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
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.