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
January classes open for registration on Wednesday, November 18, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Basket Making: Market Basket
Two Dates Available!
Wednesday, November 11 ~ 11am to 3pm
Wednesday, November 18 ~ 11am to 3pm
Weave a colorful market basket that’s as useful as it is beautiful! Using a classic D-handle and various sizes and colors of flat reed, participants will build their basket from the base up while exploring traditional basket-weaving techniques.
The first part of class will focus on constructing the base around the handle using undyed flat reed. From there, choose from a variety of colored reeds to create a colorful alternating pattern as you weave up the sides. To finish, reed and cordage will be used to secure a strong rim, creating a sturdy basket ready for trips to the market, gathering from the garden, or displaying at home.
Class Note: This is a longer workshop, so participants are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy during class.
577 Staff Instructor: Samantha Day
Make Your Own Mini Woven Acorns
Friday, November 13 ~ 1pm to 4pm
Celebrate the textures of autumn by creating two (2) unique mini woven acorns using natural materials. Beginning with small gourd shells as the base, participants will use longleaf pine needles and a traditional coiling technique to create the textured tops of their acorns.
Along the way, participants will explore the basics of pine needle coiling and discover how the technique can be used for other creative projects. Longleaf pine needles will be provided for class, but the same coiling method can also be practiced at home using suitable pine needles gathered from your own backyard.
577 Staff Instructor: Samantha Day
Fresh Evergreen Wreath Making
Tuesday, December 1 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
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″.
Class notes: Gloves will be available to borrow, but participants are welcome to bring their favorite pair of gardening gloves.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Make a Fresh Evergreen Door Swag
Monday, December 7 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Create your own unique evergreen swag to enjoy all season long with Becca from River Bend Homestead-Ohio Grown Flowers. Everyone will get an assortment of evergreens to bundle into a nice, full, ready to hang swag. 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 project sizes will vary for each person and will be approximately 15″-18″ x 10″-12″.
Class notes: Gloves will be available to borrow, but participants are welcome to bring their favorite pair of gardening gloves.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Honeybees 101
Saturday, December 12 ~ 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.
Class Note: This class is the prerequisite class needed for Beekeeping 101 classes at 577.
Community Instructor: Sara Grunberg
Program Registration Policies & Forms
577 is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive experiences for all participants. If you have accessibility needs or require reasonable accommodations to fully participate, we encourage you to contact us before your class so we can work with you to provide appropriate support whenever possible.
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.