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Mt Cuba

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3120 Barley Mill Rd
Hockessin, DE 19707 United States Get Directions
https://mtcubacenter.org/venue/mt-cuba/
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Ecological Landscape Design

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Ecologically sound landscapes are adapted to local environmental conditions and require fewer inputs to achieve success. Learn how to measure, inventory, and analyze a site; then make a conceptual design and planting plan using the “right plant, right place” approach. Broaden your design perspective, increase biodiversity in the landscape with native plants, decrease space dedicated to lawn, and create habitats that benefit insects, birds, and other fauna. Dress for the weather. A detailed materials list is available on our website mtcubacenter.org/education It is recommended that students complete the Native Plants of Spring, Summer, and Fall, and Sustainable Landscape Techniques before

$289

Using Medicinal Herbs

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to treat minor illnesses at home without the use of pharmaceuticals? Native herbals as well as common kitchen herbs could help your family stay well in cold and flu season. Learn how to prepare simple healing dishes for health, and how to incorporate common household spices into healing remedies. Discover what plants you can grow in your garden to help promote health, and how to preserve, store, and prepare those plants to make herbal remedies in your own kitchen. Take home a useful tool to get started with making your own

$49

Wreath-Making Workshop: Section A

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Enhance your home’s holiday spirit with a festive, long lasting evergreen wreath. Combine an assortment of fresh evergreen cedar, fragrant pine, and sturdy magnolia boughs, adorn it with foraged cones and berries, and add a bow for eye-catching seasonal flair. Bring hand pruners and a large box to transport your finished wreath home. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, December 8, 2023. About the Instructor: Susan Dixon is the perennial plant buyer and department manager at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin, DE. She has attended classes ornamental horticulture at New York Botanical Garden and

$79

Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing: Section C

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is rooted in the traditional Japanese reverence for the natural world and dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and a sense of awe. Anisa George, a certified forest therapy guide, facilitates a series of interactions with nature that cultivate presence, calm, and profound joy. Discover how to unlock the door to new connections and intimacy with the environment through this guided meditation. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and snack, a light backpack to carry your belongings, and something comfortable to sit on in case of wet ground. This program takes place in person

$39

Perennials for Late-Season Interest

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Join Leah Brooks as she highlights a variety of native perennials that offer late season color, texture, and visual interest. From asters to ferns to sedges, you will be inspired to create your own beautiful and ecologically vibrant fall garden. This class is rain or shine. Dress for the weather. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, November 18, 2023. About the Instructor: Leah Brooks is Mt. Cuba’s Public Programs Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Delaware with dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science and Wildlife Ecology. She’s an avid contributor to the Delaware

$29

Pyrography: Woodburning Art for Beginners: Section A

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Create your own beautiful wood-burned artwork in this one-of-a-kind workshop. Discover different woodburning techniques, compare how different types of wood burn, and explore your artistic side by creating various textures, shapes, and designs with a simple-to-use wood-burning pen. All supplies are provided, just bring your creative spirit! This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center Thursday, November 9th, 2023. About the Instructor: Nicole DeLizzio is the Arborist Assistant at the Mt. Cuba Center. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources and a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. With a

$44

Compact Composting

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Turn your trash to treasure with home-scale composting. Transform everyday kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich treasure (compost) that makes plants flourish. Learn the key elements of creating compost at home, what materials can be safely composted, and how to keep the compost bin from smelling. Storage bin options will be discussed and demonstrated. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. About the Instructor: Eileen Boyle is the former Director of Conservation and Research at Mt. Cuba Center. She loves teaching, especially about plants and their relationships with birds and butterflies. Previously, she was

$29

Owl Howl: Section A

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Many people have heard an owl, but few have ever seen one. Mt. Cuba’s varied landscapes and topography provide the ideal habitats for three of Delaware’s native owl species – the barred, great horned, and Eastern screech – and winter is the best time to spot them roosting in our trees. Owls are nocturnal so join us as we search for them just after dusk. Following a brief introductory lecture, we’ll head out into the garden and listen for their unique calls. Dress for the weather. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, November 1st,

$29

Ecological Arboriculture: Section B

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Develop a deeper connection to trees by understanding their outsized role in our natural ecosystems. Trees provide habitat and food. They support nutrient cycling in forest systems through leaf-drop and decomposition, mediate temperatures, mitigate storm water, and soil erosion, and are culturally significant to the mid-Atlantic region. Examine the ecological features of trees while learning about their anatomy and care. Find out how trees contribute, in both life and death, to forest ecology. Learn why large, mature trees need to be conserved and how climate change could impact forests in the future. These classes are rain or shine. Dress for

$229

Lawn-less Yards

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Reducing the American lawn is beneficial for everyone. We can add more native plants, reduce flooding in our watersheds, attract pollinators, and bring balance to our ecosystems. Dive into some example projects where lawns have been replaced by native plant solutions. With a focus on a variety of site conditions such as sunny slopes, low wet spots, and wooded areas, view before/during/after images and learn the plant lists that made them successful. Taking this fall course will hopefully inspire you to spend the winter planning your spring projects! This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, October 14,

$29

Ecological Arboriculture

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Develop a deeper connection to trees by understanding their outsized role in our natural ecosystems. Trees provide habitat and food. They support nutrient cycling in forest systems through leaf-drop and decomposition, mediate temperatures, mitigate storm water, and soil erosion, and are culturally significant to the mid-Atlantic region. Examine the ecological features of trees while learning about their anatomy and care. Find out how trees contribute, in both life and death, to forest ecology. Learn why large, mature trees need to be conserved and how climate change could impact forests in the future. These classes are rain or shine. Dress for

$229

Seed Collecting

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Harvesting seeds is a cost-efficient and exciting way to increase the number of plants in your garden. Learn the best techniques for collecting and storing seeds produced by our native trees, shrubs, and perennials. Following a brief lecture, participants will head out to the gardens for some hands-on seed collecting. Take home a diverse array of samples from Mt. Cuba’s gardens. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 (Rain Date: Tuesday, October 17th). About the Instructor: Claire Zuidervliet is the Conservation Propagator at Mt. Cuba Center, where she propagates a large variety of

$49

Best Woody Plants for Wildlife

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs! From willow and viburnum, to hawthorn and more, discover beautiful woody plants that give the most bang for your buck in terms of wildlife value! A garden walk to view the plants is included. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, October 7, 2023. About the Instructors: Leah Brooks is Mt. Cuba’s Public Programs Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Delaware with dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science and Wildlife Ecology. She’s an avid contributor to the Delaware Native Plant Identification and Exchange group

$29

Weeds 101: Fall Section

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Think of what gardening would be like without the world of weeds. Learn how to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. The fall section covers species that should be removed before winter, making next year’s garden more maintenance free. Ecologically friendly methods of managing weed infestations are discussed. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, October 6, 2023. About the Instructor: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching about all things growing. She worked in public gardens for

$29

Gardening in Cooperation with Nature (and Neighbors): Section A

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Address neighborhood expectations about tidiness, property values, and aesthetics without giving up the goal of gardening with nature in mind. Devise a plan for planting and maintaining the most visible or prominent areas of your yard. Kathy Elliot will discuss “cues for care” that just may convince the whole neighborhood you are on to something. A tour of the gardens with Kathy will reinforce ideas from the class. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. About the Instructor: Kathy Elliot works as an Educator at Mt. Cuba Center. She has bachelor’s degrees

$29

Water-wise Gardening

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Explore water-wise gardening through several ecological practices – rain gardens, rain barrels, riparian buffers, and xeriscaping. Leave with a plant list of water-wise native plant species to add to your garden that will not only reduce water usage but provide aesthetic and wildlife value as well. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, September 23, 2023. About the Instructor: Liz Allen is an Educator at Mt. Cuba Center and a Delaware Master Naturalist with the University of Delaware. She provides gardening consultations to local homeowners and schools who are looking to diversify and improve their

$29

Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing: Section A

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is rooted in the traditional Japanese reverence for the natural world and dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and a sense of awe. Anisa George, a certified forest therapy guide, facilitates a series of interactions with nature that cultivate presence, calm, and profound joy. Discover how to unlock the door to new connections and intimacy with the environment through this guided meditation. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and snack, a light backpack to carry your belongings, and something comfortable to sit on in case of wet ground. This program takes place in-person at

$39

Inviting Wildlife into the Garden

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Transform your landscape into a garden that attracts a wealth of beneficial wildlife, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and a wide variety of insects. Unlock the important connections between pollinators, plants, and habitats they require. Explore Mt. Cuba’s naturalistic gardens to observe the best native plants for migrating and resident birds. Learn the importance of having water in the garden to support turtles, damselflies, and bats and the value of creating environments that sustain wildlife year-round. Dress for the weather and wear reliable shoes as paths may be uneven. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on three

$229

Botanical Sun Printing: Section B

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

The first book printed featuring photographic images was made in 1843 by Anna Atkins, an English botanist, and photographer. Atkins pioneered the use of the cyanotype process to capture images of algae, ferns, flowers, and other plants. Cyanotype, also known as sun prints, is a camera-less photographic printing process that allows the artist to explore shape, light, and an appreciation of nature. In this class, students will learn the history of this process, use the sun as a UV light source, and create cyanotypes with plant materials harvested from Mt. Cuba Center. No prior experience is necessary; all supplies are

$69

Twilight on the Terrace

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. For more details, visit mtcubacenter.org/twilight. Music: Nihkee Bleu (Soul, R&B) Food Trucks: The Box Lunch & Bucky’s BBQ This program takes place in person (at Mt. Cuba Center) Friday, September 1, 2023. (Rain Date: Thursday, September 7) Event is included with garden admission. Adults $15, Children 6-17 $8, Children 5 & Under and Members are free. Buy Tickets COVID-19 Safety Please click here to view our safety measures and

included-with-admission

Painting with Pokeweed

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Take the morning to celebrate native plants through a hands-on, ethnobotanical, foraging, and artistic experience. After a hayride through our natural lands, learn about the relationships Indigenous communities have with pokeweed, find out how to mindfully forage and gather pokeweed, make pèkòn (Lenape for red dye) with the berries, and create watercolor paintings with your homemade pèkòn.  Painting with Pokeweed is a partnership between Mt. Cuba and Native Roots Farm Foundation (NRFF), and part of NRFF’s summer series, “The Beauty Around Us.”  This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba on Saturday, August 19, 2023 (rain date: Sunday, August 20,

included-with-admission

Ecosystems and Plant Communities

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Explore the dynamic and diverse plant communities present in our area. Learn how ecology, geology, hydrology, plants, and animals all interact to create healthy ecosystems through classroom study and field trips. Understand the complexities of these communities and how this information influences your home landscaping decisions. Enrich your learning with resources including the Flora of Delaware Online Database and a guide to Delaware Vegetation Communities. Note: The third class consists of a field trip from 8 am – 6 pm. Please bring lunch. This program takes place on three Wednesdays: August 9 through August 23, 2023 (Rain Date: Wednesday, August

$289

Twilight on the Terrace: Rescheduled

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. For more details, visit mtcubacenter.org/twilight. Music: Nic Snow (Pop, R&B) Food Trucks: The Box Lunch & Bucky’s BBQ This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, July 28, 2023. *Note that this event has been rescheduled from Friday, June 16, due to weather concerns. Event is included with garden admission. Adults $15, Children 6-17 $8, Children 5 & Under and Members are free. Buy Tickets

included-with-admission

Integrated Pest Management

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Every garden is home to a host of life. Unfortunately, some of the six- and eight-legged inhabitants are detrimental to the health and survival of plants. Learn how to manage insect pests in your garden using a “sustainable toolbox” approach. Focus on integrated pest management techniques as well as the identification of both harmful and beneficial organisms. Go home knowing how to control pests in your garden using safe, wildlife-friendly practices. These classes are held rain or shine. Dress for the weather and wear reliable shoes as walking paths may be uneven. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba

$229

Native Alternatives to Invasive Ornamentals

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Non-native invasive plants, like Japanese barberry and English ivy, damage our environment by invading natural areas and outcompeting native plants. To help stop the spread, the Delaware state legislature recently passed a law banning the sale of 36 invasive plant species. Join Leah Brooks as she presents beautiful native alternatives to these invasive ornamentals and explains how making these substitutes helps protect our ecosystems. A garden walk to view recommended plants is included. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, July 22, 2023. About the Instructor: Leah Brooks is Mt. Cuba’s Public Programs Assistant. She

$29

Milkweed and Monarchs: Section B

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

The study and preservation of the iconic monarch butterfly is a focal area for the conservation and research team at Mt. Cuba. Join Ellen Lake, director of conservation and research, and Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research, who will introduce the monarch’s biology and interactions with milkweed and discuss the fascinating nature of their migration. Students will take a tour of the newly planted milkweed trial and compare several milkweed species. Please dress for the weather. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center Wednesday, July 12, 2023 About the Instructor: Ellen Lake, PhD, is the Director of

$29

Gardening with Bees in Mind

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Native bees need our help! We cannot afford to lose our native bees, as they are integral to ecosystems and pollinate a significant portion of our crops. Join Leah Brooks as she discusses how we can extend a lifeline to our struggling pollinators by planting certain shrubs and wildflowers and managing our home habitats with bees in mind. A garden walk to view the plants is included. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, June 24, 2023. About the Instructor: Leah Brooks is Mt. Cuba’s Public Programs Assistant. She graduated from the University of Delaware

$29

Bog Container

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Construct your own colorful and captivating bog garden in a container. Learn how to create the conditions necessary for growing these exceptional sun-loving plants and proper long-term maintenance techniques. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, June 16, 2023. About the Instructor: Susan Dixon is the perennial plant buyer and department manager at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin, DE. She has attended classes ornamental horticulture at New York Botanical Garden and is currently earning her certificate of merit at Longwood. She has a passion for wildlife and the native plants that support them. Register Now Member

$89

Summer Container

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Use bold foliage as the focal point for a summer container that steals the show. Interweave softer, finer-textured plants and add some brightly colored flowers partial to shade conditions to create an imaginative and eye-catching addition to your deck or patio. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, June 2, 2023. About the Instructor: Susan Dixon is the perennial plant buyer and department manager at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin, DE. She has attended classes ornamental horticulture at New York Botanical Garden and is currently earning her certificate of merit at Longwood. She has a passion

$84

Managing Invasive Plants

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Are overly aggressive plants invading your landscape? Examine the problems caused by invasive plants and discover management strategies for controlling them. Learn how to identify common invasive weeds and how to distinguish them from similar-looking native species. See invasive-plant management techniques and restoration strategies in practice in Mt. Cuba’s natural lands. Dress for the weather and wear reliable shoes as walking paths may be uneven. These classes are rain or shine. This program takes place on two Wednesdays: May 31 and June 7, 2023. About the Instructors: Ellen Lake, PhD, is the Director of Conservation and Research at Mt. Cuba

$169

Twilight on the Terrace

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. For more details, visit mtcubacenter.org/twilight. Music: Ty Mathis Experience Food Trucks: The Box Lunch & Bivouac Pizza This program takes place in person (at Mt. Cuba Center) on Friday, May 19, 2023 (Rain Date: Thursday, May 25). Event is included with garden admission. Adults $15, Children 6-17 $8, Children 5 & Under and Members are free. Buy Tickets COVID-19 Safety Please click here to view our safety measures and

included-with-admission

Native Vines

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Whether scrambling over a split rail fence or cascading from a rustic arbor, vines give height, structure, and visual interest to the landscape while enhancing the ecological value of a garden. Learn how to use and grow native vines that have colorful flowers and provide shelter, food, and nectar to resident and visiting wildlife. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, May 5, 2023. About the Instructor: Duncan Himmelman, PhD, is the former Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center. He earned his doctorate in Ornamental Horticulture at Cornell University, taught college for 24 years, and

$29

Weeds 101: Spring Section

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Think of what gardening would be like without the world of weeds. Learn how to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. The fall section covers species that should be removed before winter, making next year’s garden more maintenance free. Ecologically friendly methods of managing weed infestations are discussed. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, April 14, 2023 About the Instructor: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching about all things growing. She worked in public gardens for

$29

Rare Plant Conservation Primer: Section A

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Rare plant conservation is a science that requires a high degree of expertise and knowledge of regulatory frameworks, such as botanical identification and species permits. Gain a deeper understanding of rare plants and the systems to classify and protect them with Élan Alford, Mt. Cuba Center’s conservation fellow. Explore the gardens with Élan as she highlights a selection of Delaware’s rare plants. Please dress for the weather and wear practical shoes for walking over uneven paths. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. About the Instructor: Élan Alford, Ph.D, is the Plant

$39