Mt. Cuba Fall-Winter 2023-2024 Program Guide

“I want this to be a place where people will learn to appreciate our native plants and to see how these plants can enrich their lives so that they, in turn, will become conservators of our natural habitats.”

PAMELA COPELAND

HOURS

Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

April 1 through November 19, 2023

*Gardens close at 4 pm in November

ADMISSION

Members Free Adults $15

Children ages 6–17 $8 Children 5 and under Free

Classes and events are subject to change. Please check mtcubacenter.org for the most up-to-date information.

ECO-GARDENING CONSULTATIONS

Two-hour private consultation at Mt. Cuba Center

$99, 2-person limit

This unique, two-hour private consultation and garden tour will inspire and guide your home landscaping choices. A Mt. Cuba consultant will provide a customized experience to meet your gardening needs. Leave with curated resources and a new landscaping perspective. Schedule at least two weeks in advance.

MEMBERSHIP

Grow with us! Be part of Mt. Cuba’s mission to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and to protect the habitats that sustain them.

All packages include:

• Unlimited garden admission for one year

• Complimentary guest passes

• Discount on Garden Enthusiast Tours

• Member pricing on select programs

• Free snack and drink per visit

Select packages offer additional benefits. Discover more at mtcubacenter.org/membership

LOCATION

3120 Barley Mill Road

Hockessin, DE 19707

OUTDOOR DINING AREAS

Light refreshments are available for purchase onsite, and guests may bring food into the gardens. Use the picnic area under the shade of mature native trees, find a seat in the garden or Upper Allee, or borrow one of our picnic blankets. Guests are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste and support Mt. Cuba’s commitment to conservation.

ACCESSIBILITY

Due to our rolling terrain and mulched paths, access to level, even terrain is limited. Golf cart transportation to select locations throughout the gardens is available upon request. For your convenience, a wheelchair, rolling walker, and walking sticks are also available. Reservations are not required. Please call 302.239.4244 or visit mtcubacenter.org/accessibility for more information.

VISITING WITH CHILDREN

We welcome guests of all ages. Baby carriers and backpacks may be helpful while exploring our hillside gardens. All-terrain strollers are recommended. Venture into Bluey’s Woods and discover a little library, nature play activities, and more.

REGISTRATION

All classes are available for registration online at mtcubacenter.org/programs or by calling 302.239.4244. Many classes fill quickly, so remember to register early. If your confirmation states “Wait List,” you will be contacted if an opening occurs.

PAYMENT & REFUNDS

Payment is required upon registration. Refunds are issued if registration is withdrawn at least seven days in advance of the scheduled start date or if the class is cancelled. When snow and rain dates are published, no refunds will be issued to those who cannot attend rescheduled classes.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS & GARDEN CLOSURES

Occasionally, we may cancel classes due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. For updated information regarding closures and cancellations, call 302.239.4244 (option 2) or visit mtcubacenter.org .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Garden admission is included in the price of class registration when gardens are open for general admission.

• Many classes are held outdoors. Please dress for the weather conditions and wear sturdy shoes as walking paths may be uneven.

• Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellant are recommended.

• Due to our rolling terrain and mulched paths, the use of wheelchairs is limited.

• Programs are held rain or shine unless specified otherwise.

• Be advised that certain classes may be photographed, recorded, and videotaped for educational or promotional purposes.

• Please call 302.239.4244 or email education@mtcubacenter.org with questions or concerns.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS

Most Mt. Cuba Center classes are approved for continuing education credits through organizations that serve arborists, certified nursery professionals, landscape architects and designers, organic growers, and other green industry professionals. Class descriptions with the CEU icon qualify for professional development hours with accrediting agencies. Visit mtcubacenter.org/ceu for details.

BRING YOUR GROUP TO MT. CUBA

Wow your group with a visit to Mt. Cuba’s formal and naturalistic gardens, a tour, talk, or even a hayride and hike. Top it off with a scrumptious meal and send your guests home with their very own native plant.

Visit mtcubacenter.org/groups for more information. Call 302.239.5083 or email groupsales@mtcubacenter.org to make a reservation.

GROUP ADMISSION

$14 per person for groups of 10 or more when scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Groups traveling by bus must make prior arrangements. Bus parking is available.

GROUP DINING

Complete your Mt. Cuba experience with a delicious meal, including breakfast, lunch, tea, or a wine and cheese reception.

GOT PLANTS?

Ask about the option for your group to take home a native plant. Order in advance to receive a group discount. Plants subject to availability.

See our redesigned South Garden in 2024!

GROUP TOURS

Welcome Walks

One hour, $3 per person in addition to garden admission.

Welcome Walks bring Mt. Cuba’s mission of inspiring an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants to life. This introductory tour is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the history of our gardens, native plants, and conservation tips to apply at home.

Garden Enthusiast Tour

Two hours, $4 per person in addition to garden admission.

Take an in-depth look at the gardens and discover how to apply sustainable gardening practices. Learn about environmental topics such as climate change, systems-thinking, and consciously sourcing native plants for your region. This tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk. Tours include walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths.

Guided Trails Hike

Two hours, $3 per person in addition to garden admission.

Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural lands.

Hayride Highlights Tour

One hour, $3 per person in addition to garden admission.

Sit back and relax on this one-hour guided hayride through our natural lands. Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Perfect for groups who like to take in the beautiful seasonal scenery in a more relaxed setting.

Hayride & Hike

Two hours, $4 per person in addition to garden admission.

Hitch a hayride deep into our natural lands before adventuring on foot for an experience of Mt. Cuba’s wilder side. Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain.

GROUP LECTURES

Learn about what Mt. Cuba does best — native plants — from our gardening experts. Our selection of online or in-person lectures includes time for audience questions and answers. Visit mtcubacenter.org/groups for more information or to view lecture offerings. One hour, $99 for up to 45 participants, $169 for 46–90 participants.

WELCOME WALKS

Guided walks are offered at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, Wednesday through Sunday when the gardens are open. Each walk brings Mt. Cuba’s mission of inspiring an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants to life. This introductory tour is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the history of our gardens, native plants, and conservation tips to apply at home.

One hour, $3 per person in addition to garden admission. Free for members.

STORY TIME SPROUTS

Thursdays, Memorial Day to Labor Day 10:30 – 11 am. Included with garden admission.

Get lost in a book in Mt. Cuba’s gardens. Listen to stories from nature-themed children’s books ideal for kids ages five and under. Meet on the Upper Lawn in Bluey’s Woods. We recommend bringing a blanket to sit on. No reservations required.

GUIDED TRAILS HIKE

May – June | September – November Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural lands. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

Two hours, $4 per person in addition to garden admission. Free for members.

GARDEN ENTHUSIAST TOUR

Saturdays: 9/9, 10/14, 11/11

10 am – 12 pm

Take an in-depth look at the gardens and discover how to apply sustainable gardening practices. Learn about environmental topics such as climate change, systems-thinking, and consciously sourcing native plants for your region. This tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk. Tours include walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. Tickets include admission for the day, so stay for a picnic or enjoy the gardens after the tour has ended. Purchase tickets online at mtcubacenter.org/tickets or by phone at 302.239.4244. Walk-ins are accepted as space allows.

Two hours, $19 per non-member, $4 for members.

TWILIGHT ON THE TERRACE

Fridays: 8/18 & 9/1

5 – 8 pm

(Rain Dates: Following Thursdays)

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. Lineup, details, and more at mtcubacenter.org/twilight

Included with garden admission. Free for members.

FIESTA EN EL JARDÍN

Spend an autumn afternoon in the gardens celebrating Mexican culture, dance, and mariachi as Mt. Cuba partners with the Hispanic American Association of Delaware to bring you Fiesta en el Jardín! Bring a picnic and blanket to spread out on the lawn while enjoying performances from the Ballet Folklórico México Lindo and live music. Celebrate Día de los Muertos early; come wearing your best sugar skull makeup and learn about the significance of mariposas monarca (monarch butterflies).

Saturday, 10/14

12 - 3 pm

Included with garden admission

(Rain Date: Sunday, 10/15)

SUNSET AND S’MORES

Bring the family out for a scenic hayride through Mt. Cuba’s stunning natural lands. Arrive at a bonfire where you can kick back and relax or explore your surroundings. Enjoy fireside snacks, s’mores, and adult and family-friendly beverages while the sun sets. Advance registration required. Space is limited.

Saturdays: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7

5 – 7 pm

Adults: $15

Children (2 – 17): $8

Children under 2: Free

HAY BALES AND BREWS

This unique hayride experience travels through rolling hills and grassland fields in Mt. Cuba’s picturesque natural areas. Learn about Mt. Cuba’s land management, conservation efforts, and restoration projects. Arrive at a bonfire for stunning vistas, tasty brews, and fireside snacks. Advance registration required. Space is limited. (Ages 21 and over)

Saturdays: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7

5:30 – 7:30 pm|$25 per person

TREE FESTIVAL

See trees in their autumn glory and learn how they add beauty and value to our landscapes. Enjoy unique family-friendly programs, live music, hayrides, and more. Food and drinks available for purchase. Native plants are available for purchase while supplies last. Learn more at mtcubacenter.org/treefestival.

Saturday, 9/23

10 am – 6 pm

(Rain Date: Sunday, 9/24)

Included with garden admission

NIGHT HIKES

See Mt. Cuba in a new light — no light, that is! Embark on a guided Night Hike to experience the sights and sounds of our natural lands after dark. Listen as the night comes alive with the chatter of owls, frogs, crickets, and maybe even a fox or two. Learn about the nocturnal animals that call our natural areas home and how to spot and listen for them once the sun goes down. Guests should be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain in the dark. Flashlights will be provided. Purchase tickets online at mtcubacenter.org/nighthikes.

Fridays: 9/8, 9/15

7:30 – 9 pm

Fridays: 10/13, 10/20

6:30 – 8 pm

Adults: $15

Children (6-17): $8

NATURE PLAY DAY

Discover the wild side of Mt. Cuba with a day of outdoor fun in our natural lands. Take to the open skies by flying a kite; touch-a-truck and tractor; navigate a nature obstacle course; and more! Embrace your inner explorer on a guided hike through rolling terrain. A variety of food and beverage selections available for purchase. Visit mtcubacenter.org/natureplayday for more information.

Free parking for this event is at 1003 Old Wilmington Road, just east of Brackenville Road.

Saturday, 11/4 10 am – 4 pm

(Rain Date: Sunday, 11/5)

Included with garden admission.

FAM FAM

Pawpaw: The Susquehanna Banana

With Rodney Dever

Pawpaw trees bear the largest edible fruit native to the United States, a fruit that’s creamy texture and banana-meets-mango flavor is gaining popularity with people interested in growing their own food. Join plant breeder Rodney Dever of Peterson Pawpaws as he recounts the fascinating lore and natural history of pawpaws, discusses how to grow them in your yard, and reviews various products made from the fruit. Sample this uniquely flavored delicacy and leave with a new appreciation of the “Susquehanna Banana.”

Sunday 9/17, 1 – 4 pm | $45

Sip and Stroll: A Discussion of Design

With George Coombs and Diane Keesee

Join us in the evening hours to sip a signature drink and tour Mt. Cuba’s gardens. Following years of fascination with creative cocktails and mixology, Diane Keesee uses foraged ingredients from common plants in the area for a new twist in mixology. With a signature cocktail in hand, celebrate the success of completed garden projects and learn about future garden developments with Mt. Cuba’s director of horticulture, George Coombs. (Ages 21 and over)

Friday 9/29, 5 – 7 pm | $45

A Taste of Yaupon Holly Tea

With Project CommuniTEA

This program will focus on Yaupon Holly, the only plant native to North America that produces caffeine. Indigenous communities have brewed Yaupon into a tea-like beverage and drank it for its many health benefits and during ceremonies. During the program, participants will learn the history of Yaupon, roast Yaupon, and sample a variety of Yaupon tea preparation with Crystal Stokes, CEO of Project CommuniTea. Crystal is a 5th generation farmer and avid tea drinking. She was introduced to Yaupon by a friend and fell in love with the smooth, sweet and earthy flavor of the tea. She has dedicated the past four years to learning as much as she can about the plant and is farming it in central Virginia.

Saturday 11/4, 1 – 3 pm | $45

Discover the Hidden Life of Flowers

With Teri Dunn Chace

Learn why flowers look and behave the way they do, why certain plants are placed in certain families, how flowers attract pollinators, and how pollination works. Teri Dunn Chace regales with amazing and entertaining stories from the era of plant hunters. Savor breathtaking photographs by Robert Llewellyn as Teri explains his “image-stacking” technique.

Teri has over 35 books in publication. She has also written and edited for major consumer gardening and outdoor-living publications including Horticulture, North American Gardener, Backyard Living, and Birds and Blooms. Presently, Teri is the garden-and-nature columnist for the award-winning “Bottom Line Personal” newsletter. With a broad range of expertise and interests, Teri has a taste for exploration and a talent for bringing back stories and information that resonate with insight and wonder — whether she’s examining flowers, pie, or small-town life.

A short reception and book signing will follow in the conservatory. Books will be available for purchase, or you may bring your own copy.

Sunday 4/28, 1 – 3 pm | $45

FALL GARDENING SATURDAY

As the temperatures cool, our fall-time favorite native plants take the spotlight. Learn the best trees and shrubs for fall color, how to get a great-looking lawn without chemicals, create an overwintering habitat, and more. Stay for the day or register for individual sessions.

Saturday 10/21, 10 am – 4 pm | $19 per session or $69 for all four

Helping Wildlife Through the Winter

With Leah Brooks

10 – 11 am

From fruiting shrubs to seed-bearing wildflowers, native plants provide essential shelter and forage that sustain our wildlife through the winter. Explore how to easily create overwintering habitat and learn about the animals that utilize it.

Native Trees and Shrubs for Fall Color

With Duncan Himmelman, PhD

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Prolong your garden’s interest into the fall with trees and shrubs that have colorful fruit, bark, and foliage. This class is a must for those interested in adding plants that deliver spectacular colors and textures to the autumn garden.

Organic Lawn Care

With Charlie Reidinger

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Embrace the utility of lawn in the garden for paths and recreation. Learn how to build better soil to create a healthier environment for your pets and family, and how you can get a great-looking lawn without the use of harmful chemical fertilizers.

Planting the Woodland Edge

With Leah Blanton

3 – 4 pm

The woodland edge is crucial for protecting forests and providing habitat to wildlife. With increased fragmentation due to development, these habitat islands are now a common feature of suburbia. Discover what plants stabilize the woodland edge and maximize value to wildlife, and how we can use our own backyards to resemble this important habitat.

SPRING GARDENING SATURDAY

Spring is a season of beauty and conservation. Join our experts as they share how to simplify your garden efforts and maximize the beauty and allure of native plants. Stay for the day and attend all four classes or register for individual sessions.

Saturday 4/6, 10 am – 4 pm |$19 per session or $69 for all four

Gardening for Year-round Interest

With Nancy Bell

10 – 11 am

Native plants fit beautifully into the landscape because they are already adapted to our local growing conditions. Learn about a variety of wildflowers, shrubs, trees and vines that are ideal for home gardens and provide color, texture, ecological services and seasonal interest all year long.

Gardening with Nature in Mind

With Liz Allen

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Eco-friendly gardening works with nature, not against it. Learn how to simplify your gardening tasks, maximize your soil’s potential, and reduce water usage while supporting pollinators and local wildlife. Save time, energy, and resources using native plants to create beautiful, environmentally sound landscaping.

Keystone Species for Pollinator Gardens

With Leah Brooks

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Do you want to bring more butterflies, birds, and bees into your garden? Find out which plants will give you the most bang for your buck. Bring a list of your favorites to the nursery this spring and create the ultimate pollinator-friendly garden.

Right Tree, Right Place

With Nicole DeLizzio

3 – 4 pm

Tree health and sustainability in the landscape are largely dependent on selecting the appropriate tree before planting. Learn the process of selecting the right tree for the right site to maximize the longevity of your plant after installation.

MT. CUBA LECTURE SERIES

Through inspiring and entertaining storytelling, our winter lecture series showcases the voices of edible native plants and ecological landscaping influencers. Each speaker shares their expertise and connection to the plants, places, and purpose behind conserving native plant communities, soil health, and the wildlife these wildscapes attract.

$25 per lecture or $68 for the series

Wild Plant Culture

With Jared Rosenbaum

Native edible and medicinal plant species can be integrated into gardens and ecological restoration projects to create habitats that support (and include) humans as part of local ecosystems. Consider stewarding edible and medicinal plant species in native habitats such as riparian corridors and glades and discuss how a habitat-based approach translates to yards, parks, and farms. Explore the prospect of changing our foodways to patterns that favor native diversity, rewarding restoration and stewardship.

Field botanist, native plant grower, and restoration practitioner Jared Rosenbaum, author of Wild Plant Culture: A Guide to Restoring Edible and Medicinal Native Plant Communities asks whether we can honor native ecosystems and lifeways as we restore habitats that support humans, other animals, and native plants alike.

Wednesday 1/10, 6 – 7:30 pm | $25

Edible Landscaping Using Permaculture

With Michael Judd

Imagine a yard where trees are dripping with fresh fruits, shrubs are bejeweled with delicious berries, and gourmet mushrooms sprout in the shade. Join author and edible landscape designer, Michael Judd, in an exploration of combining form, function, and production in your edible and ecological landscape. This fundamental presentation is for the budding gardener and experienced green thumb alike, full of creative and easyto-follow designs that guide you to having your yard and eating it, too.

With personality and humor, permaculture designer and master grower and author of Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist, Michael Judd translates the complexities of permaculture design into simple self-build projects, providing details on the evolving design process, materials identification, and costs.

Saturday 2/24, 11 am – 12:30 pm | $25

A World of Discovery with Science and Heart

With Nancy Lawson

Much has been written about gardening for human senses, but how do plants and animals perceive the world around them? What do we miss when we landscape for human visual appeal but neglect the sensory experiences of our wild neighbors? Noise, light, and odor pollution can have many unintended consequences. Through science, heart, and our powers of observation, we can learn to mitigate these disruptions and create sensory refuges in an increasingly noisy world.

Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife and the recently released Wildscape: Trilling Chipmunks, Beckoning Blooms, Salty Butterflies, and other Sensory Wonders of Nature. A certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and master naturalist, she co-chairs Howard County Bee City in Maryland and co-launched a community science project, Monarch Rx, based on discoveries in her habitat. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, O magazine, Ecological Entomology, and Entomology Today

Saturday 3/23, 11 am – 12:30 pm | $25

CEU

CEU

CEU

Deer-Resistant Native Plants

With Gregg Tepper

Deer, oh deer. Join us online with horticulturist Gregg Tepper for an entertaining and informative lecture inspired by Gregg’s recently co-authored book, DeerResistant Native Plants for the Northeast. Gregg will share his experiences with what he’s found to be the best native deerresistant plants and how to create a strategy for rebuffing deer with effective and safe natural deer repellent products.

Wednesday 1/24, 6 – 7:30 pm | $19

Amsonia for Every Garden

With Sam Hoadley

Amsonia, or bluestars, are a rugged, versatile, and endlessly garden-worthy genus that deserve a place in any home garden. Without exception, bluestars are long-lived and provide multiple seasons of interest from their blue flowers in April and May, to their beautiful foliar textures in summer, and striking golden color in autumn. In addition to being exemplary garden plants, Amsonia support a variety of early season pollinators, including bumblebees and hummingbirds, and are even host plants for several butterflies and moths. Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research, will be your guide through the trials, sharing how Amsonia is evaluated to determine horticultural value and performance, disease resistance, and pollinator preference.

Wednesday 2/7, 6 – 7:30 pm | $19

Misunderstood Native Plants

With Leah Brooks

Canada goldenrod, Virginia creeper, and American pokeweed, oh my! These and other native plants like eastern poison ivy are often maligned as worthless weeds because they don’t fit into the popular idea of what a garden plant should be. Join Leah Brooks as she explores how species which may not be suitable for a home garden provide important wildlife benefits and add beauty to the natural landscape.

Wednesday 2/21, 6 – 7:30 pm | $19

Women in Horticulture

With Jenny Rose Carey

In this lecture, timed to coincide with Women’s History Month, author Jenny Rose Carey gives a historic overview of American women in horticulture and landscape design. Using archival images and the words of the female horticulturists of the time, Jenny paints a picture of a movement that brought women to the forefront of the burgeoning gardening movement in the early part of the twentieth century. Jenny will discuss authors, educators, garden designers, the garden club movement, and conservationists. You might be surprised to learn that the early roots of our passion for native plants and protecting birds was alive and well 110 years ago right here in the Philadelphia region. Learn the names of some of the most incredible horticulturally minded women and their influence on the ways that we garden today.

Wednesday 3/13, 6 – 7:30 pm | $19

certificate classes

ECOLOGICAL GARDENING CERTIFICATE

Whether you are a backyard gardener, landscape professional, or just interested in native plants and their wildlife connections, Mt. Cuba Center’s Ecological Gardening Certificate offers a comprehensive approach to gardening in harmony with nature using ecologically sound practices.

Broaden your understanding of life in the soil, the fundamentals of eco-friendly gardening techniques, and how to identify and grow native plants. Learn how to attract and nurture beneficial wildlife such as birds, bees, and butterflies by creating inviting, biologically diverse landscapes. Use these skills to transform your garden or neighborhood greenspace, commercial property, or clients’ landscape into a habitat that enhances and preserves the ecological integrity of our plant communities and their associated ecosystems. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Identify and use native plants in the landscape

• Apply organic gardening practices to create resilient environments

• Design and create ecologically sound gardens by imitating nature’s patterns and systems

• Manage plant health issues using sustainable techniques

• Become conservators of our natural habitats

Complete all classes to earn the certificate or take only the classes that interest you. Certificate classes are open to everyone; however, students enrolled in the certificate program have priority in registration. Complete all classes to earn a certificate. Students seeking the certificate must pass an evaluation (project, quiz, exam, etc.) for each course.

Sign up for the Certificate Program and learn more at mtcubacenter.org/certificate or contact the Education Department, 302.239.4244.

“Completing the ecological gardening certificate has at last enabled me to define my niche in the horticulture profession as well as create a foundation for ecological gardening practices at home. I feel empowered & equipped to share these principles and native plants with others so that they too can support their local ecosystems. It may have taken a long time, but I truly feel I’ve found my calling. In our fragile and uncertain natural world, this education can plant so many seeds and be a bright light. Thank you, Mt. Cuba!”

HACKSTIE PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURIST

*These courses are ideal starting points for the Certificate program.

JULIA

Inviting Wildlife into the Garden

With Faith B. Kuehn, PhD, Ian Stewart, PhD, and Derek Stoner

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 the roles of pollinators and the plants and habitats they require. Explore Mt. Cuba Center’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.

Three Fridays: 9/15 through 9/29

10 am – 2:30 pm $229 (Lunch included)

(Rain Date: Friday 10/6)

Ecological Arboriculture

With Mt. Cuba Center Arboriculture Team 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 stormwater 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 the weather.

Section B: Three Wednesdays: 11/1 through 11/15, 10 am – 2:30 pm $229 (Lunch included)

CEU CEU

Botany for Gardeners

With Eileen Hazard

Have fun with botany! Understanding how plants grow and develop, how water and nutrients are taken up and distributed, and how leaves, flowers, stems, and roots function are key to becoming a successful gardener. Discover intriguing relationships between plants and pollinators, how seeds and fruits form, and why plants grow toward the sun. Develop basic plant identification skills and learn the reasons for using scientific names. You will be amazed at what goes on in the plants that live all around us. Dress for the weather.

Wednesday 1/17 and Thursday 1/18

10 am – 2:30 pm | $169 (Lunch included)

(Snow Date: Wednesday 1/24)

Ecological Landscape Design

With Jenna Webster

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.

Before enrolling in this course, completion of the Native Plants of Spring, Summer, and Fall, and Sustainable Landscape Techniques courses is recommended.

Six Wednesdays: 2/7 through 3/13

1 pm – 4 pm | $289

Optional project evaluation: 3/20

(Snow Date: Wednesday 3/27)

NATIVE PLANT SERIES

Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials in each Native Plants course. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking a Certificate in Ecological Gardening must take the onsite exam.

Hybrid Native Plants of Fall 2023

With Liz Allen and Kevin Allen

Six prerecorded online lectures available Monday 8/28

Three garden tours Saturdays: 9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10 am – 12 pm | $205

Optional exam: Saturday 10/21, 10 am – 12 pm

ONSITE NATIVE PLANT SERIES 2024

Native Plants of Spring 2024

With Mt. Cuba Staff

Six Wednesdays: 4/3 through 5/8

10 am – 12 pm |$205

Optional exam: Wednesday 5/15, 10 am – 12 pm

Native Plants of Summer 2024

With Mt. Cuba Staff

Six Wednesdays: 5/29 through 7/10

10 am – 12 pm | $205

*No class on July 3rd

Optional exam: Wednesday 7/17, 10 am – 12 pm

Native Plants of Fall 2024

With Mt. Cuba Staff

Six Wednesdays: 9/4 through 10/9

10 am – 12 pm | $205

Optional exam: Wednesday 10/16, 10 am – 12 pm

HYBRID NATIVE PLANTS SERIES 2024

Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite garden tours.

Native Plants of Spring Hybrid Option

With Jay Kratz and Liz Allen

Six prerecorded online lectures available

Monday 4/1

Three garden tours

Saturdays: 4/13, 4/27, 5/11, 10 am – 12 pm $205

Optional exam: Saturday 5/18, 10 am – 12 pm

Native Plants of Summer Hybrid Option

With Kathleen Elliot and Melissa Starkey, PhD

Six prerecorded online lectures available

Monday 5/27

Three garden tours

Saturdays: 6/8, 6/22, 7/13, 10 am – 12 pm $205

*No class on July 6th

Optional exam: Saturday 7/20, 10 am – 12 pm

Native Plants of Fall Hybrid Option

With Liz Allen and Kevin Allen

Six prerecorded online lectures available

Monday 9/2

Three garden tours

Saturdays: 9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10 am – 12 pm $205

Optional exam: Saturday 10/19, 10 am – 12 pm

Sustainable Landscape Techniques

With Sue Barton, PhD, and Visiting Lecturer

Create more ecologically sound landscapes by implementing a variety of sustainable gardening and landscaping techniques. Learn how to manage and conserve water using rain gardens, bioswales, and rain barrels. Reduce the demands of lawn care by adding meadow areas and increase your energy savings with strategically placed layered plantings. Develop your garden to support a diverse population of beneficial wildlife and create healthy, natural habitats.

Two Saturdays: 4/13 and 4/27 10 am – 2:30 pm |$169 (Lunch included)

Plant Propagation

With James Rockwell and Claire Zuidervliet

Save money and increase your garden plants through simple propagation techniques using seeds and cuttings. Review the ethics of wild-collected seed and learn the basics of seed biology, germination, and storage. Study the principles of asexual plant reproduction, learn when and how to take cuttings, and practice proper techniques for preparing and rooting them. Take samples home. Dress for this hands-on workshop by wearing closedtoe shoes. Please bring hand pruners.

Section A: Two Fridays: 5/10 and 5/17 10 am – 2:30 pm | $189 (Lunch included)

Section B: Two Saturdays: 5/11 and 5/18, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $189 (Lunch included)

Managing Invasive Plants

With Ellen Lake, PhD, and Nate Shampine, CERP

Is your landscape being invaded by overly aggressive plants? 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 similarlooking 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. Classes are rain or shine.

Wednesday 6/5 through Friday 6/7 10 am – 2:30 pm $229 (Lunch included)

gardening classes

Fall Fresh Container

With Susan Dixon

Usher in the cool days and vibrant colors of fall with an informal, natural-looking arrangement this season. Combine autumn flowering, sunloving perennials with richly textured foliage plants to create a warm and welcoming mood to your porch, walkway, or front door.

Friday 9/8, 10 am – 12 pm | $84 (Plants and container included)

How to Purchase High-Quality Trees

With Kevin Zuidervliet

How do you know if the tree you’re about to purchase is going to thrive in the landscape? Learn the traits to look for in a superior tree and the common pitfalls to avoid, such as improper pruning and buried collars. Kevin will teach you how to navigate the nursery with confidence.

Saturday 9/9, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Vernonia for Every Garden

With Sam Hoadley

The genus Vernonia, commonly known as ironweed, is an often-overlooked aster relative that has tremendous horticultural potential. Vernonia ranges from compact and tidy plants to towering behemoths topping out at over 13 feet in height. Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research, will be your guide through Mt Cuba’s Vernonia trials, sharing how plants are evaluated to determine horticultural value and performance, disease resistance, and pollinator preference. A tour of the trial garden completes the class.

Section A: Thursday 8/31, 10am to 12 pm | $29

Section B: Saturday 9/16, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Carex for Every Garden

With Sam Hoadley

Carex are a diverse and versatile, yet underutilized genus of native plants that are overflowing with garden merit. They can fill various niches in landscapes as groundcovers and living mulch, while some can even be used on their own as specimen plants. Traditionally thought of as shade perennials, some Carex species exhibit remarkable tolerances to full sun as well, making them a viable and worthy addition to the garden. Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research, shares the top-performing Carex from Mt. Cuba Center’s Trial Garden and will discuss strategies and examples of how to successfully incorporate Carex in your home garden. A tour of the trial garden completes the class.

Saturday 9/16, 1 – 3 pm | $29

Water-wise Gardening

With Liz Allen

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.

Saturday 9/23, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Succession Planting

With Leah Blanton

Even in small spaces, we can boost diversity and interest through the seasons with succession planting. Learn the growth habits, preferences, and physical characteristics of native plants that can be combined to create layered and ecologically beneficial planting designs.

Saturday 9/23, 1 – 3 pm | $29

Workshop: Propagating

Native Ferns

With Steve Pyne

Discover how simple it is to grow ferns from spores. Steve Pyne, Mt. Cuba’s greenhouse assistant and skilled fern propagator, reviews the life cycle of these ancient plants, how to properly collect and dry fertile fronds, and the basic steps for successfully propagating ferns. In this hands-on workshop, you will clean and sow spores into a simple growing system to take home.

Saturday 9/23, 1 – 3 pm | $49

(Materials included)

Gardening in Cooperation with Nature (and Neighbors)

With Kathleen Elliot

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.

Section A: Wednesday 9/27, 1 – 3 pm | $29

Section B: Saturday 9/30, 1 – 3 pm | $29

Weeds 101: Fall Section

With Lucy Dinsmore

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.

Friday 10/6, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Best Woody Plants for Wildlife

With Leah Brooks and Nicole DeLizzio

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.

Saturday, 10/7, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Seed Collecting

With Claire Zuidervliet

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.

Tuesday 10/10, 9 am – 11 am | $49

(Rain Date: Tuesday 10/17)

Lawn-less Yards

With Lucy Dinsmore

Reducing the American lawn is good 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!

Saturday 10/14, 10 am - 12 pm | $29

Autumn Groundcovers

With Duncan Himmelman, PhD

Switch from wood chip mulch to “green mulch” using native groundcovers! In addition to providing a visually appealing tapestry of textures and colors, native plants support moths, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the year. Learn a variety of attractive, tough, and versatile species that look great in the fall and help knit your landscape together. Gardeners of all levels will benefit from this class.

Friday 10/20, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Workshop: Tree ID from the Trail

With Mt. Cuba Certified Arborists

Take a hike through the woods with the Mt. Cuba Arboriculture Team and learn to recognize common native trees. Tree identification becomes quick and rewarding when using easy and practical identification tricks such as leaf shape, bark texture, silhouettes, and fruit and nuts found on the ground. Class will be held entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather and be prepared to hike on steep paths and uneven terrain.

Saturday 10/21, 10 am – 12 pm | $35

(Rain Date: Saturday, 10/28)

Building Drystack Walls

With Charlie Reidinger

Are you interested in building stone walls in your garden? This one-day workshop introduces you to basic mortar-free masonry techniques. Start with a classroom introduction to the fundamental steps involved in stacked-stone wall construction, then get some hands-on instruction in setting stones on site. Bring work gloves, safety glasses, a water bottle, and lunch.

Saturday 10/28, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $59

(Rain Date: Saturday, 11/4)

Compact Composting

With Eileen Boyle

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.

Saturday 11/4, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Perennials for Late-Season Interest

With Leah Brooks

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.

Saturday 11/18, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Workshop: Tool-Sharpening Techniques

With Charlie Reidinger

Sharp, well-maintained gardening tools help you get more work done in less time and with less effort. Charlie Reidinger, a Mt. Cuba

Grounds Maintenance Technician, discusses and demonstrates professional-grade techniques for cleaning and safely sharpening pruning shears, loppers, shovels, spades, and trowels. Get a jump-start on spring now! Bring a pair of hand pruners in need of sharpening and a pair of work gloves.

Section A: Wednesday, February 2/1

9 am – 12 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Wednesday, February 21)

Section B: Saturday, February 2/1

9 am – 12 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Saturday, February 24)

Workshop: Pruning for Homeowners

With Lucy Dinsmore

Keep your trees and shrubs healthy, attractive, and long-lived using expert pruning techniques. In this hands-on workshop, learn basic pruning principles including how to make the correct cuts, the best times of year to prune various plants, and how to select and use the right tools. Gain the confidence to prune your plants in a more naturalistic, appealing, and professional way. Bring work gloves and hand pruners.

Section A: Wednesday, February 2/14

1 – 4 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Wednesday, February 21)

Section B: Saturday, February 2/17

1 – 4 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Saturday, February 24)

Residential Landscape Design Workshop

With Lee Armillei, APLD

Good garden design isn’t easy; but success awaits for anyone with a passion for plants, a little imagination, and proper guidance. Lee Armillei, a professional landscape designer, shows how to analyze a site, draw a basic plan, and use design principles for laying out paths, planting beds, and other garden features. Through lectures and drawing exercises, students explore design options, assess landscape materials, and employ a process that results in a practical planning document for their individual landscape project. Please bring your lunch.

A detailed list of required materials is available with the online class description.

Section A: Two Fridays: 2/16 and 2/23

10 am – 3:30 pm | $165

(Snow Date: Friday, 3/1)

Section B: Two Saturdays: 2/17 and 2/24

10 am – 3:30 pm | $165

(Snow Date: Saturday, March 2)

Introduction to Bonsai Using Native Trees

With Brian Tuel

The art of Bonsai has a long and rich history in Japan and other Eastern Asian countries – one that can translate easily to our region using native trees and proper techniques. Join members of the Pennsylvania Bonsai Association to explore the history and fundamental elements and styles of this ancient art. Students will learn how to choose, plant, train, and provide long-term care to a young specimen tree. Go home with a new Bonsai tree of your own. Please bring sharp pruners/scissors, gardening gloves, and a flat box to transport your tree home.

Saturday 4/13, 10 am – 1 pm | $85

(Materials included)

Naturalistic Planting Design

With Leah Blanton

Whether you’re designing a whole garden from scratch or looking to create new planting areas, it can be daunting to know where to start. In this crash course to naturalistic planting design, you’ll learn the importance of working with your site conditions, naturalistic design techniques, sustainable maintenance practices, and what plants to use – everything you need to design your own native garden with confidence.

Saturday 4/13, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Terrific Trillium

With Amy Highland

Mt. Cuba’s premier collection of native trilliums provides a spectacular floral display each spring. Amy Highland, director of collections, presents an informative overview of our efforts to protect and conserve this iconic genus and discusses their culture and care as garden plants. A tour of our woodland gardens to see these jewels of the forest floor completes the day.

Section A: Saturday 4/13, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

Section B: Thursday 4/18, 1 – 3 pm | $29

Workshop: Introduction to Moss Gardening

With Beth Castelletti and Emily Tinalli

To showcase Mt. Cuba’s moss bank – a luxurious carpet of soft green moss and unique plant community, Beth Castelletti, horticulturist, presents the structure and life cycle of mosses and discusses the many benefits of having a moss garden. Emily Tinalli, horticulturist for the Brandywine

River Museum of Art, introduces you to a few common moss species and demonstrates how to manage moss you may find in your home landscape. Learn how to plant and maintain a moss garden and leave with a sample to start your own emerald carpet at home.

Friday 5/17, 10 am – 12 pm | $44

Bog Container

With Susan Dixon

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. All supplies are provided but please bring hand pruners and a medium to large box to transport your finished arrangement home.

Sunday 5/19, 1 – 3 pm $79

(Plants and container included)

classes conservation

Fall Bird Migration

With Joe Sebastiani

Large-scale, long distance bird migration has fascinated people for centuries. Joe Sebastiani, an expert birder, presents research findings on the origins of and the triggers for migration, how birds navigate hazards along the way, and the importance of “migration trap.” Learn what you can do to support birds as they migrate south this fall.

Wednesday 9/13, 8:30 – 11:00 am | $29

(Rain Date: Wednesday 9/20)

Hayride Through the Past

With Nedda Moqtaderi

Uncover the past with local historian Nedda Moqtaderi as she reveals the rich legacy of Mt. Cuba, from the expansive family farms to active milling complexes. Explore three centuries of people and cultural landscapes through archival records, historic buildings, and on-site visits to our exceptional natural lands aboard our tractor-driven hay wagon. Be prepared for a lengthy hike through hilly and uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Saturday 10/7, 10 am - 1 pm | $39

(Rain Date: Sunday, 10/8)

Hike Mt. Cuba and Ashland’s Hawk Watch Hill

With Ellen Lake, PhD and Joe Sebastiani Reconnect with nature in this exceptional behind-the-scenes trek through the natural areas with Ellen Lake, Mt. Cuba’s director of conservation and research, and Joe Sebastiani, manager at Ashland Nature Center. Along the way, scout for birds, explore old-field meadows and woodland habitats, and learn about several natural lands projects and research experiments. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars, a water bottle, and lunch. Be prepared for a four-mile hike through hilly terrain.

Wednesday 10/18, 9 am – 1:30 pm| $35

(Rain Date: Wednesday 10/25)

Owl Howl

With Joe Sebastiani and Ian Stewart, PhD 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.

Section A: Wednesday 11/1, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow/Rain Date: Wednesday 11/8, 5 – 7:30)

Section B: Friday, 11/10, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow/Rain Date: Friday, 11/17)

Section C: Wednesday, 2/7, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow Date: Wednesday, 2/14)

Section D: Friday, 2/16, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow Date Saturday, 2/23)

Hummingbirds: Dynamic Aviators

With Eileen Boyle

Get ready for hummingbirds! These amazing creatures will arrive this spring in your garden after traveling more than 3,000 miles from their Central American winter sites. Learn about their life cycle, migration patterns, and the plants that attract and sustain them. Then stroll through the garden to see potential food sources, nest materials, and former nesting spots for these dynamic aviators.

Saturday, 3/23, 1 – 3 pm | $29

Conserving Delaware’s Rare Plants With Élan Alford, PhD

Although a small state, Delaware has a collection of fascinating rare plants in need of conservation. Rare plant conservation is a science that requires a high degree of expertise, such as botanical identification. Gain a deeper understanding of rare plants and the systems to classify and protect them with Élan Alford, Mt. Cuba’s plant conservation scientist. Explore the gardens with Élan as she highlights a selection of Delaware’s rare plants.

Thursday 4/18, 10 am – 1:30 pm | $39

Learning the Language of Birds With Holly

Merker

Calling all bird lovers! When a bird sings, it tells you what it is and where it is. Increase your chances of successfully sighting and identifying songbirds “by ear” this spring using Holly’s intriguing strategies. Learn how, why, and when birds sing, and come away with foundational skills for understanding and learning the language of the birds right outside your own doors. Dress for the weather, bring your binoculars (some will be provided), and wear practical shoes for walking over uneven paths. Pace will be slow and accommodate most mobility levels.

Saturday 4/27, 8 – 11 am | $39

The Secret Lives of Spring Wildflowers

With Ellen Lake, PhD

Skunk cabbage, bloodroot, and trout lilies are among the first signs of spring and warmer weather ahead. Spring ephemerals and wildflowers must complete part of their life cycle before the tree canopy leafs out, reducing light levels at the forest floor. These plants face many challenges including unpredictable weather and pollinator availability. Spring wildflowers have special adaptations to overcome these challenges, and intricate relationships with pollinators and seed dispersers. Learn more about these wildflowers, their life histories, and plantinsect interactions, and look for them during a guided walk in the gardens.

Section A: Thursday 4/25, 1 - 3 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Friday 4/26)

Section B: Saturday 4/27, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Sunday 4/28)

classes art

Fun with Botanical Watercolor

With Judy Simon

Using fresh specimens from the garden as a source of inspiration, develop fundamental watercolor painting skills. Learn paintbrush usage, color mixing, subject matter selection, and color application while finding your unique painting style. Judy guides you with personalized instruction and practical painting exercises designed to nurture your creativity. Open to all levels of experience. A detailed list of required materials is available with the online class description.

Wednesday 9/6 through Friday 9/8 10 am – 1 pm | $109

Craft a Fairy House

With Nancy Bell

Children, and those young at heart, love to play in the woods, so building a fairy house is a great way to nurture an appreciation of the natural world and exercise imagination. Work with foraged twigs, bark, leaves, cones, and other botanicals to construct an enchanting garden home for fairies, elves, and trolls. Turn a walk in the woods into magical memories for you and your favorite youngster. Dress for the weather, class is held rain or shine.

Section A: Saturday 9/9, 10 am – 12 pm$8 for adults, $15 for kids (max 3 kids/adult)

Section B: Saturday 9/9, 1 – 3 pm | $8 for adults, $15 for kids (max 3 kids/adult)

Botanical Sun Printing

With Shelly Silva

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. No prior experience necessary; all supplies provided. This class includes walking in and out of the classroom to expose prints to sunlight. Wear dark clothes as materials may stain.

Sunday 9/10, 10 am – 1 pm | $69

(Rain Date: Sunday 9/17)

Eco-Printed Silk Scarves

With Sara Setzer

Create stunning silk scarves using leaves and other natural materials in this one-day workshop. Learn how to bundle and wrap fabric and plant materials so that prints come out clearly and with maximum color. Discover how color-shifting occurs in the dye bath, how mordants assist the dye process, and how different fabrics and techniques affect the resulting color. Students will complete two full-length silk scarves. Bring your lunch.

Section B: Friday 9/15, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $95 (Materials included)

Section C: Saturday 9/16, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $95 (Materials included)

Eco-Printed Silk Scarves: Advanced

With Sara Setzer

Get ready to dive deeper into the art of eco-printing! In this advanced workshop, learn how to incorporate logwood, a natural dye that produces a variety of stunning purple tones, into your scarves. This class expands your knowledge of eco-printing on silk and teaches you new techniques for this beautiful craft. Each student will complete three scarves of various silk or silk and wool materials. Please bring your lunch.

Sunday 9/17, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $95

(Materials included)

A Sketchbook of Fungi

With Margaret Saylor

September is a great month for foraging fungi. Starting a sketchbook of mushrooms can be a wonderful way to document your finds, enhance your observational skills, and refine your drawing technique. We’ll discuss how to begin a fall fungi sketchbook. Graphite, archival pens, or watercolor – or all three… it’s up to you. Basic mushroom-drawing skills will be shared along with demonstrations of how to create your very own tribute to your mycological finds. A detailed list of required materials can be found online.

Friday 9/22, 10 am – 3:30 pm | $75

Fall Bounty Floral Arrangements

With Donna Wiley

Celebrate the bounty of fall by creating a lush floral arrangement using fresh cut seasonal flowers from a local farm. Donna will teach you the elements of floral design and color theory using a variety of plant materials so you can produce a stunning autumnal centerpiece. All supplies are provided, but please bring hand pruners and a medium-to-large box to transport finished arrangements.

Section A: Friday 10/13, 1 – 3 pm | $79

Section B: Saturday 10/14, 10 am – 12 pm | $79

Nature Photography: Next Steps

With David Greaves

Are you ready to take the next steps in exploring the world of nature photography? Join professional photographer David Greaves to learn advanced techniques such as using different lighting to your advantage to express emotion in your photos, telling stories through your photos using varying angles, and more tips to further develop your skills in the art of capturing nature with a lens. This class is intended for students who have some background in wildlife and outdoor photography techniques or for those who have completed Nature Photography for Beginners. Students should bring a smartphone or other camera they are comfortable using to practice the techniques learned. If you have a tripod and are interested in learning how to better utilize it, bring it along. Please dress for the weather.

Saturday 10/14, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Sunday, 10/22)

Painting the Marvelous Hummingbird

With Monica Lopez

Allow the vibrancy and charisma of the hummingbird to inspire your time painting and collaging a work of art with artist, Monika Martinez. Learn paintbrush usage, color mixing, and color application on canvas while finding your unique painting style. Monica will guide you through finding artistic expression with personalized instructions. Open to all levels of experience. All materials will be provided.

Saturday 10/21, 10 am – 12 pm | $45

Pyrography: Woodburning Art for Beginners

With Nicole DeLizzio

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!

Section A: Thursday 11/9, 10 am – 12 pm |$44

Section B: Saturday 11/11, 10 am – 12 pm | $44

Thanksgiving Tablescape

With Kathy Andrzejewski

Come and learn how to transform the fruits of the harvest into a lovely fall centerpiece and tablescape. Participants will use a variety of fall fruits and veggies as vessels that will then be used to create several fall floral designs. All supplies are provided but please bring hand pruners and a medium to large box to transport your finished arrangement home.

Section A: Friday, 11/17, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79 (Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 11/18, 10 am – 12 pm | $79 (Materials included)

Wreath-Making Workshop

With Susan Dixon

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.

Section A: Friday, 12/8, 10 am – 12 pm | $79 (Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 12/9, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79 (Materials included)

Elegant Winter Container Workshop

With Susan Dixon

Give entryways an elegant look from now until the new year with a classic outdoor urn arrangement. This hands-on class includes an introduction to design principles and all the elements needed to create a long-lasting display of native winterberry, magnolia, and evergreen branches. Bring hand pruners and a large box to transport finished container home.

Section A: Friday, 12/8, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 12/9, 10 am – 12 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Pyrography: Holiday Ornament Workshop

With Nicole DeLizzio and Maria Phillips

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! Leave this workshop with unique ornaments that will make the perfect holiday gift or addition to your tree. Woodburning supplies, gift wrapping materials, and festive holiday snacks are provided!

Friday, 12/15, 9 am – 12 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Pyrography: Holiday Gift Coaster Set

With Nicole DeLizzio and Maria Phillips

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! Leave this workshop with a set of four wood-burned coasters that will make the perfect holiday gift. Woodburning supplies, gift wrapping materials, and festive holiday snacks are provided!

Saturday, 12/16, 1 – 4 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Holiday Arrangement

With Serah Pesce

Plants collected for their winter interest provide an abundant palette for creating uniquely beautiful holiday arrangements. All supplies are provided but please bring hand pruners and a medium to large box to transport your finished arrangement home.

Section A: Friday, 12/15, 1 pm – 3 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Section B: Saturday, 12/16, 10 am – 12 pm | $79

(Materials included)

Nature Journaling: Winter Workshop

With Kathleen Elliot

Capture a moment in time to revisit later through nature journaling. Observe and document the surroundings at Mt. Cuba with Kathy leading participants through workshop activities. Dress for the weather as a unique opportunity to experience the gardens in the winter will be included in the workshop. Select a journal that suits your tastes and bring it to class along with a #2 pencil.

Saturday 2/17, 1 – 3 pm | $29

(Snow Date: Saturday 2/24)

Craft a Colorful Tote

With Sara Setzer

Create a one-of-a-kind, no-knit, durable tote bag, ideal for carrying art supplies, books, tablets, and more! Using merino wool and other fun fiber accents, Sara Setzer walks you through the ancient craft of wet felting, from selecting and arranging your wood fibers to the finished product. Expand your knowledge of fiber arts and go home with a truly unique hand-crafted tote. Please bring your lunch.

Saturday 3/23, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $59

(Snow Date: Saturday 4/6)

Felted Flower Art

With Sara Setzer

Capture the essence of nature while learning the beginning steps of 3-dimensional needle felting. Local textile artist Sara Setzer shows you how to create beautiful floral designs using wool and other natural fibers in this relaxed session of crafting. Leave with your own hoop-framed piece of original art, ready to hang and admire. No experience needed! Bring your lunch.

Sunday 3/24, 10 am – 2:30 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Sunday 4/7)

SPRING BOTANICAL ART SERIES

With Margaret Saylor

Mt. Cuba’s unique collections of native plants are a natural fit for the art of botanical drawing. Using specimens from Mt. Cuba’s gardens, learn how to draw flowers, foliage, and stems realistically in this entry-level program. Start with the elements of line, shape, and form, and progress to developing your own personal drawing style. Begin with Learning to Draw Spring Wildflowers or dive into the upper-level courses if you already have the basics.

$155 per course or $419 for the series.

A detailed list of required materials is available with the online class descriptions.

Learning to Draw Spring Wildflowers

Four Thursdays: 4/4 through 4/25

10 am – 1 pm

Discover the fascinating details of spring wildflowers from Mt. Cuba’s gardens in this relaxed, beginner level class. Develop basic drawing skills through observing and sketching a variety of flowers, leaves, and branches. Explore line, shape, and form, and follow up with instructor demonstrations. Plenty of exercises will build confidence in drawing native spring flowers. No previous art experience needed.

Wildflowers in Color

Four Thursdays: 5/2 through 5/23

10 am – 1 pm

Bring yourself to the next level with drawing native wildflowers from Mt. Cuba’s unique collections. Continue to learn basic botanical drawing skills, such as composition, scale, and perspective, while introducing simple color techniques that add another dimension to your work. A series of stepby-step exercises, instructor demonstrations, and one-onone feedback sessions provide a strong foundation in botanical drawing. Students may work in watercolor or colored pencil.

Refined Botanical Drawing

Four Thursdays: 5/30 through 6/20

10 am – 1 pm

Continue to refine botanical drawing and composition skills using color theory and exercises that reinforce botanical accuracy. Explore painterly techniques such as dry brush or watercolor washes that enhance individual style while remaining true to the tenets of botanical drawing. Sketch, compose, and execute a finished piece, applying the skills learned in all three sections of the Spring Botanical Art Series.

Field to Fork: Venison

With Nate Shampine

High levels of white-tailed deer populations have detrimental effects on native ecosystems. The sound management and harvesting of these animals has been shown to be the best way to reduce large herd numbers. Observe and experience how our natural lands manager, Nate Shampine, utilizes the different cuts of meat. Enjoy three courses of venison dishes with the evening’s private chef. Cash bar available. Seating is purposefully limited to 32 guests to create a close-knit, welcoming environment for all guests. (Ages 21 and over)

Friday 9/15, 6 - 8 pm | $99

(Rain Date: Friday, 9/22)

Wild Game Over the Flame

With Nate Shampine

It’s build your own taco night – with ecology in mind! Mt. Cuba’s natural lands support a variety of wild game, some of which have negative impacts on our native vegetation. Management of these species provides us with locally sourced, sustainable food. Join us for a casual evening around a campfire, grilling wild game meats and veggies, while sipping some drinks. Fresh toppings and everything you need to make Mt. Cubainspired tacos will be provided.

Sunday 10/15, 4 – 6 pm | $69

(Rain Date: Sunday 10/22)

A Taste of First State Ciders

With Jeffery “Doc” Cheskin

Join award-winning cidermaker “Doc” Cheskin in a discussion of the rich history of apples, cider, and hard cider in this region and the art and science of cider making. Native North American apples were joined by those brought over from Europe early in the development of the original 13 colonies. Delaware produced one of the first apple drinks of Colonial America – cider, which, when fermented, becomes hard cider. While everyone remembers Johnny Appleseed, aka John Chapman, most do not know that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin we huge hard cider fans (and makers). Sample a variety of ciders including one made exclusively for Mt. Cuba using local ingredients. (Ages 21 and over)

Saturday 11/11, 2:30 - 4:30 pm | $45

Mead Madness

With Jeffery “Doc” Cheskin

Also known as honey wine, mead can be traced back more than 8,000 years and has some intriguing tales surrounding its history. Doc Cheskin of Liquid Alchemy Beverages discusses and demonstrates how mead is made, using both ancient and modern techniques, after which you sample a variety of products. (Ages 21 and over)

Saturday 3/23, 2:30 - 4:30 pm | $45

Trillium and Wine: Complementary Pairings

With Robert Raguso, PhD

Great wine and food pairings either emphasize the similarities or highlight the differences between the two. Dr. Raguso studies the floral scents of native plant species, including trilliums, a core collection at Mt. Cuba. Trilliums are noteworthy for not smelling like conventional flowers, with fragrances that evoke wine, cheese, fruit, and spices. He has assembled a “flight” of Mt. Cuba trilliums and several wines that complement their woodsy aroma. Explore the chemistry and ecological value of various trillium scents and take note of the pairings you like. (Ages 21 and over)

Saturday 4/27, 3 – 5 pm | $45

classes wellness

Yoga

With Melissa Stanley

Increase range of motion, core body strength, and flexibility through the practice of yoga in a lovely garden setting. Focus on stretching techniques that safely promote proper spinal position, balance, and joint health. No experience is necessary. Bring a yoga mat, towel, and wear comfortable clothing. (Ages 18 and over)

Six Wednesdays: 9/6 through 10/11

5:15 – 6:15 pm | $99

Sound Bath Meditation

With Liana Thompson

Experiencing sound baths in a natural setting is magical. While you focus on the sounds of the bowls, you may notice other sounds of nature, such as birds singing in response to the soothing sounds being played. Your stress and tension will slowly melt away as you allow your senses to absorb the environment around you.

Two Sundays: 9/10 and 9/17, 9 – 10 am | $29 (Rain Date: Sunday 9/24)

Introduction to T’ai Chi Chih®

With Jessica Lewis

This introductory-level, easy-to-learn set of 20 movements helps dissolve tension, reduce chronic pain, and improve balance. Based on the ancient Chinese principles of activation and circulation of energy (chi), T’ai Chi Chih® is an easily adaptive and enjoyable program that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

Eight Thursdays: 9/14 through 11/2

7:30 – 8:30 am | $132

Yoga on the Trails

With John McElderry

Walk fully present through the Mt. Cuba natural lands loop with designated stops for yoga postures and meditation. John McElderry will help bring the spiritual path alive on the trail itself in the splendor of nature. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and yoga mat with a strap for carrying, and be prepared for hilly (sometimes steep) and uneven terrain.

Section A: Wednesday 10/4

10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Wednesday 10/11)

Section B: Saturday, 10/14

10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Saturday, 10/21)

Fitness Walks in Nature

With Eileen Hazard

Enjoy the natural beauty of Mt. Cuba’s gardens, forests, and meadows this fall and winter as you experience the change of seasons – from autumn’s foliage to winter’s serenity. Become familiar with our native flora as you improve your health and explore the extensive walking trails in our natural lands. Each walk will be different and will cover approximately 2.5 to 3 miles. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and be prepared for hilly (sometimes steep) and uneven terrain.

Section A: Fall

Three Thursdays, 10/19, 10/26, and 11/2

9 – 10:30 am | $29

(Snow Date: Thursday, 11/9)

Section B: Winter

Three Thursdays, 1/25, 2/8, and 2/22

9 – 10:30 am | $29

(Snow Date: Thursday, 2/29)

Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing

With Anisa George

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.

Section A: Sunday 9/17, 9 am – 12 pm | $39

Section B: Sunday 10/8, 9 am – 12 pm | $39

Section C: Sunday 11/19, 9 am – 12 pm | $39

Herbal Properties of Native Plants

With Rachelan Griffin

Learn some of the wonderful medicinal properties of our native plants, and how to propagate, preserve, and protect our native powerhouses! Rachelan will touch on the history of herbalism in the United States, modern herbal research regarding properties of native plants, and how to grow and preserve native herbals in your own garden. Take home a native spicebush, Lindera benzoin.

Saturday 9/30, 10 am – 12 pm | $49

Using Medicinal Herbs

With Rachelan Griffin

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 herbal remedies.

Saturday 2/17, 10 am – 12 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Saturday, 2/24)

Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul

With Holly Merker

Finding balance in our busy and pressured lives can be challenging, but if we allow an appreciation of birds and nature to slow us down we improve our overall well-being. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through the mindful observations of birds and their habitats, we learn not only about them, but about ourselves.

Saturday 4/27, 1 – 3 pm | $29

INSTRUCTOR PROFILES

Élan Alford, PhD is the plant conservation scientist at Mt. Cuba. She coordinates volunteer research, including rare plant monitoring. Prior to joining Mt. Cuba, Élan worked in environmental consulting and has volunteered as Rare Plant Chair for the California Native Plant Society Santa Clara Valley Chapter.

Kevin Allen, MEd, has more than a decade of experience in science education and currently serves as an educator at Mt. Cuba. He earned a certificate in horticulture from Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, NY, and is also pursuing a graduate degree in plant science with a focus on orchid ecology.

Liz Allen is an educator at Mt. Cuba 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 landscape value with native plants. Liz is also the grounds manager for a school and has converted the entire property to native plants for children to study and enjoy.

Kathy Andrzejewski, MEd, HT is an educator at Longwood Gardens and is a certified Horticulture Therapist. She earned her certification through the Chicago Botanic Garden and is also a Delaware Master Naturalist. She enjoys using her knowledge to have people of all ages experience the health and wellness benefits that result from engaging with nature.

Lee Armillei, APLD, is the principal landscape designer with Athyrium Design and has 10+ years of design-build-maintenance experience. She holds a BS in Ornamental Horticulture and Environmental Design from Delaware Valley University and designs carefully curated residential landscapes steeped in environmentally friendly practices.

Susan Barton, PhD, is an extension specialist and professor in the Plant and Soil Sciences Department at the University of Delaware. She helped develop the Plants for a Livable Delaware program and, in 2015, received the Land Ethics Award in the residential category from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve for her work on a sustainable demonstration project in New Castle County.

Nancy Bell is the education and garden coach coordinator at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin. She has Certificates of Merit in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from Longwood Gardens.

Leah Blanton is a planting designer and horticulturist, using her artistic eye and plant knowledge to create functional urban landscapes for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, where she designs a diverse range of public horticulture projects in Philadelphia. She co-owns an ecological garden design company and earned her certificate of Sustainable Garden Design from the New York Botanical Garden.

Eileen Boyle is the former director of conservation and research at Mt. Cuba. She loves teaching, especially about plants and their relationships with birds and butterflies. Previously, she was a professor of horticulture at Mercer College in New Jersey and the director of horticulture at both the Philadelphia Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.

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 is an avid contributor to the Delaware Native Plant Identification and Exchange group on Facebook.

Jenny Rose Carey is a lifelong educator, garden author, and former public garden director. She is a practical, hands-on gardener who gardens on over four acres in Ambler, PA. She is also a garden historian with a specialty in women in gardens, and English and American gardens.

Beth Castelletti is an assistant horticulturist working in the Upper and Middle Naturalistic gardens at Mt. Cuba. Prior to this, she spent three years as a seasonal horticulturists’ assistant rotating in several areas of Mt. Cuba. She earned a degree in Sustainable Horticulture from the Community College of Baltimore County.

Jeffrey “Doc” Cheskin has been making ciders for over a decade and has won some of the highest honors given to a cidermaker in the US, including producing one of the top 15 ciders in America in 2020. He founded Liquid Alchemy Beverages in 2012 with his partner Terri Sorantino, and their hard ciders are now available in over 20 locations throughout Delaware.

George Coombs, director of horticulture at Mt. Cuba, leads a team of horticulturists, arborists, and grounds maintenance technicians who cultivate and improve formal and naturalistic gardens and play a pivotal role in the implementation of Mt. Cuba’s long-range master plan. George produced award winning reports on native plant research as the former manager of horticultural research at Mt. Cuba and introduced four new Coreopsis cultivars. He holds a degree of Plant Science from the University of Delaware with a focus in landscape horticulture.

Nicole DeLizzio is the arborist assistant at Mt. Cuba. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources and a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Her interest in pyrography comes from her combined passion for trees and art.

Rodney Dever, MS completed his MS in evolutionary biology at West Virginia University researching wild onions (Allium). His focus is on that fine line between foraging wild edibles and incipient agriculture. These days Rodney works with Neal Peterson, creating new and improved varieties of pawpaws as well as other native plants.

Lucy Dinsmore, MS is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching about all things growing. She worked in public gardens for ten years and now runs Plant Lady Lucy, a garden design and consulting business in Kennett Square. She earned her MS in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota.

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.

Kathleen Elliot works as an educator at Mt. Cuba. She has a BS in Plant Science and English from the University of Delaware and earned a Certificate of Merit in Landscape Design from Longwood Gardens. She worked for fifteen years at a family-owned, plantfocused garden center in south-central Pennsylvania, where she multi-tasked between landscape design and garden center management.

Anisa George is a permaculture designer and certified guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides. Her approach to forest therapy grows organically out of her experience with collaborative theater: marrying playful elements of ensemble-created performance with the mindful presence and gentle pace of the forest therapy tradition.

Randall Graham studied at The Carlin Academy of Fine Art. Randall teaches traditional painting fundamentals at Randall Graham Studio in Malvern, Wayne Art Center and Chester County Art Association.

David Greaves is a biologist at the EPA, wildlife photographer, and founder of the Nature Under Your Nose (NUYN) brand. His love for nature and the outdoors was discovered while growing up in the Washington, D.C. area. He uses his photography and his NUYN brand to encourage people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds to explore and enjoy the nature they can find all around them.

Rachelan Griffin is a trained Herbalist and graduate student of the David Winston Center for Herbal Studies. She has a special interest in “kitchen medicine”, as well as herbal medicine for children and special populations, and a background as an educator.

Eileen Hazard, community outreach coordinator at Mt. Cuba, enjoys sharing her passion for ecosystems, plants, and the natural sciences with students of all ages and with local communities. Eileen earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, with a focus on environmental engineering, from Lafayette College and a master›s degree in water resources from the University of Vermont. She has supplemented her degrees with plant-focused biology classes at West Chester University and a PA Master Naturalist certification. Prior to joining the Mt. Cuba team in 2014, Eileen worked in environmental consulting and education.

INSTRUCTOR PROFILES

Amy Highland obtained her degree in Public Horticulture from Purdue University and is currently the director of collections and conservation lead at Mt. Cuba. She manages both living and non-living collections, focusing on expanding the genetic diversity of the gardens and coordinating Mt. Cuba’s conservation efforts.

Duncan Himmelman, PhD, is the former education manager at Mt. Cuba. He earned his doctorate in Ornamental Horticulture at Cornell University, has taught college for 24 years, and has also contributed to a number of horticultural publications.

Sam Hoadley is the manager of horticultural research at Mt. Cuba, where he evaluates native plants to determine their horticultural and ecological values, and produces award winning reports on native plant research. Sam received his degree in Sustainable Landscape Horticulture from the University of Vermont.

Diane Keesee has a passion for creating interesting signature cocktails, spirit infusions, shrubs, and bitters, using unique seasonal ingredients. She has been involved in hospitality management and the beverage industry for more than 20 years, including having worked for Greenville Country Club and Vicmead Hunt Club.

Scott Kelley is the head arborist at Mt. Cuba. He has more than 35 years of experience working with trees and is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®.

Jay Kratz is a Mt. Cuba educator. He shares his enthusiasm for native plants outside Mt Cuba›s gates as the co-horticulturist and Rancocas chapter leader for the Native Plant Society of NJ, and as a native plant garden designer and landscaper.

Faith B. Kuehn, PhD, has spent most of her career working on pollinator conservation, invasive species control, and pest management. Her current project is Green Cabinet, focusing on pollinator conservation and therapeutic gardening at Planting Hope Gardens.

Ellen Lake, PhD, is the director of conservation and research at Mt. Cuba. Ellen has a MS in Entomology and PhD in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Delaware, where she researched biological control of mile-a-minute weed and how to integrate weed management techniques to restore plant communities. Ellen has extensive experience researching insect-plant interactions, including work for the USDA in the Greater Everglades ecosystem.

Jessica Lewis, CPT, CNC, is an accredited T›ai Chi Chih instructor, personal trainer, and nutritional counselor. For close to 20 years, Jessica’s been providing a unique blend of customized exercise routines, solid nutritional advice, and movementbased relaxation principles for a diverse population of clients via Sculpt Your Life®, her private practice.

Monica Lopez works with Healing Through the Arts at the Delaware Art Museum as an instructor for the Latin community. Her art has been exhibited at the Delaware Art Museum, The Delaware Contemporary, Grand Opera House, Artist Avenue Station, The Rock Lot, and Jerry’s Artarama.

John McElderry is a sound therapist and credentialed Yoga Alliance teacher with over 20 years of experience.

Holly Merker is an avid birder, educator, writer, and lecturer, who has a passion for bird conservation. She is an instructor for National Audubon and the American Birding Association and is the lead data reviewer for eBird in Pennsylvania. Holly believes in the powerful benefits nature holds for our wellbeing and is lead author on a book on the subject, aptly called Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul, guiding readers into deeper connections to the birds around them.

Nedda Moqtaderi has spent more than a decade researching the history of the Mt. Cuba property. She received her MA from the University of Delaware/Winterthur Program in Early American Culture and has experience in historic preservation, oral history, archaeology, museum education, and archival collections management.

Serah Pesce is the education specialist at Mt. Cuba. She holds a BS in Landscape Contracting, Design/Build from Pennsylvania State University and is a Delaware Nature Society Certified Habitat Steward and certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional. In addition to teaching classes for the Ecological Gardening Certificate, she shares her extensive experience in floral design with Mt. Cuba students.

Maria Phillips is an artist and art therapist from Philadelphia, PA with a background in woodworking and printmaking. Using nature as the canvas, she hopes to encourage others to reflect on their relationship with the environment.

Steve Pyne is a greenhouse assistant at Mt. Cuba and worked for over ten years in the Victorian Fernery at Morris Arboretum. His current projects include propagating ferns, lycopods, and terrestrial orchids.

Robert Raguso, PhD, is a professor of Chemical Ecology at Cornell University. His research interests run the spectrum of insect-plant interactions mediated by chemistry, especially the role of fragrance in pollination ecology and animal behavior. He has promoted his research by organizing symposia, short courses, and workshops worldwide.

Charlie Reidinger is a grounds maintenance technician at Mt. Cuba. A native of Newark, DE, he worked in Arizona and California constructing and maintaining trails for the American Conservation Experience for the past ten years.

James Rockwell is the greenhouse and nursery manager at Mt. Cuba, where he oversees plant propagation and production in the conservation research greenhouse. His work focuses on native species of conservation concern, producing plants for the gardens, partner organizations and the nursery industry. James earned a BS in Environmental Horticulture from Virginia Tech and has spent his career in public horticulture.

Margaret Saylor is the editor/designer of ASBA’s The Botanical Artist journal. She earned a Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration, with distinction, from the NYBG.

Joe Sebastiani is the director of adult engagement for the Delaware Nature Society. He is passionate about birds and wildlife, founded the Ashland Hawk Watch, and edits Delaware eBird, an online checklist program, for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Sara Setzer is a fiber artist who specializes in the art of felt work. Inspired by nature, she creates eco-dyed and printed scarves, wraps, and collars using natural materials and leaves.

Nate Shampine, CERP, is Mt. Cuba’s natural lands manager responsible for implementing land conservation practices through the creation and maintenance of healthy, functional ecosystems. He is a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and he is also a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner through the Society for Ecological Restoration.

Shelly Silva holds a BFA in Fine Art Photography from Corcoran College of Art + Design, an MS in Management from Wilmington University. When Shelly is not teaching others about botanical cyanotypes or wine, she works as a digital communications specialist at the University of Delaware. She enjoys teaching people about the connections between nature, art, and the process of art making.

Judy Simon is a botanical artist and freelance illustrator who has combined her love of gardening with her drawing and painting career. She is a member of the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators and the American Society of Botanical Artists. Her work is in many private collections.

Melissa Stanley has been a yoga instructor for children and adults since 2015. Melissa teaches a variety of styles, levels and ages.

Melissa Starkey, PhD, is the marketing and communications manager at Mt. Cuba. She earned her PhD in biology from Northwestern University and an MS in plant biodiversity and taxonomy from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Melissa is an active Philadelphia County Master Gardener and PA Master Naturalist and serves on the Board of Directors at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in PA, where she grew up.

Ian Stewart, PhD, was raised in Newcastle, England and received a doctorate in ornithology from the University of Leicester. He has conducted research on tree swallows and bluebirds and how local land management activities are affecting bird numbers and diversity throughout the year. Ian works for the Delaware Nature Society where he is studying the effects of non-native plants on birds.

Derek Stoner is a past president of the Delmarva Ornithological Society, enjoys being out in nature, and is involved in improving land for floral and faunal biodiversity. His photographs and articles have been published in books, regional newspapers, nature magazines, and blogs.

Michael Strengari is a senior horticulturist at Mt. Cuba, where he works in the Formal Garden. During his career in horticulture, he has gardened at private estates, public institutions, and his home. He is a graduate of the Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program. With an eye for design and a passion for native plants he hopes to continue to inspire the public by creating and maintaining beautiful garden spaces.

Gregg Tepper is a Senior Horticulturist at the Arboretum at Laurel Hill and co-author of Deer Resistant Native Plants for the Northeast

Emily Tinalli is the horticulturist for the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art where she gardens with native plants on their 10-acre Chadds Ford campus, and co-coordinates the native plant seed and propagation program. Prior to that, she was a horticulturist with Mt. Cuba for eight years. She has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Farmingdale State College.

Liana Thompson completed the Vibration Sound Therapy Certified Practitioner training with the Vibrational Sound Association in 2019. Her passion is in helping others gently address stress and emotional trauma using the healing sounds of the Tibetan singing bowls.

Brian Tuel has over 20 years of experience with the Art of Bonsai. He has numerous trees in his personal collection and has displayed at the Philadelphia Flower Show. He is a devout gardener with a wealth of experience in the fundamental elements of horticulture and Bonsai.

William Trescott is the arboriculture manager at Mt. Cuba where he has worked for 34 years. He is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®.

Donna Wiley is the former horticulturist in the Formal Gardens at Mt. Cuba. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in plant science from the University of Delaware, Donna started her career at Mt. Cuba in the greenhouses where she also had the opportunity to use her floral design skills to make flower arrangements for Mrs. Copeland’s home.

Jenna Webster is a designer with Larry Weaner Landscape Associates where she works on meadow and habitat plans for public parks and preserves as well as landscape master plans for residential properties. She holds a MS in Ecological Design from the Conway School.

Claire Zuidervliet is the conservation propagator at Mt. Cuba, where she propagates a large variety of native plants in the conservation research greenhouse. Before Mt. Cuba, Claire worked as a Senior Grower at Longwood Gardens, where she managed the stock plant collection and specialty Chrysanthemum propagation. She earned her BS in Floriculture and Nursery Production from Delaware Valley University.

Kevin Zuidervliet’s passion for plants has taken him from farms on the Tasmanian shore to Longwood Gardens. He currently works as the head propagator at Octorara Native Plant Nursery where he now focuses on producing the highest quality native trees and shrubs.

PROGRAM CALENDAR