Garden & Nature Events

The Art and Technique of Pruning Japanese Maples: Jan. 7, 1-2:30 p.m., UNCC at McMillan Greenhouse, 9090 Craver Road. Join Teri Edwards and Susie Harwood, garden manager, for a lecture-demonstration in the art and technique of pruning Japanese maples. Teri will lead the group on a walk through the garden to see more than 40 specimens demonstrating the shape of individual trees relative to their type, age and location, then demonstrate pruning techniques. Class limit: 15 participants. Cost: $20. www.gardens.uncc.edu or 704-687-0721.

The Wildlife of Our Bodies: Jan. 5, 7 p.m., H.A.W.K. at Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. E., Matthews. Dr. Robb Dunn explains the health benefits of micro-organisms that consider our bodies their wildlife habitat. Free. RSVP: hawknwf@gmail.com, 704-814-0877.

Adult Sustainability Series: Rain Barrels. Jan. 7, 1-2 p.m., McDowell Nature, Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension Training Rm, 1418 Armory Drive. Learn to make your own rain barrel for home use. Conserve water by catching and storing rain to water your plants. $20, ages 18 and up. Register online at parkandrec.com (the eParks link) or 704-588-5224.

Trails and Tails on McAlpine Creek Greenway: Jan. 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Join McDowell staff for K-9 “Tails” and hit the “Trails.” Must bring a 6-foot leash and Mutt Mitts. Free. Ages 10 and up. Register online at

parkandrec.com (the eParks link) or 704-588-5224.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 11:27 AM.