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
August classes open for registration on Wednesday, June 24, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Summer Soap Making: Gardener’s Soap
Saturday, June 27 ~ 10am to 12pm *Just added!
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
Safe Haven: Eliminating Toxins at Home
Saturday, July 18 ~ 11am to 1pm
Did you know that the air inside the average American home is often more polluted than the air outside? From “fresh” laundry scents to coatings on cookware, we are often surrounded by hidden carcinogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Participants in this class will leave empowered to investigate their living space with a keen eye.
We’ll go room-by-room to uncover the common culprits in home cleaners, body care, and building supplies, and we’ll learn how to swap out high-toxin items for safer, greener alternatives without sacrificing effectiveness.
Whether participants are looking for Information on “DIY” green cleaning or just want to know which brands to trust, everyone will leave with a comprehensive resource kit and recipes.
Community Instructor: Lily Kunning
Making Your Own Herbal Tinctures
Saturday, July 18 ~ 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Learn how to make and use tinctures, the most potent form of herbal medicine, using alcohol extracts of fresh and dried plants. We will demonstrate and discuss several ways to make them: the folk method, the weight-to-volume method, and the percolation method. We’ll also discuss the double extraction method and when it is necessary.
Participants will also learn how to read a tincture label, why tinctures are amazing medicine, and the difference between simples and formulas. Everyone will take home a pint jar of their own folk method-prepared blend, as well as the knowledge of the methods mentioned.
Community Instructor: Lily Kunning
Rain Barrel Make It & Take It Workshop
Four Sessions Available:
Tuesday, August 4 ~ 4pm to 4:45pm
Tuesday, August 4 ~ 5pm to 5:45pm
Tuesday, August 4 ~ 6pm to 6:45pm
Tuesday, August 4 ~ 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
Deer Resistant Gardening with Native Plants
Tuesday, August 18 ~ 6pm tp 8pm
Losing your garden to deer can be exceptionally frustrating, but there are many native plants that are not only deer-resistant, but also beneficial to other native wildlife. Learn about the white-tailed deer and a great palette of native plants that they tend to avoid. An activity will be included on how to design a native plant garden that is deer resistant and beneficial to birds and pollinators.
Drawing on his years of experience creating landscapes that are both beautiful and ecologically beneficial, Bennett will share practical tips for selecting and combining plants that thrive in Ohio gardens.
577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling
Fortify Your Immune System with Herbs
Saturday, August 29 ~ 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Learn how to build a proactive “botanical shield” to help you navigate the seasonal bugs of the coming cold and flu season. Participants will learn the science of how plants help your white blood cells do their best work as we make our own elderberry syrup and garlic-infused honey.
Everyone will take home their own practical toolkit including their class-made herbal supplements, recipes, and tips for daily habits designed to keep participants standing tall and feeling well, even when everyone else is coming down with the sniffles.
Community Instructor: Lily Kunning
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.