Sex in the Garden, Part I

Take a walk around the BRIT campus with Dr. Grace Bascopé, BRIT Resident Research Associate and Medical and Environmental Anthropologist. You will learn about which and how plants were used by the First Peoples of the North Central Texas area. Dr. Bascopé will also discuss archaeological research carried out right around BRIT and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Explore the First Peoples Demonstration Garden and discuss how Native Americans and others optimize water conservation in their gardens in this dry region.

Instructor: Grace Bascopé, PhD, BRIT

Saturday, January 25, 2020 (10 am – noon)

Registration Deadline: January 23                 

$25/$20 member

Register here!

Learn from the Advanced Master Gardener Plant Propagation team in this hands-on class where you will discover how seeds develop in flowers, sow seeds into pots, and learn how to “bump-up” the seedlings for your garden.  You will leave with pots of potential plants and seedlings, which can be planted in your home garden. Parts II and III will be offered in the spring and late-summer, respectively. 

Instructor: Tarrant County Master Gardeners

Saturday, January 25 (10 am – noon)

Registration Deadline: January 23      

$25/$20 member

Register here!

At this FREE event, Baby Day will host specialized activities that promote bonding and delight and foster early brain development at locations across the state of Texas for families and caretakers with very young children.

Baby Day activities are tailored for infants and toddlers from ages 0-3 and range from infant yoga to music classes to dancing, curated art, story time and more.

Baby Day is the only statewide celebration of the first three years of life, a day acknowledging and celebrating this incredible period!

• Location: BRIT (1700 University Drive Fort Worth, TX 76107)
• Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Date: February 15, 2020
• Price: FREE!

Please follow this link to see the event schedule and register.  

Contact rlincoln@brit.org with any questions or concerns. 

Have you always wanted to learn to draw the natural world in color? Then this Beginner's Class is for you! This is an introduction to colored pencil appropriate to beginner and intermediate artists; students will learn techniques for colored pencil success including layering, color theory, and special considerations for various colored subjects. Materials not included, but a supply list will be provided.

Instructor: Samantha Peters

Saturday, February 1, 2020 (10 am – 3 pm)

Registration Deadline: January 30      

$95/$85 member

SUPPLIES: A  supply list is available here.

Register here!

Join Master Gardener Harold Annis to discover the essential elements of vegetable gardening in North Texas. A special emphasis will be given to the planting site (in ground, raised beds, and containers) and vegetable varieties for our locale will be recommended.

Instructor: Harold Annis, Tarrant County Master Gardeners

Saturday, February 1, 2020 (10 am – noon)

Registration Deadline: January 30      

$25/$20 member

Register here!

Children ages 18 months to 6 years and their families join Bella the Begonia for story time and self-guided activities on BRIT’s First Saturday events. After story time, join Bella in the Tree House for nature explorations! This month we will be reading "and then it's spring" by Julie Fogliano!

• Location: BRIT (1700 University Drive Fort Worth, TX 76107)
• Parking: BRIT Parking Lot (Free)
• Age: Catered to ages 18 months to 6 years, all ages welcome
• Price: Free to the public!
• No registration required. Check-in with a GROW teammate upon arrival. 

*No programs in July, December, & January*

Nick Esthus, Senior Gardener at Fort Worth Japanese Garden, will present information on pruning in the garden. Topics will include best pruning practices for small trees, shrubs, and other materials and how pruned plants impact your garden design. Plant biology and physiology, and how it pertains to pruning, will also be discussed. You will also learn tips on sharpening your pruning tools and see a pruning demonstration on trees in the garden. This class will take place at BRIT.

Instructor: Nick Esthus, Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Saturday, February 1, 2020 (1 pm – 3 pm)

Registration Deadline: January 30      

$25/$20 member

Register here!

Meeting the first Saturday of each month, our Mindfulness Meditation classes invite you to slow down, release the stresses of everyday life, and tune in to the serenity of the natural world. With plants all around, explore the grounds of BRIT and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden as you learn mindfulness practices and techniques from meditation instructor Lisa November, M.A. Ed. Lisa leads her students in unique, hour-long mindfulness meditations, always attuned to the surrounding natural world. Classes often take place outdoors, weather permitting.   

Instructor: Lisa November

Saturday, February 1, 2020 (2 pm – 3 pm)

Registration Deadline: January 30      

$10/$8 member

Register here!

How Beef Production, Biodiversity, and Habitat Preservation Go Hand In Hand

A Brown Bag Lecture by Meredith Ellis of G Bar C Ranch

Meredith Ellis believes the biggest mistake we can make is to forget about the vast wilderness of ranch land that is preserved from the threat of industry and development. The great symbiotic relationship that cattle have developed over centuries makes her job as a rancher one of simply keeping that balance of nature, and in doing so, has left her with great admiration of its simplicity and beauty of that process. Ranchers are the keepers of the land, and the benefits of their stewardship are known by all the living things that call it home. It’s time to not just value ranch land for the food it provides, but to the important services it gives to our natural world.

Join Bella for this recurring Family Nature Club! Families enjoy story time and nature based explorations in our indoor and outdoor classrooms. Participants in Bella’s Book and Nature Club will create take-home projects, as well as contribute to ongoing experiments in the Tree House Classroom. Parents will receive family friendly extensions to continue the fun and learning at home.This month we will be reading "and then it's spring" by Julie Fogliano!

• Location: BRIT (1700 University Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76107)
• Parking: BRIT Parking Lot (Free)
• Age: Catered to 18 months to 6 years, all ages welcome
• Price: $10/Family & Free for GROW members
• Register in advance. 

Click here to register!

*No programs in July, December, & January*

In this four-week course we will focus on four different Texas landscapes (Hill Country, West Texas desert, swamp, and the coast) and the plant life that inhabits each region. Participants will draw from photographs, live plants, and plant specimens from BRIT’s herbarium. We will learn basic drawing and watercolor skills, as well as some techniques to paint with acrylic. Each class will start with a brief lecture about the day’s subject followed by a live demonstration. You will leave each class with a beautiful scientific illustration of a Texas native plant. Materials not included, but a supply list is provided.

Instructor: Erika Duque 

Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2020 (6 – 8 pm)

Registration Deadline: February 3      

$165/$150 member

SUPPLIES: A supply list is available here. 

Register here!

Everyone loves a terrarium, and now you can create your own using begonias from the internationally recognized Begonia Species Collection at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. You'll learn how to create and care for your miniature tropical habitat for rare and exotic species and hybrids, taking home your beautiful glass terrarium for future enjoyment. 

Instructor: Deborah Garrett, Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Saturday, February 8, 2020 (10 – noon)

Registration Deadline: February 6      

$35/$30 member

Register here!

Join rosarian Jeffrey Myers for a class on rose pruning, selection, and rose rosette. You will learn tips for pruning your roses, then move to the Rose Garden for a hands-on experience where Jeff will share the joy and care of various types of roses, especially those represented in the Garden.  You will be encouraged to practice techniques that will enable you to have the most beautiful roses on the block and will leave with handouts reinforcing the pruning techniques you've learned.

Instructor: Jeffrey Myers, Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Saturday, February 8, 2020 (1 – 3 pm)

Registration Deadline: February 6      

$25/$20 member

Register here!

BRIT is partnering with Nanda Yoga, the children's yoga community of Fort Worth, to provide Storytime Yoga once a month. Your child will learn calmness, breathing, and mindfulness, while developing strength, flexibility, and focus. Storytime Yoga provides a space where children can experience integrated learning.

Your child is given the opportunity to explore and challenge their bodies, expand and connect physical movements to themes and stories, and increase their vocabulary which allows them to better express themselves both physically and emotionally. Storytime yoga is a great way to connect with your child and enjoy some mindful moments!

Join us for February's FREE preview session!

• Price: $10/member family & $15/non-member family
• Park: BRIT Parking Lot
• Location: BRIT (1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76107)
• Register in advance.

Click here to register!

Explore the outdoors with your children ages 18 months to 6 years at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Spend your morning outside in the Backyard Veggie Garden as we enjoy story time and activities with Carlos the Cactus! Hope to see you there!

• Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Location: Backyard Veggie Garden
• Parking: Botanic Garden Welcome Center (free)
• Tram Drop-Off: Circle drive by the Backyard Veggie Garden
• Age: Catered to children 18 months to 6 years old
• Price: FREE! (Includes garden admission)
• No Registration Required. Check-in with a GROW teammate upon arrival. 

Free (including garden admission) for all children under 6 years old and accompanying caregivers (limit 2 adults). Regular admissions rates apply to all additional individuals.  

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please enter through the Garden Center (Welcome Center) to check-in. There will be a free tram service to transport you and your family to this program at the Backyard Veggie Garden! We recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early to account for tram transportation time.

*No programs in July, December, & January.*

Explore the outdoors with your children ages 18 months to 6 years at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Spend your morning outside in the Backyard Veggie Garden as we enjoy story time and activities with Carlos the Cactus! Hope to see you there!

Book and Garden Club families receive a Nature Box to collect treasures in along with extension activities to continue the learning at home. 

• Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Location: Backyard Veggie Garden
• Parking: Botanic Garden Welcome Center (free)
• Tram Drop-Off: Circle drive by the Backyard Veggie Garden
• Age: Catered to children 18 months to 6 years old
• Price: $10/ Non-Member Families, FREE for GROW members!
• Register in advance. 

Click here to register!

Free (including garden admission) for all children under 6 years old and accompanying caregivers (limit 2 adults). Regular admissions rates apply to all additional individuals.  

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please enter through the Garden Center (Welcome Center) to check-in. There will be a free tram service to transport you and your family to this program at the Backyard Veggie Garden! We recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early to account for tram transportation time.

*No programs in July, December, & January.*

I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA is delighted to showcase the art of its students at BRIT's Madeline R. Samples Exhibit Hall. The art on view will focus on a range of genres, including botanical subjects in a variety of styles. 

The Academy's innovative courses encourage collaboration between artistic pathways.Through scholarship, instruction, and performance in Fine Arts, Theatre, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Dance and Physical Movement Artistry, student-apprentices engage in an investigative approach to the arts, which promotes critical thinking, creative practice, and a global understanding of arts advocacy. 

"Altogether beautiful in the power of its feeling. . . . As beautiful as anything in Thoreau or Hemingway." Alfred Kazin Chicago Tribune Book World

When Norman Maclean sent the manuscript of A River Runs through It and Other Stories to New York publishers, he received a slew of rejections. One editor, so the story goes, replied, “it has trees in it.” Forty years later, the title novella is recognized as one of the great American tales of the twentieth century, and Maclean as one of the most beloved writers of our time. The finely distilled product of a long life of often surprising rapture—for fly-fishing, for the woods, for the interlocked beauty of life and art—A River Runs through It has established itself as a classic of the American West.  Based on Maclean’s own experiences as a young man, the book’s two novellas and short story are set in the small towns and mountains of western Montana. It is a world populated with drunks, loggers, card sharks, and whores, but also one rich in the pleasures of fly-fishing, logging, cribbage, and family. These superb tales express, in Maclean’s own words, “a little of the love I have for the earth as it goes by.”

Celebrate the re-opening of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's Conservatory! GROW Patron-level members and higher are invited to attend this ribbon cutting and behind-the-scenes tour. Light hors d'oeuvres and wine available.

Free to Patron-level GROW members and higher

Location: Fort Worth Botanic Garden Conservatory

Registration Deadline: February 14. Space is limited.

RSVP: Katherine Campbell, Director of Membership at 817-332-7518 or kcampbell@brit.org.

Not sure if you're a member? Contact the membership office at 817-332-4441 or membership@fwgrow.org.

What's happening around me? 

Click here to learn more about the series. 

Girl Scouts earn badge work while exploring natural systems and their needs. Scouts also get to investigate and create their very own take-home terrariums! 

**Please note, petals or badges are not available on site; they can be purchased at the GS store or online.** 

Event Details: 

• Location: BRIT (1700 University Drive Fort Worth, TX 76107)
• Parking: BRIT (Free)
• Cost: $10/Scout
• Age: Brownies - Ambassadors

You can complete work towards these badges:

• Brownies: Bugs, Senses, Hiker, & Outdoor Art Creator part 2
• Juniors: Animal Habitat, Digital Photographer, Eco Camper, Flowers, Gardening, & Outdoor Art Explorer part 2
• Cadettes: Trees, Eco Trekker, Digital Movie Maker, & Outdoor Art Apprentice part 2
• Seniors: Eco Explore & Outdoor Art Expert part 2
• Ambassadors: Photographer, Outdoor Art Master Part 2, & Eco Advocate part 2

Register here!

Butterflies in the Garden (BITG) Field Study Trips are two-hour, immersive experiences led by our amazing GROW educators. Students enjoy TEKS based, nature-inspired activities at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and explore the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's Conservatory with live butterflies! 

Unfortunately, registration for these field trips is now closed as we have reached full capacity for our allotted time slots. Registration for GROW-Guided Field Study Trips at the Botanic Garden, however, is still open! Learn more here!

Click here to download our Butterflies Field Study Trip Guide for further details on experiences and pricing. 

Please contact Michelle Schmidlkofer at mschmidlkofer@brit.org with any questions or concerns about Field Study Trips.

GROW-Guided Field Study Trips are two-hour, immersive experiences available at both BRIT* and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden campuses, led by our amazing GROW educators. Students can become scientists in our herbarium of over 1.5 million plant species, explore the many areas of the gardens, and learn about botany in TEKS based, nature-inspired field study trips! 

FWBG Experiences:

• Pre-K - 2nd: Super Seeds
• 3rd - 5th: Texas Ecoregion Roundup
• Middle & High School: Spectacular Systems

* Because the activities for Butterflies in the Garden take place on the BRIT campus, there is not a separate GROW-Guided experience available at BRIT during this time. BRIT experiences will resume in May, with more information available soon.

Available : Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 am – 12 noon (exceptions upon request)

$7 /student and $5 /registered adult

$140 minimum for groups of 20 or fewer.

Any unregistered adult joining on the day of a Field Study Trip at the Garden will pay the regular garden admission of $12.

Click here to download our Spring 2020 Field Study Trip Guide for further details on experiences and pricing. 

Submit an inquiry form to request a date for your Field Study Trip!

Registration for Butterflies in the Garden Field Study Trips is also available! Learn more here!

Please contact Michelle Schmidlkofer at mschmidlkofer@brit.org with any questions or concerns about Field Study Trips.

Butterflies in the Garden (BITG) Field Study Trips are two-hour, immersive experiences led by our amazing GROW educators. Students enjoy TEKS based, nature-inspired activities at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and explore the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's Conservatory with live butterflies! 

Unfortunately, registration for these field trips is now closed as we have reached full capacity for our allotted time slots. Registration for GROW-Guided Field Study Trips at the Botanic Garden, however, is still open! Learn more here!

Click here to download our Butterflies Field Study Trip Guide for further details on experiences and pricing. 

Please contact Michelle Schmidlkofer at mschmidlkofer@brit.org with any questions or concerns about Field Study Trips.

Meet professional photographer and educator Edgar Miller in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Conservatory to photograph Butterflies in the Garden!  We begin in the classroom, where you will learn the techniques and settings that will allow you to capture these ephemeral beauties in both the controlled environment of the conservatory and in open local flowerbeds.  Afterward, you’ll enjoy a full hour of private time in the exhibit, allowing you to practice what you have learned without worrying about the crowds. You will leave with amazing photos and knowledge to use on future butterfly “catching” expeditions! Bring your cameras, lenses, and tripods to create lasting memories. This workshop takes place both indoors and out. Comfortable clothes are recommended. Participants are encouraged to share their photos by using #britAdultEducation.

Instructor: Edgar Miller, Edgar Miller Images

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 (8:30 – 10 am) [If you can't make this session, a repeat session will be offered on March 28. Details here.]

Registration Deadline: March 2          

$38/$28 member

Register here!

Butterflies in the Garden is back!

Join us for this special event as we explore the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's beautiful conservatory full of live, tropical butterflies! Students will spend half of this program in the conservatory, and the other half at BRIT participating in engaging pollinator activities. All grade levels welcome. We have a limited number of spots open for this event so register quickly!

** Due to the limited capacity of the conservatory, all participating individuals must register. This includes all participating students, adults, and younger siblings. Younger siblings must be registered as well, but are FREE. **

• Price: $7 Participant (All participating students and adults attending. Younger siblings must be registered as well, but are FREE.)
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Date: March 4, 2020
• Age: All ages welcome
• Registration Deadline: 9 days prior to event

Register here!

Butterflies in the Garden is back!

Join us for this special event as we explore the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's beautiful conservatory full of live, tropical butterflies! Students will spend half of this program in the conservatory, and the other half at BRIT participating in engaging pollinator activities. All grade levels welcome. We have a limited number of spots open for this event so register quickly!

** Due to the limited capacity of the conservatory, all participating individuals must register. This includes all students and adults attending. Younger siblings must be registered as well, but are FREE. **

• Price: $7 Participant (All participating students and adults attending. Younger siblings must be registered as well, but are FREE.)
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Date: March 4, 2020

Register here!

Free to all GROW members. All GROW members are invited to attend Butterflies in the Garden for free during this time. Walk among exotic Butterflies, including the extraordinary blue morphos. Space is limited. Registration details coming soon.

Not sure if you're a member? Contact the membership office at 817-332-4441 or membership@fwgrow.org.

Can't attend this free opportunity? Contact the membership office to upgrade your membership to Supporter-level and attend for free on March 10 from 9 - 10 a.

In this imaginative watercolor class, butterflies are the inspiration for unique paintings informed by a variety of styles. Discover your own approach to capturing this beloved pollinator in color. Each student will take home a unique piece of butterfly-inspired art, as well as inspiration to carry them to their next watercolor project. Materials not included, but a supply list is provided.

Instructor: Swetha Kalluri

Saturday, March 7, 2020 (10 am – noon)

Registration Deadline: March 5          

$40/$35 member

SUPPLIES: A supply list is available here. 

Register here!

Do you have a garden, but want to strengthen your vegetable gardening skills? You’ll learn how to be successful this season in your garden with this mix of presentation and hands on seminar. A wide range of topics will be covered including site selection, irrigation, soil biology, specialty gardens like herb, salad and salsa gardens, and much more!

Instructor: Kim Martin, Barking Cat Farms

Saturday, March 7, 2020 (10 am – 3 pm)

Registration Deadline: March 5          

$75/$65 member

Register here!

Explore the pollination dance of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in this hands-on photography class on Fort Worth Botanic Garden and BRIT grounds. Pollinators are both a calming and enlivening sight and capturing their dance brings new challenges to many photographers. Join professional photographer and educator Edgar Miller to learn tools to photograph the variety of pollinators visiting our gardens. Starting in the classroom, you will learn the techniques, settings, and equipment needed to capture the vibrant promenade of winged friends. Afterward, venture into the gardens to practice what you’ve learned. You will leave with exceptional photographs and knowledge to use on your solo adventures! Bring your cameras, lenses, and tripods and create lasting memories. This workshop takes place both indoors and out. Comfortable clothes are recommended. Participants are encouraged to share their photos by using #britAdultEducation.

Instructor: Edgar Miller, Edgar Miller Images

Saturday, March 7, 2020 (10:30 am – 12:30 pm)

Registration Deadline: March 5          

$35/$30 member

Register here!