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Classes, Workshops, and Lectures at the Yakima Area Arboretum

The Yakima Area Arboretum hosts many classes, workshops, and lectures throughout the year that cover topics such as gardening tips, hands-on workshops, home decor, and so much more. You can use this page to help you find out what's new to learn about at the Arboretum. This page will be updated throughout the year, so keep checking back for what's new to do at the Yakima Area Arboretum.


Registration Required for Classes and Programs.

Want to save some money on our classes, while also being invited to exclusive events, all while supporting one of your local greenspaces? Then become an Arboretum Member today!


  • Arboretum memberships last for 12 months (1 year) from the date of purchase.


  • Members receive discounts for Arboretum classes as well as 10% off at the Arboretum's gift store.


  • Members are also invited to special Arboretum member-only events and nights such as the Arboretum's Plant Sale, 4th of July Fireworks Viewing, Luminaria, and more!

Upcoming Scheduled Classes and Registration Links

Classes, workshops, lectures, and more are announced in our weekly newsletter, on our Facebook page, and on our events page (here).

Arboretum Autumn Walks


These three (3) Thursday morning walks led by Arboretum Education Director Garrett Brenden will go over the seasonal changes and highlights of the collection as we move out of the hot, sunny summer and into our cooler, wetter fall.


The walks will be informal, showcasing the changes and unique finds while we're out on the trails with each outing having a different theme to guide part of the discussion.


You can register for any singular walk or register for all three. The walks are free to the public, though there is a suggested donation of $5 per individual, per walk. Be sure to dress for the weather and the trail!

The Pre-Amble to Color


Walk:

Thursday, October 19, 2023

FREE

These Fruits are Nuts!



Walk:

Thursday, October 26, 2023

FREE

The Last Colorful Hurrah!


Walk:

Thursday, November 2, 2023

FREE

Wild Mushroom Show Presented by Yakima Valley Mushroom Society

11:00am to 3:00pm

Cost: FREE


Expect to be AMAZED during the Yakima Valley Mushroom Society's annual FREE Wild Mushroom Show.


Mushrooms collected from around the region will be on display and each will be identified and classified as edible, poisonous, or valueless as food. Expect to see up to 100 different kinds of mushrooms.


Exhibits will include mushroom habitats and displays, photography exhibits, as well as a great selection of items for sale like mushroom field guides. Plus, learn more about the benefits of being a Yakima Valley Mushroom Society member.

Mushroom Show Tray

Ink Trails and Wilderness Tales with Jim Christensen-

Select Tuesdays

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Cost: FREE


Upcoming Tuesday Dates:

October 24th- Mammals of PNW

November 28th- E Africa Kenya and Rwanda

December 19th- India

January 30th- South America (Pantanal, Patagonia, and More)

February 27th- Australia (Queensland and N Territory)


All talks will be Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm!


World traveler, photographer, author, and fantastic pen artist Jim Christensen will take you through his travels around the globe by showing his photos and drawings, discussing his time exploring the wonders of our natural world. These talks are free to attend, but donations are gladly accepted. Jim will be selling some of his prints from his original drawings to support the Yakima Area Arboretum as well to those interested!

Free Native Plant Identification Public Workshops

Wednesdays, October 11, November 8

6:00pm to 7:30pm

Cost: FREE


Whether it's learning about grasses, identifying leafless twigs, or spending an evening determining which type of native aster we have in our hands, it's always a fun journey to learn together with the Washington Native Plant Society using the dichotomous keys at the workshops.


These are not formal "classes" but are more like a nature study club that likes to brush up on their flora of the inland northwest in different ways using real samples. Registration is preferred but walk-ins are welcome, though space may be limited.

CANCELLATION POLICY



For class registrants (excludes Nature Day Camp): If you are unable to attend a class, please call at least 72 hours before the class is scheduled to start and you will receive a full refund minus a 10% processing fee. Cancellations within 72 hours of a class start will not be given a refund.


For Fundraising Event Registrants: Unless otherwise stated refunds will not be given for Arboretum fundraising events such as the Garden Tour or Autumn Bounty.


YAA Class or Event Cancellation: Occasionally the Arboretum will need to cancel a class or event due to such factors as inclement weather, insufficient registration, or other things beyond its control. In such a case the Arboretum will issue registrants a full refund.

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