Plants, Big & Small
Atlanta is the City in the Forest, but we’re also surrounded by all sorts of other cool plants. Come on out to these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 9-23, to immerse yourself in a lush world of all things green!
Nature Scavenger Hunt | March 9th – 22nd, daylight hours
Presented by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
Journey along the trails of Mason Mill Park in search of special plants, rocks, and other nature features. Take a pleasant hike through this peaceful in-town forest, solve riddles, learn about the natural world, and win a prize!
No registration necessary.
Grow UP! | March 9th, times vary
Presented by Produce’d
Grow Up with Grow Blocks! Grow Blocks are small, efficient vertical hydroponic garden systems that fit right in with your home décor and produce enough food to feed your family. They use up to 95% less water than traditional gardening. They also cut down on how far food travels to get to you. Join us for a guided tour of our indoor hydroponic farm where you’ll learn all about Grow Blocks, see our germination room, and pollination room with our in-house pollinating bees! Come and “Grow Up” with us!
This event repeats on March 10th at varying times.
Exploration into Atlanta’s Natural Resources | March 10th 8:45 AM
Presented by Birds Georgia, Ecology Urban Style, Georgia Native Plant Society, UGA Coyote Research Project, DNR Bat projects, Zoo Atlanta, DNR Urban Wildlife Program, and Georgia Wildlife Federation.
Bats, Coyotes, and Birds – oh my! Spend a day learning about the wildlife that call Atlanta home. Organizations and programs from across Georgia come together to help the public get involved and build a more wildlife friendly city! Following the panels, take a guided walk through the grounds of The Kendeda Building and adjacent EcoCommons, a Birds Georgia-certified Wildlife Sanctuary and Gold-certified Native Plant Habitat, where you’ll observe and log wildlife to contribute to long-term monitoring and conservation of the site.
Tree Trekking Challenge | March 10th 1:00 PM
Presented by Trees Atlanta
What’s living in our urban forest? Search high and low for trees and other native plants on this cooperative, family style scavenger hunt! Using iNaturalist, families will explore the campus of the new Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse, finding native plant life and earning prizes. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the Kendeda TreeHouse!
Amazing Native Plants! | March 10th, times vary
Presented by Wylde Center
Hawk Hollow is a greenspace within the City of Atlanta filled with native plants. Come join us for a tour learn about those native plants and why they are so important. We’ll explore the creek too.
Sprouting Scientists | March 12th 10:00 AM
Presented by Atlanta Botanical Garden
Little ones can be scientists too! Bring your toddler to discover the fabulous world of plants and animals at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Come and run among the spring blooms, listen to bird songs and have fun at hands-on learning stations.
Nature’s Pharmacy with Emory University Herbarium | March 12th 6:30 PM
Presented by Emory University Herbarium
Join leading medical ethnobotanist and explorer, Dr. Cassandra Quave, as she shares the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants. Blend your own tea and create a DIY herbarium keepsake to take home!
ID the Trees! | March 16th 10:00 AM
Presented by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
If Atlanta is really “The City in the Forest” shouldn’t we know what kind of trees surround us? Join DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah for a walk all about trees! We’ll take a stroll through Mason Mill Park and learn techniques for identifying trees by their bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Find out to tell a Loblolly pine from other native pines! From the common water oak to the rare winged elm, come fall in love with trees at this awesome city park!
Wildflower Walk | March 16th 10:00 AM
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Join us for a group walk to celebrate the beginning of spring in Fernbank Forest! You’ll learn about the different kinds of native wildflowers found both in the forest and around Atlanta.
This event repeats on March 22nd at 2:00 PM.
Plants to DYE for | March 16th 12:00 PM
Presented by Fernbank Science Center, DeKalb County School District, DeKalb Master Gardeners, Local Fiber Arts Organizations, High Hog Farm
Discover the colorful capabilities of plants at Fernbank Science Center’s “Plants to DYE for” on Saturday, March 16. Celebrate the unveiling of our new Dye Garden! Join expert Master Gardeners and Keisha Cameron of High Hog Farm as they guide you through plants that provide a kaleidoscope of natural dyes. You’ll be amazed by the power of plants as you engage in hands-on activities that transform the mundane into vibrant displays of natural color.
No registration necessary.
Seeds and Spores: a Botany and Mycology Cultivation Workshop | March 16th, times vary
Presented by Wylde Center, Mycologic Solutions, Gowin Valley Farms, Kennesaw State University
Embark on a journey into the fascinating worlds of mycology and botany at our cultivation workshop! Delve into the art of growing mushrooms from spores and nurturing plants from seeds as our expert guides lead you through hands-on cultivation techniques. Immerse yourself in the science and craft behind these natural wonders. But the excitement doesn’t end there! After the workshop, tantalize your taste buds with a unique tasting experience, featuring delectable creations crafted from the very seeds and mushrooms you’ve just cultivated. Join us for a day of discovery, cultivation, and culinary delight – where science meets flavor in an unforgettable exploration of nature’s bounty!
Science Behind the Scenes: Botanical Pigments | March 17th 2:00 PM
Presented by Science ATL, Science Gallery
Dip into the science and history behind natural dyes and pigments! Before we had chemicals to create the vibrant colors we have today, natural pigments derived from plants gave rich color to textiles and fabrics. Unearth the science of pigment extraction and the ways that plants color our world. You’ll even create your own natural masterpiece with beautiful botanical pigments.
O-STEAM | March 20th, times vary
Presented by West Atlanta Watershed Alliance
Come explore science amongst familiar, yet new terrains. Join the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and some of our partners for our outdoor and trail-tastic fair – passport style. Hike, explore, make forts, explore old and new habitats, enjoy nature, and visit table science activities to get your passport stamped. Take a hike at our 26-acre urban nature preserve and Bush Mountain, learn about forest biodiversity, plant/animal/insect identification, soil, art and crafts, and music of the outdoors.
Native Oaks of the Southeast Tree Walk | March 21st 10:00 AM
Presented by Agnes Scott Arboretum Committee & Office of Sustainability
What do Scarlett, Overcup, and Post all have in common? They are all names of oaks native to the Southeast! On this tour of the Agnes Scott Arboretum, led by the college arborist and Agnes Scott Center for Sustainability, you’ll explore all the Arboretum has to offer, including every species of oak native to the Southeast!
