutrition, maintaining good health, identifying diseases, and so much more.
Raising chickens is a popular first step into homesteading and farming. By the end of this class, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to be a responsible chicken keeper, along with credible resources to reference at all stages of the process.
Class Note: Each participant will receive handouts of resources and a list of needed supplies to keep on hand at all times.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
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.