THE BAMBOO GARDEN – A PRIVATE GARDEN TOUR AND LECTURE
Gary Rich

Be inspired as this talented grower takes you on a walking tour of his bamboo garden. Bamboo, the largest member of the grass family, evokes images of the tropics. The creaking and rustling of the culms create some of the most delightful garden sounds. Gary will demonstrate proper plant placement, trimming, mulching, fertilizing and maintenance to successfully grow bamboo in South Florida. Selection of bamboo for the home garden will also be discussed. He will also host questions that pertain to anything bamboo. Directions to this private garden provided upon registration. Bamboo will also be for sale. 

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 26 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 22
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

WALKING TOUR FEATURING NATIVE PLANTS
Jennifer Possley

Discover the beauty, versatility and benefits of native plants with this tour of Fairchild. Jennifer Possley, Field Biologist, will highlight ornamental specimens and lead an exploration of the natural areas of the Garden. You will learn to recognize and name many species of our local flora, and will see inspiring examples of how these can be used in your landscape. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. 

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, September 11 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 7
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

PRE-SALE PRIVATE TOUR AND TALK ABOUT PLANTS FOR FAIRCHILD MEMBERS’ DAY
Marilyn Griffiths

Be one of the 20 lucky Fairchild members on this special after-hours tour (wine and tramette shuttle service provided). Need plants for your garden? Planning to attend the Members’ Day Plant Sale on October 2nd? Not really sure what plants to buy? Join Fairchild’s Marilyn Griffiths on a one-of-a-kind pre-sale tour where you will learn more about the plants being offered. This tour will take you on a journey through the Garden to see mature examples of many of the sale plants. We’ll talk about what conditions each needs to grow so that you can create a list of ideal plants for your home. We’ll also take a sneak peak at the plants in the sales area and suggestions will be given for a successful Members’ Day experience. 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 30 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, September 20
Fee: Members of Fairchild only, $15 

FALL BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES OF FAIRCHILD – A WALKING TOUR
Joe Barros

Learn about the many birds and butterflies that inhabit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and South Florida in this guided walk through Fairchild’s meadows and glades, and visit the habitats used by resident and migrating birds and butterflies. Learn about various natural environments that attract a beautiful array of birds and butterflies, and discover how you can take the wonders of the Garden and create your own garden to attract wildlife to your yard. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing; bring your cameras, binoculars and water bottle. 

7:30 a.m. to noon
Saturday, October 9 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, October 4
Fee: Members, $25 Non-members, $35 

PRIVATE TOUR OF A NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION HABITAT/GARDEN
Paula Hamelik

“You don’t need a lot of space or money to create a habitat for wildlife and your human friends.” Come and enjoy the morning as our host takes you through her official wildlife habitat of rockland pineland plants, fruit trees, cycads and a variety of plants that are bird and butterfly attractors.  She will enlighten you with stories of how she planned her backyard paradise. After taking this private tour, you are sure to go home with many original ideas on how you, too, can make your own Garden of Eden. 

9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 16 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, October 11
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

NIGHTFALL AT FAIRCHILD – AN OWL AND BAT WALK
Joe Barros

Come and discover wonder under the Hunter’s Moon as you take this adventurous, nocturnal walk through Fairchild searching for these nightlife-loving creatures.  After a brief introductory lecture, Mr. Barrows will lead you through the moonlit garden identifying bats and owls that are a vital part of our natural environment. Nightfall at Fairchild is a magical place to be and the chance to see bats and owls in their habitat will be an experience to talk about. 

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 21 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, October 15
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

THE GARDEN OF NATURALIST AND AUTHOR ROGER HAMMER - A PRIVATE TOUR
Roger Hammer

Roger Hammer and Michelle Briois live in a quaint 1926 home on 1.2 acres near Homestead. The house was once a jelly factory for Palm Lodge, a 1912 Miami-Dade County Historical Site located next door. The property is lushly planted with Florida native plants along with select bird- and butterfly-attracting exotic plants and palms, and features a natural swimming pool with waterfalls and fish. The property has been featured on TV gardening shows and in Miami Herald articles. 

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 6 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 21
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

MOONLIGHT WALK IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Everglades National Park Ranger-Led

Experience the Everglades on the Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm entrance) by moonlight! The night and the wildlife will come alive under the moon. See night herons, pig frogs, fireflies and gator eyes as they create a completely different atmosphere on the trail at night. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Flashlights recommended. Appropriate for all ages and is ADA accessible. The Park’s entrance fee will be waived with registration and a map will be provided.

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 20 (one session)
Registration deadline: Thursday, November 11
Fee: Members, $25 Non-members, $35 

EVERGLADES WILDFLOWER WALK
Roger Hammer

Discover the beauty of the Everglades on this leisurely hike along the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park. Our experienced naturalist is also a delightful raconteur; you'll enjoy this walk whether you are a plant expert or just interested in learning more. Directions and an Everglades National Park entrance waiver will be provided upon registration. You will meet at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center parking lot in Everglades National Park. Transportation is not provided. 

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, December 11 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 30
Fee: Members, $25; Non-members, $35 

SUNSET AND STARLIGHT WALK IN THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
ENP Ranger Led

Imagine being on the Anhinga Trail at the end of the day: the birds and animals are busy feeding before bedding down for the night, and the sky is exploding with color as the sun starts to dip below the horizon. Night falls. And once your eyes adjust to the dark, there’s a whole other world around and above you, a world filled with night noises and millions of stars. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Flashlights recommended. Appropriate for families and ADA accessible. Directions and an Everglades National Park entrance waiver will be provided upon registration. 

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 11 (one session)
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 1
Fee: Members, $25; Non-member, $35