Upcoming Events & Programs

Fall Volunteer Orientation
Sep
13

Fall Volunteer Orientation

Join our volunteer manager for details about volunteering at Fernwood, including a guided tour and an interactive activity. Learn about year-round indoor and outdoor opportunities, as well as how to volunteer for LIGHTS at Fernwood. This orientation is a fantastic opportunity to meet other community members who share a passion for giving back or gardening. Refreshments will be provided.

Register Online By September 9

View Event →
MUSHROOM EXPLORATION!
Sep
13

MUSHROOM EXPLORATION!

Join Dr. Henry Van T. Cotter for an introduction to mushrooms, their identification, and ecology!


After a brief overview, attendees will venture into the gardens and nature preserve to search for mushrooms and collect samples for further examination. The session will end with a display of the specimens gathered, including a discussion of their taxonomy, ecology, and utility as food or mycomedicinals. Many mushrooms fruit in the late summer/early fall. So, weather willing, there should be an abundance of different species to discover!


Participants are encouraged to bring:

  • Wild mushroom samples collected from their home property

  • A basket to hold samples collected at Fernwood

  • Weather appropriate shoes and clothing

  • Water, sunscreen, and insect repellent


About Dr. Henry Van T. Cotter:

Van’s friends and family know well that a hike with him means delving off the path to search for fungi. His love for mushrooms is infectious (case in point: this year he helped his 3- and 5-year-old next door neighbors inoculate maple logs with lion’s mane mushroom spawn). Van’s passionate interest in fungi began when he was assistant manager on a fruit tree farm in Michigan watching beautiful cherries succumb to fungal brown rot. Between stints on the fruit farm, he took Introductory Mycology at the University of New Hampshire and his future path studying and working with fungi was set.  For his graduate degrees he studied beech bark disease in New England and then boletes (friends of the forest) in Nepal under a Fulbright Grant receiving a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. After a career in crop protection research, he has been active as a mycological volunteer including helping catalog the wealth of valuable fungal type collections in the NCU Herbarium, investigating equine fungal infections, and documenting the fungal biodiversity of Michigan’s Nature Sanctuaries. Through the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer program, he assisted mushroom farmers from around the world. He is looking forward to showing you more about the world of mushrooms.


Suggested Audience: Teens-adults

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: $40 ($32 members)


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign-in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
Invasive Japanese Barberry Removal
Sep
13

Invasive Japanese Barberry Removal

Japanese barberry should be removed because it is an invasive plant that can outcompete native species, alter ecosystems, and may increase tick populations, potentially spreading Lyme disease. It forms dense thickets that limit biodiversity and reduce the carrying capacity of forests.

Join Fernwood’s team in the nature preserve to help remove these invasive species. Register online by September 12 to get outdoors and help restore the native habitat for the many plants and wildlife that call Fernwood home. Light refreshments will be served.

View Event →
Dog Days
Sep
20

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
Dog Days
Oct
4

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
Photography Club Meeting
Oct
5

Photography Club Meeting

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a support community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

View Event →
AUTUMN NATURAL WREATHS WORKSHOP
Oct
11

AUTUMN NATURAL WREATHS WORKSHOP

Class Details:

Fall is here and Fernwood’s grounds are abundant with all the glorious changing colors and textures of the season. In this workshop, we’ll utilize the bounty of natural materials found in the gardens to build festive autumn wreaths. All tools and materials will be provided for you to create the perfect front door decor to greet family, friends, and trick-or-treaters. 

Audience: Teens & Adults

Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: $35 ($28 members)


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign-in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen


View Event →
Dog Days
Oct
18

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING
Oct
18

HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used through time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and message for us. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will devine your herb fortune! Drop-in anytime between 12-3pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 


Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to let us know you’re planning to join us by registering.


View Event →
HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING
Oct
19

HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used through time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and message for us. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will devine your herb fortune! Drop-in anytime between 12-3pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 


Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to let us know you’re planning to join us by registering.


View Event →
HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING
Oct
25

HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used through time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and message for us. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will devine your herb fortune! Drop-in anytime between 12-3pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 


Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to let us know you’re planning to join us by registering.


View Event →
HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING
Oct
26

HERBAL FORTUNE TELLING

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used through time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and message for us. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will devine your herb fortune! Drop-in anytime between 12-3pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 


Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to let us know you’re planning to join us by registering.


View Event →
CREATURE CRAFT PARTY
Oct
26

CREATURE CRAFT PARTY

Celebrate Halloween with the whole family at Fernwood! Join us in the Sims Education Center to learn and create crafts inspired by the season's most notorious native creatures, including bats, spiders, toads, and more! Enjoy free hot cider, popcorn, and sweets, and be sure to explore Fernwood's hauntingly beautiful gardens, nature trails, and pumpkin house. Costumes encouraged!


Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: Free with admission

Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to let us know you’re planning to join us by registering.


View Event →
Photography Club Meeting
Nov
2

Photography Club Meeting

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a support community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

View Event →
EMBOSSED NATIVE BIRD ORNAMENTS
Nov
15

EMBOSSED NATIVE BIRD ORNAMENTS

Create your own embossed ornaments using recycled aluminum and inspiration from Fernwood’s resident winter song birds. We’ll provide all the materials you need to design your creation, plus share tips for supporting and attracting native bird species in your own backyard. You’ll leave with a set of ornaments that are great to share as gifts, hang artfully on your wall, or embellish your holiday tree!


Audience: Teens-Adults

 

Location: Fauna Wing of the Sims Education Center

 

Cost: $35/person ($28 Fernwood members)


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen. 


View Event →
HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP
Nov
22

HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!


Audience: Teens-Adults

 

Location: Fauna Wing of the Sims Education Center

 

Cost: $50/person ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by November 19


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP
Nov
22

HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!


Audience: Teens-Adults

 

Location: Fauna Wing of the Sims Education Center

 

Cost: $50/person ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by November 19


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP
Dec
6

HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!


Audience: Teens-Adults

 

Location: Fauna Wing of the Sims Education Center

 

Cost: $50/person ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by December 3


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP
Dec
6

HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!


Audience: Teens-Adults

 

Location: Fauna Wing of the Sims Education Center

 

Cost: $50/person ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by December 3


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
KIDS HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP
Dec
7

KIDS HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this special kids workshop, you’ll assist your child in creating a festive wreath using fresh greens collected from Fernwood’s gardens. Together, you’ll learn how to build your greens around a 12” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!


Audience: Children with accompanying adults (each child receives supplies to make one wreath)

 

Location: Fauna Wing of the Sims Education Center

 

Cost: $25/child ($20 Fernwood members) - Please register by December 3


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
Photography Club Meeting
Dec
7

Photography Club Meeting

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a support community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

View Event →
EDIBLE EVERGREENS
Jan
10

EDIBLE EVERGREENS

Did you know that many common evergreen needles are edible? In fact, they’re surprisingly rich in vitamins C and A and add a lovely touch of fresh flavor to drinks and baked goods. In this class, we’ll venture outdoors to identify various edible and non-edible evergreens. Participants will have the opportunity to harvest needles and receive a recipe booklet to take home. Best of all, samples of evergreen cookies and beverages will be available for tasting!

Audience: Teens-adults

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center 

Cost: $25/person ($20 Fernwood members) - Please register by January 7


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.

View Event →
THE ART OF QUILLING - WINTER SNOWFLAKES
Jan
17

THE ART OF QUILLING - WINTER SNOWFLAKES

Join artist, Nicole Burnett, of Shadow & Swirl to learn the intricate art of paper quilling. Attendees will explore the unique fractal shapes and patterns of snow crystals by learning to delicately manipulate thin strips of paper, using rolling, shaping, and gluing techniques. Each participant will leave with their own quilled snowflake creation to take home and enjoy.


Audience: Teens-Adults

 

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

 

Cost: $35/person ($28 Fernwood members) - Please register by January 14


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →

Photography Club Meeting
Sep
7

Photography Club Meeting

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a support community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

View Event →
NATIVE PLANT EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP
Sep
6

NATIVE PLANT EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP

Program details:

Embroidery can be more than just a creative outlet — it can also be a meditative way to connect with local ecology and preserve the beauty of native plants through thread!


In this hands-on workshop, you'll create a botanical embroidery sampler featuring five native wildflowers that bloom in late summer: purple coneflower, blue smooth aster, showy goldenrod, yarrow, and wild bergamot. As you learn beginner-friendly stitches, you'll also explore each plant’s ecological role, traditional uses, and seasonal significance. You'll receive all the materials needed to complete (or finish at home), your own embroidered 6-inch hoop and take home both a beautiful piece of art and the skills to keep stitching.


Suggested Audience: Teens-adults

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: $60 ($48 members)


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign-in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
Dog Days
Sep
6

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
Northern Indiana Artists Inc. & Artist Karen Dawson Reception
Aug
24

Northern Indiana Artists Inc. & Artist Karen Dawson Reception

The gallery reception for the Northern Indiana Artists, Inc. (NIA) group exhibition and Karen Dawson's Botanics With An Attitude will be held on Sunday, August 24.

NIA is a nonprofit based in South Bend. NIA showcases artists from Indiana and Michigan who work in diverse media, including oil, pastel, photography, and digital art. Artists must pass an independent jury process to join; many have won regional awards, and several are teachers.

Artist Karen Dawson's work begins with a deep connection to the botanical world and explores meeting points between the natural world and human environments. She is fascinated by the ways structure, energy, and evolution mirror each other across these realms and create abstract forms that reflect cooperation, conflict, and transformation.

The reception is open to the public and does not require paying admission fees in order to attend.


View Event →
Dog Days
Aug
23

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
Story Club of SW Michigan
Aug
21

Story Club of SW Michigan

Inspired by the mystical foliage of the gardens? Maybe the summer nights are filling your mind with folktales? We all have a story that tickles our imagination, and Story Club is the place to share your creativity. Craft a short story that can be recited in eight minutes or less, and enjoy the engagement of an attentive audience. For more information and tickets, visit Story Club’s website at https://www.storyclubswmi.com. Doors open at 6 pm, event runs from 7 - 9 pm. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

View Event →
SEED SAVING 101 WITH BEVIN COHEN
Aug
19

SEED SAVING 101 WITH BEVIN COHEN

This is a Buchanan District Library event hosted within Fernwood Botanical Gardens.

Suggested Audience: Adults

Location: Sims Education Center

Cost: Free with Fernwood membership, Buchanan District Library card, or admission fee.

View Event →
NATURE ON REPEAT - DESIGNING SEAMLESS BOTANICAL PATTERNS
Aug
16

NATURE ON REPEAT - DESIGNING SEAMLESS BOTANICAL PATTERNS

Program details:

Nature’s colors, textures, and patterns have long been a source of inspiration for surface designers. It's no wonder that we see so many botanical elements around us, in our textiles, wallpapers, tiles, product packaging, and more. 


In this workshop, we’ll draw design inspiration from Fernwood’s gardens to create our own botanical motifs. Participants will experiment with various styles, scale, and arrangement to personalize their work, and learn how to transform their single design into a seamless repeatable pattern.


Suggested Audience: Teens-adults

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: $35 ($28 members)


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign-in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
SUMMER CAMP: HABITAT HEROES
Aug
12
to Aug 15

SUMMER CAMP: HABITAT HEROES

HABITAT HEROES

August 12 - 15

Ages 6-8: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM SOLD OUT - click here for waitlist

Ages 9-12:  1:30 PM-4:30 PM

The turtles are pining for a playground, and the roly-polys need assistance designing their dream house. Who can help our wild friends? Fernwood campers, of course! Journey into the gardens and nature preserve to investigate creature habitats and learn to solve environmental problems with a combination of science and imagination. Form lasting friendships with plants, creatures, and fellow campers alike while making the environment a healthier and happier place for all living things!

Cost: $225 ($180 members)

View Event →
SUMMER CONCERT: rebel noire and the accomplices
Aug
9

SUMMER CONCERT: rebel noire and the accomplices

AUGUST 9, 7–8 PM

DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM

$5 ADVANCE, $10 DOOR

Children 5 and under: FREE

Youth 6 - 12: $2.50 ADVANCE, $5 DOOR

rebel noire and the accomplices are mixologists of music, blending alternative R&B/soul, jazz, and rock with a hint of hip-hop for a distinct sound. The five-piece, Michiana-based band has opened for reggae legends The Wailers Official and blues artist Phillip-Michael Scales. The band has released three projects, including the latest EP, LOVEVOLVE.

View Event →
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE TOUR
Aug
9

TALLGRASS PRAIRIE TOUR

Program details:

All across North America, prairie habitat is under continuous threat due to anthropogenic development. These rare and fragmented ecosystems, rich in biodiversity, provide vital homes to numerous native species of birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. 


Join us as we explore the beauty and diversity of Fernwood’s own tallgrass prairie. You’ll learn all about the prairie’s establishment, the incredible adaptations of our native prairie plants, how to identify and manage invasive plant species, and the history of prairies in North America.


Please dress accordingly – long sleeves, long pants, closed-toed shoes, long socks, hats, gloves, and sunscreen. Please bring a water bottle and snacks if needed.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Meet at The Visitors Center front desk

Cost: $15 ($12 members)


*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign-in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.


View Event →
Dog Days
Aug
9

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
Photography Club Meeting
Aug
3

Photography Club Meeting

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a supportive community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

View Event →
Dog Days
Jul
26

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
SUMMER CAMP: ART & MINDFULNESS IN NATURE
Jul
22
to Jul 25

SUMMER CAMP: ART & MINDFULNESS IN NATURE

ART & MINDFULNESS IN NATURE

July 22 - 25

Ages 6-8: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Ages 9-12:  1:30 PM-4:30 PM

Fernwood, in collaboration with Starlight Studio, invites children to explore, restore, and express themselves in nature during this summer’s Art & Mindfulness in Nature Camp! Campers will immerse themselves daily in mindful nature walks, engage in ecological learning activities, and reflective nature-based art-making projects. Throughout their journey, campers will develop a deeper understanding of “self” in connection with the natural world and build confidence in experimenting and expressing their ideas in the art studio. All this while enjoying friendship, fresh air, and sunshine!

Cost: $225 ($180 members)

View Event →
BOX TURTLE PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
Jul
13

BOX TURTLE PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP

BOX TURTLE PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP - SOLD OUT

July 13, 1-2:30 PM

This workshop is full. Please take a look at our other events/workshops happening soon!


Did you know that Fernwood is home to the eastern box turtle, a threatened species in the state of Michigan? These charming, land-dwelling reptiles are often elusive, but trained Fernwood staff members have taken special care to monitor the population on our grounds. You can help us celebrate and bring awareness to these incredible creatures by joining this special printmaking workshop. You’ll work with a photo of one of Fernwood’s resident box turtles to create your own linoleum block carving, highlighting their unique shell patterns (no two shells are alike!). You’ll make prints to take home and add to our collective poster. Copies of the poster will be available later in the season to help raise funds for continued box turtle conservation efforts at Fernwood!


Audience: Teens-adults

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: $35 ($28 members) - Please register by July 8

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.

View Event →
Dog Days
Jul
12

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
SUMMER CONCERT: RESURRECTION BLUES BAND
Jul
6

SUMMER CONCERT: RESURRECTION BLUES BAND

JULY 6, 5- 8 PM

DOORS OPEN AT 4 PM

Resurrection Blues Band will perform at Fernwood as part of The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts’ Midwest Made—Acorn Anywhere summer concert series, which spotlights regional talent in a diverse array of genres. Ticket information is available on The Acorn’s website at acornlive.org.


View Event →
Dog Days
Jun
28

Dog Days

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 


Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.


CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

  • Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

  • All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

  • For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

  • By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

  • Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

  • Natural springs, ponds, and water features

  • Fernwood Café

  • Fern Conservatory

  • Manicured garden beds 

  • Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

View Event →
POLLINATOR WEEK
Jun
22

POLLINATOR WEEK

POLLINATOR WEEK

JUNE 17-22, GUIDED ACTIVITIES 1 - 2 PM

Did you know that 75-95% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinators?  Without pollinators, we would lose 1/3 of our food in the United States, not to mention most of the flowering plants that beautify our world. And that’s not all we would lose. Pollinator populations, especially bees, are in decline. Come learn more about these vital creatures and find out what you can do to help support them. Be a part of a community science project or participate in a fun pollinator activity. 

Drop-in station available during open hours, guided activities offered 1-2 pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Visitors Center and Bauer Terrace

Cost: Free with admission

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins for guided activities may be accepted, only if space is available.

View Event →
POLLINATOR WEEK
Jun
21

POLLINATOR WEEK

POLLINATOR WEEK

JUNE 17-22, GUIDED ACTIVITIES 1 - 2 PM

Did you know that 75-95% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinators?  Without pollinators, we would lose 1/3 of our food in the United States, not to mention most of the flowering plants that beautify our world. And that’s not all we would lose. Pollinator populations, especially bees, are in decline. Come learn more about these vital creatures and find out what you can do to help support them. Be a part of a community science project or participate in a fun pollinator activity. 

Drop-in station available during open hours, guided activities offered 1-2 pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Visitors Center and Bauer Terrace

Cost: Free with admission

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins for guided activities may be accepted, only if space is available.

View Event →
SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Jun
20

SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

June 20, 1-4 PM

What better way to celebrate the longest day of the year than by surrounding yourself with the abundance of natural beauty found at Fernwood? Bask in the warmth of the sunshine around our solstice fire and enjoy a variety of solar-themed activities for all ages: sample herbal sun teas, build your own suncatcher, experiment with sun prints, learn about sun-loving plants, and more!


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: South Vista

Cost: Free with admission

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins may be accepted, only if space is available.

View Event →
POLLINATOR WEEK
Jun
20

POLLINATOR WEEK

POLLINATOR WEEK

JUNE 17-22, GUIDED ACTIVITIES 1 - 2 PM

Did you know that 75-95% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinators?  Without pollinators, we would lose 1/3 of our food in the United States, not to mention most of the flowering plants that beautify our world. And that’s not all we would lose. Pollinator populations, especially bees, are in decline. Come learn more about these vital creatures and find out what you can do to help support them. Be a part of a community science project or participate in a fun pollinator activity. 

Drop-in station available during open hours, guided activities offered 1-2 pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Visitors Center and Bauer Terrace

Cost: Free with admission

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins for guided activities may be accepted, only if space is available.

View Event →
Community Benefit Dinner at Granor Farm
Jun
19

Community Benefit Dinner at Granor Farm

GRANOR FARM COMMUNITY DINNER

JUNE 19, 6:30 - 10 PM

$100

As a loyal Fernwood friend, we invite you to an exciting and exclusive dining experience at Granor Farm in Three Oaks, a delicious fundraiser supporting our work at the garden.

The evening starts with drinks and a conversation featuring Fernwood's new Executive Director, Mary Krinock, and Director of Education, Michelle McCoskey. They will discuss Fernwood's environmental education and nature-based programming, which make the organization a vital part of the Harbor Country community. Right after the talk, a multi-course dinner showcasing crops grown by Granor and inspired by Fernwood's edible landscape will be served in our Greenhouse. Dinner includes Granor wine pairings, with non-alcoholic beverages available as well. 

At the end of the online booking process, a $150 donation to Fernwood will be automatically added to the ticket price. Please note that we are not a restaurant open to the public. All dinners are ticketed by advance reservation only and include beverage pairings. Outside alcohol is not allowed.

Granor Farm is located at 3520 Warren Woods Road in Three Oaks, Michigan.

View Event →
POLLINATOR WEEK
Jun
19

POLLINATOR WEEK

POLLINATOR WEEK

JUNE 17-22, GUIDED ACTIVITIES 1 - 2 PM

Did you know that 75-95% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinators?  Without pollinators, we would lose 1/3 of our food in the United States, not to mention most of the flowering plants that beautify our world. And that’s not all we would lose. Pollinator populations, especially bees, are in decline. Come learn more about these vital creatures and find out what you can do to help support them. Be a part of a community science project or participate in a fun pollinator activity. 

Drop-in station available during open hours, guided activities offered 1-2 pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Visitors Center and Bauer Terrace

Cost: Free with admission

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins for guided activities may be accepted, only if space is available.

View Event →
POLLINATOR WEEK
Jun
18

POLLINATOR WEEK

POLLINATOR WEEK

JUNE 17-22, GUIDED ACTIVITIES 1 - 2 PM

Did you know that 75-95% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinators?  Without pollinators, we would lose 1/3 of our food in the United States, not to mention most of the flowering plants that beautify our world. And that’s not all we would lose. Pollinator populations, especially bees, are in decline. Come learn more about these vital creatures and find out what you can do to help support them. Be a part of a community science project or participate in a fun pollinator activity. 

Drop-in station available during open hours, guided activities offered 1-2 pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Visitors Center and Bauer Terrace

Cost: Free with admission

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins for guided activities may be accepted, only if space is available.

View Event →
POLLINATOR WEEK
Jun
17

POLLINATOR WEEK

POLLINATOR WEEK

JUNE 17-22, GUIDED ACTIVITIES 1 - 2 PM

Did you know that 75-95% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinators?  Without pollinators, we would lose 1/3 of our food in the United States, not to mention most of the flowering plants that beautify our world. And that’s not all we would lose. Pollinator populations, especially bees, are in decline. Come learn more about these vital creatures and find out what you can do to help support them. Be a part of a community science project or participate in a fun pollinator activity. 

Drop-in station available during open hours, guided activities offered 1-2 pm.


Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Visitors Center and Bauer Terrace

Cost: Free with admission

Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins for guided activities may be accepted, only if space is available.

View Event →