Certificates of Merit
Delve deeper into your place in nature.
The North Carolina Arboretum offers two Certificates of Merit: Blue Ridge Naturalist & Blue Ridge EcoGardener, both designed to root you in our unique blend of ecosystems in Southern Appalachia, whether your aim is to study the natural world, or cultivate a world of your own.
Subscribe to our brand new Certificate of Merit Newsletter!
With this quarterly newsletter, you can receive updates about our programs, advanced notice when core classes are scheduled, and learn about other community programs happening in the Asheville area!
Blue Ridge Naturalist
Start a quest to deepen your knowledge of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Join a community of adult learners dedicated to understanding the natural sciences, ecology, and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Core and elective courses are scheduled year-round in ecology, botany, geology, animals, lichens, insects and more. Students also complete a final project centered in service learning prior to graduation.
Blue Ridge EcoGardener
Ecological gardening focuses on gardens & landscapes as thriving ecosystems – nurturing harmony and interdependence between plants, soils, wildlife, and humans! Cultivate your understanding of ecological principles and design fundamentals to create and manage healthy, self-sustaining gardens and landscapes. Participants complete core and elective courses in ecology, botany, permaculture, landscape design and more.
