Adult Programs

Join curator Paul Jones on a series of walking tours to learn how the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum has developed over the past 40 years from an overgrown woodland to the enchanting garden it is today. Experience the changing seasons as you hear stories about early landscaping ideas, plant collecting trips to China and Japan and the people and projects that shaped its early years of development. Each date will cover a different aspect of the Arboretum’s history. This walk will highlight the tremendous expansion of projects in the Arboretum in the 1990's made possible by major gifts, a new advisory board, a new volunteer program and several plant collecting trips to China. Join for one or more walks; register separately for each one: September 5, October 3 and November 7.

Come discover the regenerative power of mindful engagement with nature with certified forest therapy guide Stephanie Campbell. The Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing, is a practice using all your senses to connect with nature. Many studies have found it to be helpful in decreasing stress, increasing immune system functioning and improving concentration, creativity and mood. In a slow-paced two-hour session, Stephanie will offer a sequence of gentle invitations designed to help you immerse yourself in deeper connection with nature, ending with a forest-based tea.  

Lichens are found in nearly every habitat on Earth. Despite often being overlooked, they are extremely useful indicators of both air pollution and climate change. Embark on a lichen-centric ramble through Duke Gardens with Scott LaGreca, Paul J. Kramer Plant Collections Manager, to explore the fascinating world of these curious organisms. Learn to identify different kinds of lichens and understand their ecological roles.   

Participants will explore spices and herbs as a medium to build a practical daily connection with plants. Tapping into intuition, memory and intention, Sufia Ikbal-Doucet (they/them), herbalist & sovereignty doula, will guide participants in creating a Cajun seasoning blend to take home, where you can experience the kitchen as a location of deep plant connection and fundamental mindfulness. This is one of three workshops in the series, Cultivating Mindfulness through Plant Relationships, exploring creativity, deep presence, and deliberate beauty with plants. Register separately for each one.

Mums can be carefully cultivated to produce amazingly large blooms in a spectacular range of flower types and colors. Learn the secrets of display mums as Michelle Rawlins, Ruth Mary Meyer Japanese Garden horticulturist, takes you to see the flowers on exhibit in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum.

This North Carolina State Natural Area is a gem, with a diversity of natural plant and animal communities not found anywhere else in the Triangle region. Join Paul Manos, Duke biology professor and Duke Herbarium curator, and Alec Motten, professor emeritus, Duke University Department of Biology, on a two- to three-mile mountain hike of moderate difficulty. Both Alec and Paul bring a deep expertise in plants and ecology; they will “read” the landscape and give you a unique view of Occoneechee Mountain. Please wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. Bring a lunch and beverage to enjoy and continue the conversation after the hike.