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.
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
Home for the Holidays: Eco-Friendly Door Swag
Tuesday, December 2 ~ 6pm to 8pm
What better way to welcome winter visitors than with a decorative swag made of fresh greens for your front door? Starting with evergreen bundles, participants will customize their swag with additional natural elements to create a great backdrop for a birdhouse focal point made of repurposed materials.
The result is a beautiful, eco-friendly decoration you can hang on your door for the holidays or all season long. All supplies are included. Completed door swags will be approximately 12″ wide by 24″ long.
577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling
Wreath Making with Fresh Evergreens
Thursday, December 4 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Create your own unique evergreen wreath to enjoy all season long with Becca from River Bend Homestead-Ohio Grown Flowers. Everyone will start with a 12″ wire wreath frame, and together, we’ll learn how to hand wrap bundles of fresh, sustainably sourced evergreens all the way around to make a natural, ready-to-hang wreath. Next, participants can personalize their festive creation by adding decorations from a selection of bows, ribbon, pinecones, and other dried accents.
All supplies are included. Completed wreath sizes will vary for each person and will be approximately 16″ to 22″.
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.