LEARN Spring Catalog 2026

LEARN DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES MARCH – MAY 2026

LIFELONG LEARNING STARTS HERE Take learning into your own hands and enjoy specialized one-time classes located at Desert Botanical Garden. Get inspired and learn new skills through one of our programs in landscape and gardening, art, cooking, nature & ecology, photography and wellness.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Gardening & Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Nature & Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Children & Family Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Refund and Cancelation Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Classes on sale now at dbg.org 1 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

GARDENING & LANDSCAPE

GARDENING & LANDSCAPE Gardening for Wildlife | Danielle Carlock March 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Discover simple, affordable ways to transform your outdoor space into a wildlife haven. Danielle Carlock, founder of the Maricopa Native Seed Library, will guide you through strategies like filling bloom gaps, adding native plants, reducing non-native grasses and creating wildflower strips to support local wildlife.

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GARDENING & LANDSCAPE

Vegetable Gardening in the Desert | Angela Judd Spring Vegetable Garden: March 11, 5:30-7 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Make the most of your spring garden.

In this class, we focus on maximizing spring harvests through timely planting, care and harvesting tips.

Learn practical strategies to help your garden transition smoothly into the summer heat. Learn what to plant now, how to keep your soil healthy and how to set yourself up for continued success as the seasons shift.

Summer Vegetable Garden: May 13, 5:30-7 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Keep your soil alive during an Arizona summer. In this class, we cover the best heat-loving vegetables to plant in May and explore how summer cover crops can protect and improve your soil when it’s too hot to grow much else. Learn simple, effective strategies to keep your soil alive and ready for the next season.

Gardening to Attract Beneficial Insects | Emily Heller March 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Simple gardening practices attract helpful bugs that can keep pest populations in check.

Learn how to entice and retain these marvelous creatures as an essential component of a healthy, balanced garden environment.

3 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

Native Plant Gardening on a Shoestring | Danielle Carlock April 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95

Work with the native plant bounty you already have. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to make plant cuttings, collect seed from your own yard, germinate seed and identify volunteer seedlings. Leave with cuttings and seed to start at home.

Backyard Makeover | Marie White April 8, 5:30-8 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Transform your backyard into the ultimate retreat by exploring the latest landscape design trends, expert tips and plant selections that will turn your outdoor space into a favorite gathering spot for family and friends.

We’ll showcase local case studies, offering easy-to-implement ideas for stunning makeovers. Learn how to make the most of every corner of your yard, no matter its size. Bring a photo or sketch of your space for personalized, quick design inspiration.

All About Milkweed: Pollinators, Propagation and Planting | Natalie Melkonoff March 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Join us to learn the nuances of milkweed propagation in the low desert. Learn about the Garden’s efforts to support butterfly and pollinator populations and how to propagate plants to support these insects. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of our onsite pollinator research and propagation areas, and plant and take home a native milkweed.

Landscape Design for Small Spaces | Marie White March 25, 5:30-8 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Transform small outdoor spaces with innovative landscape design.

Discover strategies, plant choices and local examples that help you get the most from courtyards, side yards, entryways and atriums. Bring a photo or sketch for on-the-spot ideas.

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GARDENING & LANDSCAPE Building Great Garden Soil | Melissa Kruse-Peeples April 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

A thriving garden starts with quality soil. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create a new garden bed, improve existing soil, and navigate the many soil amendments and fertilizers available. We’ll cover natural, organic methods for building fertile soil from composting to vermiculture.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, you’ll leave with practical tips to nurture vibrant, productive plants year after year.

Summer Gardening in the Desert | Melissa Kruse-Peeples May 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95

Gardening during the summer in the Valley can be a challenge. Prepare your garden for the upcoming heat and what to expect for the monsoon season. Learn what vegetable, herb and flower varieties are appropriate for planting and how to care for them. Take home some vegetables and flower seeds appropriate for summer planting.

Create a Pollinator Sanctuary | Danielle Carlock May 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Discover the vital pollinators of our region and the essential gardening practices, plant selections and environmental conditions that help support them. Learn how to create your own pollinator-friendly sanctuary and earn certification for your habitat through the Maricopa Pollinator Pathway.

Hotter and Drier: Exploring a New Mindset for Gardening in the Low Desert | Emily Heller May 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Soaring temperatures and unreliable rainfall are creating bigger problems for gardeners. This class explores modifying the planting calendar, adopting practices seen in drier deserts in Arizona and globally, growing new varieties that are heat and drought-tolerant and using effective shade systems and irrigation techniques and strategies.

5 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

ART

ART All art supplies included unless otherwise specified.

Drawing: Spring Flowers in Colored Pencil | Devon Meyer March 3, 5:30-8 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

The desert is full of inspiration. Draw on the unique beauty around us and use basic techniques to create illustrations of spring desert blooms in colored pencil.

Hummingbirds in Colored Pencil | Devon Meyer March 24, 5:30-8 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

The Southwest is full of gorgeous flowers that need pollinators like hummingbirds. Using simple techniques, learn to break a subject down into simple shapes and draw more accurately. Use multiple layers of color with colored pencil to add vibrancy and sparkle to our drawings.

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ART Mosaic Workshops | David Jarvinen March 18; April 15; May 13, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95 (Per class)

March 18: Mosaic Birdbath Saucer: Join mosaic artist David Jarvinen in this interactive workshop using broken dishes, referred to as Pique Assiette in the mosaic world.

Dishes are pre-broken, allowing for manipulation much like tiles. Choose patterns and colors to complement each other as you work to nip and fit your new garden art piece.

April 15: Mosaic Hummingbird: Hummingbirds are on the move in the desert. Explore these birds in mosaics by learning to nip and fit glass tiles and leave with your own mosaic hummingbird for the patio or home. Grout kit provided to apply after adhesive dries.

May 13: Mosaic Flower Bouquet Panel: Flower bouquets add a wonderful element to the indoors.

Using porcelain and glass tiles, create a mosaic bouquet that will last forever. Grout kit provided to apply once adhesive cures.

Desert Inspired Printmaking | Kenna Connelly March 20, May 22, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)

Explore printmaking inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Kenna Connelly guides participants of all levels from concept to finished print.

March 20: Gelli Plate Nature Printing: Explore the art of monoprinting and create one-of-a-kind nature prints using gelli plate printing methods and leaves from the Sonoran Desert.

May 22: Desert Inspired Relief Print Card Making Workshop: Experiment with carving tools and inks and make your own printed card.

7 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

Watercolor in the Garden Series | Christin Quissell April 3, 10, 17, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Members: $154.95 | General Public: $194.95 (Ticket covers entire series)

In this class, you’ll practice watercolor techniques with a focus on color mixing and atmospheric washes. We’ll capture the beauty of garden trails and skies, working on the same painting over several sessions and using glazing to add depth and vibrance.

Floral Collage Workshop | Dakota Drake May 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

In this hands-on, mixed media collage workshop, create a layered flower scene from your imagination. Attendees will be guided through techniques of layering paints and vintage collage materials in an easy process for creating a cluster of flowers, perfect for any artistic skill level.

Nature Journaling in the Garden | Dakota Drake March 22, April 12, 28, May 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95 (Per class)

Bring a sketchbook to the Garden trails to do some deep observation, learning to look at nature in a new way and ask questions about the world around us. This will be a mix of nature sketching, personal journaling and scientific observations as used by field biologists (no science backgrounds required–just a love for nature!).

Watercolor in the Garden | Christin Quissell March 27, April 11, May 2, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)

Whether you are a beginner, an old pro, or somewhere in-between, practice watercolor painting amidst the serene mesquites, saguaros and endless blue skies of the Garden. Explore watercolor painting techniques on the trails and capture the essence of the desert.

Individual stand-alone classes. dbg.org/learn | 8

COOKING

COOKING Indigenous Inspired Cooking | Denella Belin April 30, 6–8 p.m.

Foraging Uncommon Edible Plants of Arizona | John Slattery

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

March 28, 1-3 p.m.

Join Chef Denella for a cultural cooking demonstration that celebrates Navajo and Indigenous food traditions.

Through her journey, you’ll learn to prepare unique dishes while honoring tribal food systems.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

See website description for recipe information.

FORAGING Intro to Spring Foraging | John Slattery March 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

The Sonoran Desert presents its greatest abundance during the late Spring into early Summer. As the desert dries and heats up a great number of wild plant foods ripen. Lush winter greens give way to flowers blooming and seeds ripening.

Join Sonoran Desert forager John Slattery for a presentation on the stars of this foraging feast. Enjoy samples and a breadth of discussion on how and when these plants are gathered and how one may prepare them.

Many are familiar with prickly pear fruit for jelly, mesquite pod flour for breads and cookies, or even dandelion greens for salads, but there is a great abundance of unusual wild plant foods in Arizona that many are unaware of. Have you tried pickled yucca, barrel cactus blossoms or sauted thistle roots which taste like potato? Maybe a collection of wild seeds to season your venison sausage or hearty winter stews?

In this class, John will present a variety of wild plant foods that you’ll wish you knew along with a variety of ways to prepare and enjoy them. And, of course, some unique samplings will be provided.

Desert Edible Plant PreHarvest Workshop | Desert Awareness Committee April 30, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

This workshop is designed to provide insight into what, where, when and why we harvest desert edible plants along with a hands-on workshop to help you to learn how it is done. This seminar is just in time to begin harvest which usually kicks off in April.

9 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY DSLR PHOTOGRAPHY Intro to Macro Photography Series | Ryan Parra March 6, 13, 27, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $99.95 | General Public: $124.95

This three week class begins in the classroom with a brief lecture on lenses and other crucial gear, equipping you with the setup that will work right for your needs. Then, professional photographer Ryan Parra guides you through the Garden trails, practicing a handful of macro photography techniques using reflectors, diffusers and natural light. This class is designed for all skill levels, If you don’t have a macro lens yet, this class will help you find one during Week 1.

Supplies Needed: DSLR, Macro lens (we will discuss this in class 1 if you don’t have one yet).

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PHOTOGRAPHY Portrait Photography for Beginners | Rick White-Pickett April 21, 5–7:30 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Create compelling, natural-light portraits that highlight personality and presence within the unique desert landscape of the Garden. Learn how to work with light, composition and gentle posing to create authentic, professional-quality portraits in the most beautiful setting in Phoenix.

Photo by Rick White-Pickett

Note: DSLR camera lenses 50mm or greater with wide aperture (f/1.4-f/2.8) are preferred but not required. Bring what you have and we’ll find the beauty in portraiture.

Photographing Cactus | Joanne West Photographing Fast Flight: DSLR | Rick White-Pickett

May 15, 8–10:30 a.m.

April 11, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Capture the Garden’s magical saguaro blooms and other cactus. This class focuses on making artistic photos; learn techniques for using your camera settings to blur the background and pop the colors and make more interesting compositions. Wide angle to medium range telephoto lenses DSLR or Mirrorless cameras.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Learn techniques for photographing bees and hummingbirds in motion, with an emphasis on timing, focus strategies and shutter speed control.

Capture dynamic images of some of the garden’s fastest and most fascinating pollinators. For DSLR cameras, lenses greater than 85mm+ (macro and/or telephoto) with wide aperture (f/1.8-f/2.8) are preferred but not required. Bring what you have and we’ll push the limits of Fast Flight.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Golden Hour with Butterflies: An Exclusive Butterfly Pavilion Photography Workshop | Joanne West April 16, 4–6:30 p.m.

Get pro tips to turn butterfly snapshots into captivating photographs. Learn ways to use camera settings and various lens perspectives to accentuate color, utilize different lighting conditions, freeze motion and achieve sharpness. Following the classroom presentation, enjoy private handson practice in the butterfly pavilion.

All skill levels are welcome.

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Photo by Joanne West

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Wildflower Photography: Smartphone | Ryan Parra March 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Learn to capture stunning wildflower photos with your phone. Discover how to optimize your phone settings, master composition and use lighting to create vibrant, eye-catching images.

The class begins with a brief lecture, then heads outdoors for a guided walk along the Wildflower Trail, where you’ll have the chance to practice your skills.

Whether you’re new to photography or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a hands-on approach to photographing nature at its best.

Powerful Flower Photography for iPhone© | Joanne West March 17, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Learn to creatively include wildflowers in landscapes, using portrait settings and editing tools in your iPhone for closeup and artistic flower photography.

This class is for iPhone© users.

Photographing Fast Flight: Smartphone | Rick White-Pickett April 4, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY Artistic iPhone© Photography | Joanne West March 11, April 9, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Learn to locate and use specific camera settings on your iPhone© to capture the beauty of the Garden with artistic style. Learn new ways to achieve sharper focus and perfect exposure in different lighting conditions. Use the iPhone© camera’s macro and telephoto for unique closeups photos. Discover ways to capture fast moving subjects, utilize the live photo features like blurring water, create beautiful portraits and great selfies.

This class is for iPhone© users.

Learn techniques for photographing bees and hummingbirds in motion, with an emphasis on timing, focus strategies and shutter speed control.

Capture dynamic images of some of the garden’s fastest and most fascinating pollinators.

Night Mode for Night Skies iPhone© | Joanne West May 19, 6-8:30 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Learn to creatively include wildflowers in landscapes, use portrait settings and editing tools in your iPhone for closeup and artistic flower photography.

This class is for iPhone© users.

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NATURE & ECOLOGY

NATURE & ECOLOGY BIRDING Birding 103 | Kathe Anderson March 31, 8-10 a.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Learn how different habitats, from lakes and ponds to fields and grasslands, attract specific bird species. Explore the unique traits of bird families and more.

Ideal for bird enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of avian diversity.

13 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

Hummingbirds | Kathe Anderson April 7, 8-10 a.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

What makes a hummingbird a hummingbird? In which species do the males closely resemble the females?

Why do hummingbirds noctivate?

We’ll save some time to explore the Garden to see if we can find some hummingbirds.

Flycatchers | Kathe Anderson May 5, 8-10 a.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

The flycatcher family of birds is the largest in the world and can be intimidating to identify. However, they often sit perched long enough for a good look. We’ll discuss the family characteristics, then concentrate on the most common flycatchers in Arizona, keying in on helpful subfamily similarities to correctly identify look-alike species.

EXPLORING NATURAL SCIENCE Volcanoes of Arizona | Steven Semken March 19, 5:30-7 p.m.

Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95

Volcanic eruptions and volcanic rocks have been part of the geologic history of Arizona for billions of years, especially in the last 30 million. The most recent eruption in Arizona occurred fewer than 1,000 years ago and future eruptions are still possible.

Learn the history of Arizona’s volcanic activity, dramatic volcanic landscapes and potential hazards of future eruptions.

Misunderstood Creatures: Bats of Arizona | Jeff Meyers and Cheyenne Towne April 16, 5:30-7 p.m.

Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95

Bats are completely misunderstood creatures. These flying mammals are an incredible species that fill a very special niche. Join us and learn about the different species that inhabit Arizona, their natural history and just what is so great about these animals.

Biomimicry: Mentor, Measure, Model | Sara El-Sayed May 14, 6–7:30 p.m.

Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95

The growing field of biomimicry teaches us to be attentive learners of the natural world, to understand nature’s evolutionary strategies to be better fit and adapted to live on our planet. Join us for an introductory session on the field of biomimicry to understand how desert organisms can serve as models and mentors for sustainable and regenerative existence in the desert and as a means to assess and measure our actual sustainability. dbg.org/learn | 14

WELLNESS

WELLNESS SOUND MEDITATION Morning Sound Meditation March 1, 8, 22, 29; April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10-11 a.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)

Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation. Participants can be seated or lie down for the entirety of the class. Don’t forget to bring a mat.

15 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

Sunset Sound Meditation March 4, 18; April 1, 8, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-7 p.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)

Experience sound meditation at the Garden in a peaceful sundown setting under twinkling lights. Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation.

MOVEMENT Sunset Yoga March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 21, 28; May 5, 19, 26, 6-7 p.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)

Unwind and connect with nature during this memorable Sunset Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga. Together, in a Sonoran Desert oasis, breathe, stretch and embrace the beauty of the setting sun whilst enjoying the Garden views. This is an all-levels class.

Morning Mat Pilates March 28, April 18, May 16, 10-10:45 a.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)

Join us for a 45-minute all-levels Pilates class in the heart of the Garden. With intentional core work and a refreshing full-body sequence, leave feeling balanced and strong.

No equipment needed, just a mat.

Sunset Mat Pilates March 5, April 2, May 7, 6–6:45 p.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)

Join us for a 45-minute all-levels Pilates class in the heart of the Garden. With intentional core work and a refreshing full-body sequence, leave feeling balanced and strong. No equipment needed, just a mat.

Weather permitting, Sound Meditation, Yoga, and Pilates are held in an outdoor pavilion. Garden admission included.

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WELLNESS

HERBALISM Desert Plant Walk: Healing Herbs of the Sonoran Desert | Jennifer Ribaudo March 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $24.95 | General Public: $34.95 (Per class)

Take a leisurely walk through the Garden and get to know the plants of the Sonoran Desert in a whole new way. We’ll explore how desert natives and other adapted plants are used for wellness. Leave with a deeper appreciation for the desert and its incredible plant allies. This walk is suitable for all skill levels; please contact us if you will need to rent a scooter.

Medicinal Plants of the Desert Southwest | Jennifer Ribaudo April 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95

Step into the world of the Sonoran Desert’s medicinal plants and uncover their incredible survival strategies and healing properties.

Identify some key medicinal plants of the Southwest and their practical applications in herbal remedies and everyday health. Participants receive a comprehensive handout featuring detailed plant profiles and desert-inspired herbal recipes.

More Medicinal Plants of the Desert Southwest | Jennifer Ribaudo May 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95

Expand your knowledge of the Sonoran Desert’s healing flora in this follow-up to Medicinal Plants of the Desert Southwest. This class introduces additional native and bioregional plants known for their traditional and modern herbal uses.

We’ll explore identification tips, harvesting ethics, and broaden your understanding of their medicinal properties, unique adaptations and contributions to desert herbalism.

Ideal for returning students and anyone eager to continue exploring the desert’s remarkable plant medicines.

17 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

On Display Now through May 10 FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse turns the slow-moving desert into a cinematic experience. Five immersive installations. Thousands of images. One unforgettable journey.

DESERT PULSE CLASSES Desert Views: A Conversation Series Capturing Our World: Past, Present and Future, ScanLAB Artists and Mark Klett

Workshop: Scanning as an Evolution of Photography

March 6, 5:30-7 p.m.

ScanLAB Projects, award-winning artists and creators of FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse are hosting hands-on 3D scanning workshops at the Garden.

Through practical exploration, discover how 3D scanning offers a new way to document, interpret and reimagine the world around us — moving beyond traditional photography into a space where data becomes dynamic. In this workshop, capture your own 3D scan using the same technology used to create FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse.

Experiment with alternative scanning techniques, including iPhone scanning, and practice scanning on beautiful Garden flora.

Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95 One drink provided with ticket purchase.

Bar opens at 5 p.m.

Join us for an exclusive evening with the artists behind FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse and renowned photographer Mark Klett.

We will explore both traditional photography and LiDAR scanning as means of capturing change over time, with a specific focus on environmental change. The future role of LiDAR scanning will be examined within the context of photography and personal documentation (e.g. phones). Panelists will also offer insights into the application of artwork and emerging media that respond to environmental and social themes.

March 12, 5-8 p.m.; March 14, 3-6 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95 (Per class)

For more Desert Pulse classes and experiences visit desertpulse.org. dbg.org/learn | 18

CHILDREN & FAMILY

CHILDREN & FAMILY OFFERINGS FAMILY PROGRAMS Seedlings April 1, 8, 15, 22; 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Members: $9.95 | General Public: $14.95

Children 3-5 and caretakers experience the wonder of nature through handson lessons that teach kids and adults how to splash, dig, climb and explore together through nature play concepts.

19 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

Cactus Clubhouse Thursdays – Sundays, Now – May 10 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Included with admission or Garden membership

Cactus Clubhouse is a fun and immersive nature play space for kids 12 and younger. Families can dig, splash, climb, play, create, build and more! Join us on weekends for fun hands-on activities and crafts too.

Storytime March 6 & 7, March 20 & 21, May 1 & 2 10 a.m.

Weisz Learning Center Included with admission or Garden membership, first come first served

Introduce your child five and younger to the beauty and wonder of nature through books, songs, activities and play. Designed for children and caretakers, each session leads children through an immersive experience of nature learning in the Garden.

EDUCATORS Teacher-Led Field Trips Mondays – Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3 pm. $12 per student. Chaperone and teachers complimentary

Discover the beauty of the desert with a teacher-led field trip to Desert Botanical Garden. Teachers and their students will embark on a journey to experience unique plants and Sonoran Desert, while connecting with nature and outdoor exploration. dbg.org/learn | 20

CHILDREN & FAMILY

DESERT DISCOVERY

CAMPs DESERT DISCOVERY CAMPS Join us for Desert Discovery Camps, where campers explore nature and learn about the beauty of the desert. This year’s camps feature science, outdoor skills, nature-inspired art, nature play and exploration. All summer camps include hands-on activities, guest speakers and exploration of the Garden trails.

Ages 6-8 and 9-12 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $295 Members | $345 General Admission Registration closes the Thursday before camp.

Wild Art Studio | June 1-5 Unleash your imagination in the great outdoors! Enjoy hands-on art and science projects that spark discovery and encourage exploration of the desert. Learn how Garden researchers use art in their work, create crafts inspired by Indigenous traditions, and see the desert in a whole new way through nature-inspired activities.

Designed for all skill levels.

Get Outdoors | June 8-12 Embark on an adventure of outdoor exploration and desert survival in the Garden. Enjoy wilderness activities like building shelters and campfire construction and an immersive exploration of the Garden.

Desert Laboratory | June 15-19 Discover the science of nature with hands-on experiments and exploration.

Activities blend desert adventures and fun scientific discovery with engineering challenges, microscope investigations and labs focused on desert plants and animals.

Nature Rangers | June 22-26 Embark on a mission to become a hero for desert life! Explore and protect the natural world through hands-on experiments and outdoor activities, including planting and gardening, engineering challenges and up-close animal encounters.

21 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | March – May 2026

REFUND & CANCELATION POLICY

Don’t forget, every class purchase includes admission to the Garden before or after your classes.

REFUND & CANCELATION POLICY Refunds Refunds can be issued for classes or cancelations with more than five business days’ notice. Please send your request to registrar@dbg.org or call 480.941.1225.

Note: Due to booking costs, Travel & Adventure class refunds in Adult Education are limited to 70% of the total price.

Cancelations Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to cancel programs at its discretion. Programs will run as scheduled, regardless of weather, unless participants are contacted directly by Garden staff either by phone or email. We reserve the right to substitute any instructors in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

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