Tucson Botanical Gardens » August Classes

August Classes

Education is an integral part of the Tucson Botanical Gardens. With a wide range of gardens and gardening-related offerings, there is something for everyone, whether a newcomer to the desert or a native Tucsonan – have a peek at all we have happening this August!

Beginners Botanical Illustration

Fri., Aug. 2

1 to 4 pm

Join Tucson Botanical Gardens docent Yolande Adriaanse for a class focused on developing basic drawing skills and techniques that can be applied to botanical illustrations. Each student will make a study in pencil showing tone (light, medium and dark) and using the stippling technique to create texture. Yolande studied art and fashion at the Academy Charles Montaigne in the Netherlands. She is a passionate calligrapher and is currently studying botanical illustration in England. No previous drawing experience required. Materials will be provided.

$20, $15 members

Register Online

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Thu., Aug. 8, 15, 22, and 29 (four-class series)

8 to 9 a.m.

Start your day off on the right foot with weekly sessions of invigorating and centering yoga practice in our beautiful garden setting (held inside as needed for heat or inclement weather). Led by Laura Greenlaw, a certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each one-hour class will include centering hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will learn to create both flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience necessary. After class, take time to wander the Gardens (class price includes admission on each class day).

One month $40, $30 members

REDUCE YOUR ENERGY WASTELINE WORKSHOP

Sat., Aug. 10

10 a.m. to noon

Specially trained energy coaches from the City of Tucson and the Metropolitan Energy Commission will show you how to save money by saving energy at home—from properly applying weather stripping to installing low-flow shower heads and much more. Each student will leave with a conservation toolkit filled with supplies you can use immediately to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient ($40 value). Free with Gardens Admission

INTRODUCTION TO NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Sat., Aug. 17

9 a.m. to noon

Join Vicky Stromee, an accomplished, Tucson-based fine art photographer, and enter the world of nature photography. We’ll begin with a classroom discussion of basic digital camera operations: program settings vs. manual settings, formats (JPEG and RAW) and formatting, ISOs, pixels and sensors as well as basic camera techniques like lighting, composition, depth of field, shutter speed and shot selection. Then we’ll head out into the Gardens to take our best shots. We’ll wrap up with a discussion about post-production adjustments such as cropping, color and lighting adjustments. Bring your digital camera, camera instruction book (if you have it), extra batteries and memory cards, and your questions.

$20, $15 members

Amazing Arizona Amphibians

Thu., Aug. 22

6 to 8 p.m.

Most people do not associate the desert with amphibians. After all, these animals require an ample supply of water to survive. Yet Arizona is surprisingly rich in amphibians, many of which take advantage of summer rains for an opportunity to breed. This class explores the salamanders, frogs, and toads of Arizona. We will investigate the classiﬁcation, identiﬁcation, vocalizations, and biology of these remarkable animals. Join us for a family-friendly look at our amphibian neighbors. $17, $12 members

AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP I – BUILDING SESSION

Sun., Aug. 25

9 a.m. to noon

Aquaponics (AP) is an efficient method of food production that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a contained ecosystem free of artificial inputs. In this session, instructors from Local Roots Aquaponics and Tucson AquaPonics Project will show you how to build a single-tank system from start to finish, discuss different options for AP systems and building materials and the basics of getting them running. They provide an instruction manual for you to build your own single-tank system, complete with recommended sources for parts. Each student receives a 10 percent off coupon for supplies at EcoGro (some tanks excluded).

$40, $30 members

Sign up for the morning building session on its own or together with the advanced afternoon classroom session. Receive a discount for taking both sessions the same day. $65, $55 members Register Online

AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP II – CLASSROOM SESSION

Sun., Aug. 25

1 to 4 p.m.

Aquaponics (AP) is an efficient method of food production that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a contained ecosystem free of artificial inputs. In this classroom session, instructors from Local Roots Aquaponics and Tucson AquaPonics Project will offer advice on how to successfully run an AP system, the different choices you will have (e.g., fish, plants, controlled environments and materials), local conditions and where to get supplies. Each student receives a summary document of the material presented and a 10 percent off coupon for supplies at EcoGro (some tanks excluded).

$40, $30 members

Sign up for this afternoon classroom session on its own or together with the morning building session. Receive a discount for taking both sessions the same day: $65, $55 members Register Online

Class information:
To register by phone with a credit card or for more information, call (520)326-9686, Ext. 19.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter by contacting 520-326-9686 ext. 19. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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