Learn the secrets of your forest. From how it has been used in the past to what species you might expect to find, looking carefully at a forest can tell a lot about its future. This hands-on outdoor class will examine several forested areas around Adkins Arboretum; assess the forest community type; look for past and present disturbances; and look at overall forest health. Participants can then apply these techniques to their own land to help decide what to plant and how to manage their woodland garden or forest. In case of inclement weather, an indoor class exercise will be substituted. Registration required. Limit: 35

This program is one of three in the Gardening in the Woods series led by ecologist Dr. Sylvan Kaufman. Learning about the ecology of forests provides deeper understanding of gardens that mimic the structure and function of the forest. This series is also suitable for homeowners on wooded lots who want to learn more about their forest. Other programs in the series are Forest Ecology for Gardeners on Thursday, September 29 and Woodland Native Plants on Thursday, October 13.

Fee: $15 members, $20 general public per program; $35 members, $45 general public for all three programs in the series