Discover Adult Educational & Wellness Programs in October

This fall, Bellingrath Gardens & Home is offering a series of enriching adult programs that blend education, discussion, and wellness with the serene beauty of our gardens. Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, learn something new, or simply unwind, we have a variety of experiences designed just for you.

Guided Bird Walks

Explore the gardens while learning about Alabama’s native birds. Led by Alabama Audubon experts, these walks are perfect for both seasoned birdwatchers and beginners.

Dates: October 2 & October 26, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Price: Free for members | Regular admission for non-members
Bring your binoculars and enjoy a peaceful morning of birdwatching!
Register

Sound Bath in the Gardens

Find your inner peace with a rejuvenating sound bath, led by Above & Beyond Yoga. Let the soothing sounds and vibrations melt away stress in the tranquil setting of the gardens.

Dates: October 5 & October 26, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Price: Free for members | Regular admission for non-members
Bring a yoga mat and prepare for ultimate relaxation.
Register

Yoga in the Gardens

Unwind with a morning yoga session led by Above and Beyond Yoga Studio, set against the backdrop of Bellingrath’s blooming gardens.

Dates: October 12, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Price: Free for members | Regular admission for non-members
Bring a yoga mat and water bottle for a rejuvenating experience.
Register

Fall Floral Demonstration

Join Martha Whitney Butler on October 18 for a hands-on demonstration of sustainable floral design using antique containers.

Dates: October 18, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Price: $35 for members | $40 for non-members
Enjoy refreshments, a garden tour, and take home design tips!
Register

Foraged & Succulent Pumpkins

Create your own unique fall decor with horticulturist Barbara Smith. Learn to combine succulents and pumpkins for a vibrant, trendy arrangement.

Dates: October 19, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Price: Free for members | Gardens admission for non-members
All supplies provided for a fun, hands-on workshop!
Learn More

Todd Talks: Plant Physiology

Join Dr. Todd Lasseigne for a fascinating discussion on plant physiology. Gain insights into plant mysteries like why hydrangeas wilt and what causes fall colors.

Dates: October 25, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Price: Free for members | Gardens admission for non-members
Perfect for gardeners eager to deepen their knowledge.
Register

Reserve Your Spot Today!

These programs are designed to inspire and engage while providing a peaceful escape into the beauty of nature. Don’t miss out—register today and experience the perfect blend of education, wellness, and creativity at Bellingrath Gardens & Home.

Ignite Curiosity with STEM Education 

At Bellingrath Gardens & Home, we believe in sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning through nature. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce two incredible upcoming programs that engage both students and educators with hands-on, nature-based STEM experiences. Whether your child loves exploring the outdoors or you’re an educator looking to enhance your classroom, our NatureNauts Academy and Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators workshops offer something for everyone.

Discover Nature Science at NatureNauts Academy (K-6 Students)

Looking for a unique way to engage your K-6 student in STEM learning? Our monthly NatureNauts Academy is the perfect blend of education and adventure. These nature science workshops are designed to be interactive, fun, and full of hands-on activities that challenge young minds. Each month, we dive into a new nature-based STEM topic that will keep your child excited and eager to learn more about the world around them.

Why Choose NatureNauts Academy?

• STEM Challenges Every Month: Each session brings a fresh topic designed to expand your child’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, all while exploring the beauty of nature.
• Inclusive Learning: Whether your child is homeschooled or attends public or private school, NatureNauts Academy is open to all K-6 students.
• Certified Educators: Led by expert educators, our 2-hour workshops are packed with interactive learning, ensuring every child stays engaged and has fun.

Upcoming Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss:

Pumpkins Galore

October 16, 2024
Participate in hands-on activities involving “pumpkins,” including pumpkin investigation, measurement, art projects, and STEM challenges.
Register

Nature’s Little Explorers

November 13, 2024
Engage in hands-on activities, STEM challenges, and exploration of the creatures that inhabit the gardens and surrounding areas
Register

Cultivate Your Teaching Skills: STEM Professional Development for Educators

Calling all educators! Are you ready to transform your classroom with new and innovative STEM lessons? On November 8th, we invite K-6 educators to join us for Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators, a professional development workshop that will leave you inspired and equipped with practical, plant-based STEM ideas for your classroom.

This is more than just a workshop—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in hands-on learning and leave with fresh ideas, resources, and a deeper understanding of how to bring STEM to life in your teaching.

Why Attend Cultivate?

• Enhance Your STEM Teaching Skills: Our lessons are tailored to the Alabama Course of Study and offer real-world applications through engaging, plant-based STEM topics.
• Earn Professional Development Hours: Participants will receive a certificate for three PD credit hours, allowing you to grow professionally while expanding your teaching toolkit.
• Take Home STEM Resources: Walk away with a bin full of STEM materials to use in your classroom. You’ll leave prepared with lessons and activities ready to engage your students immediately!
• Incredible Scholarship Opportunity: Save 90% on the program cost by applying for a simple scholarship. Learning has never been more affordable!

Choose Your Session

K-3 Educators: November 8, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
4-6 Educators: November 8, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Register

Quick Tips for Attendees:

• Where? The workshop will be held in the Magnolia Room, next to the Café at Bellingrath Gardens & Home.
• What to Bring: A notebook, pen, and your phone for capturing ideas and photos.
• What to Wear: Comfortable attire for a garden walk as part of the experience.

Registration Deadline: Don’t wait! Be sure to register one week prior to the event to secure your spot.

Youth NatureNauts Field Trips

Our Youth NatureNauts field trips provide an immersive learning experience beyond the classroom. Students from public and private schools, as well as home schools, can participate in self-guided field trips featuring scavenger hunts and a Math Workshop.

We are also designing educator-led workshops that align with National and Alabama Science Standards. Educators are welcome to reach out via email at [email protected] with specific workshop requests.

Want to Make a Difference? Volunteer with Us!

Are you passionate about making a difference in a child’s life? We are currently seeking volunteers to help lead our educator-created workstations during our monthly NatureNauts Academy. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jack Pruitt, at (251) 873-1439 or email [email protected].

Join us at Bellingrath Gardens & Home for an enriching educational experience that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of learning!

Visit and Connect with Us

• Share your educational experiences with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtag #BellingrathCultivate.

Bellingrath is launching a special project to refresh our promotional materials and highlight the vibrant community that makes the Gardens so special—you! We’re inviting visitors, along with their family and friends, to join us in creating a new commercial at the Gardens. Photos and videos captured may be featured in our promotional materials, including our website, onsite signage, and advertisements.

As a thank you for participating, each participant will receive one complimentary ticket to Magic Christmas in Lights!

Please fill out the form below, and a member of our marketing team will reach out to you via email.

Education at Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers a unique opportunity to blend outdoor learning with the serene environment of a beautiful garden. Our educational programs and events are not just about imparting knowledge; they provide hands-on experiences that help both youth and adults develop a deeper connection to nature. Research has shown that spending time in gardens can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. At Bellingrath, we believe in fostering teamwork, cooperation, and social interaction through curiosity and inquiry-based learning. Education in our gardens is a powerful way to integrate experiential learning, environmental education, and holistic development.

We are excited to expand our certified-educator-led programs and events to provide even better learning opportunities in our gardens. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators

“Cultivate” is a statewide CEU-certified teacher development program based on plant science and literacy. It provides Alabama’s K-6 educators with the tools, foundation, and lesson plans needed to inspire and engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Since April, we have conducted six “Cultivate” sessions, and we plan to offer more, including one on November 8. To help educators learn more about our educational programs and events, we are hosting a K-6 STEM Educator Appreciation Evening on September 26.

K – 6 Youth STEM Camps

During the summer, a certified educator led 3 different week-long day camps. Children learned about plants, insects, and creatures that inhabit Bellingrath Gardens and the surrounding areas, and they were given opportunities to observe, explore, and dive into hands-on activities that fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills through STEM activities. During the summer, we also took lessons and STEM challenges from Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators curriculum to share with students during their summer school programs at Mary B. Austin Elementary and Eichold Mertz Magnet School.

Youth NatureNauts Field Trips

Our Youth NatureNauts field trips provide an immersive learning experience beyond the classroom. Students from public and private schools, as well as home schools, can participate in self-guided field trips featuring scavenger hunts and a Math Workshop. We are also designing educator-led workshops that align with National and Alabama Science Standards. Educators are welcome to reach out via email at [email protected] with specific workshop requests.

K-6 NatureNauts Academy

Starting in September, we are launching the K-6 NatureNauts Academy, which offers monthly 2-hour nature science workshops. These workshops are designed to inspire and educate young minds through interactive STEM challenges and hands-on activities.

Want to Make a Difference? Volunteer with Us!

Are you passionate about making a difference in a child’s life? We are currently seeking volunteers to help lead our educator-created workstations during our monthly NatureNauts Academy. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jack Pruitt, at (251) 873-1439 or email [email protected].

Join us at Bellingrath Gardens & Home for an enriching educational experience that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of learning!

Visit and Connect with Us

• Share your educational experiences with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtag #BellingrathCultivate.