Hickory Flat Library Homeschool
2026-05-05 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Hickory Flat Library, Cherokee County, GA, 2740 E Cherokee Dr, Canton, Georgia, 30115, United States
Explore the hidden world beneath your feet in this engaging homeschool library program on soil, clay, and rocks! Participants will discover how different earth materials are formed, how they feel and behave, and why they matter in nature. Through simple hands-on demonstrations, learners will observe how water moves differently through sandy soil, dense clay, and solid rock—soaking in quickly, pooling on the surface, or flowing around barriers. This program builds a foundational understanding of earth science while connecting it to real-world topics like plant growth, erosion, and groundwater, making it perfect for curious young naturalists.
Photo: Alabama Cooperative Extension

Trayletaah Garden Club
2026-05-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Cherokee Veteran’s Park, 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton, GA, 30115, United States
Native plants and pollinators are deeply interconnected, forming the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Native plants—those that have evolved naturally in a specific region—provide the exact nectar, pollen, and habitat that local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and even some beetles depend on for survival. In turn, these pollinators help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another, enabling the production of seeds and fruits that support wildlife and maintain biodiversity. Because native plants are adapted to local soils, climate, and seasonal cycles, they require less water and maintenance than non-native species while offering far greater ecological value. By planting native species, individuals can create thriving habitats that support pollinators, strengthen food webs, and contribute to the resilience of the natural environment.
Photo: Cornell Cooperative Extension

Forsyth County Master Naturalist Meeting
2026-05-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Forsyth County Extension Office, 5110 Piney Grove Rd, Cumming, GA, 30040, United States
Discuss the declining pollinator population, Nature on the Brink, and the partnership with Tellus Science Museum

Giraffes
2026-05-19 10:30 - 11:30 | RT Jones Library, Cherokee County, GA, 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA, 30114, United States
Stretch up tall and join us for a fun-filled preschool adventure all about giraffes! Young learners will explore the amazing world of the tallest animals on Earth through stories, songs, movement activities, crafts, and hands-on discovery. Children will learn about giraffe habitats, long necks, unique spots, and the foods giraffes love while building curiosity about wildlife and nature. Perfect for preschool-aged children and their caregivers, this engaging program encourages imagination, early learning, and a love for animals.
Age: Preschool Program

Bee Builders: Creating Homes for Nature’s Pollinators 🐝
2026-06-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA, 30066, United States
Join us at the library for a hands-on Bee Hotel program designed especially for school-age youth! In this engaging and educational activity, participants will learn about the fascinating world of native bees—gentle, solitary pollinators that play a vital role in helping plants grow, flowers bloom, and ecosystems thrive. Kids will discover how these bees differ from honeybees, why they need safe nesting spaces, and how we can support them right in our own backyards. The highlight of the program is building a simple bee hotel using natural and recycled materials, giving each child a chance to create a habitat they can take home and monitor. This fun, creative experience blends science, conservation, and craftsmanship while inspiring young learners to become stewards of the environment.
Photo: Scout Life

Pollinator Decline/Native Plants
2026-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 | GA
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects are experiencing significant declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species, disease, and climate change. As natural landscapes are replaced with development and non-native lawns, many pollinators struggle to find the nectar, pollen, and host plants they need to survive and reproduce. Native plants play a critical role in reversing this decline because they evolved alongside local wildlife and provide the specific food and shelter pollinators depend upon throughout their life cycles. By planting native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees, we can create healthy habitats that support biodiversity, strengthen food webs, improve ecosystem resilience, and help ensure that pollinators continue their essential work of pollinating wild plants and many of the foods we rely on every day.
Bartow Senior Center, Cartersville, GA
Photo: MU Extension

Vermiculture 101: The Science of Worm Composting
2026-06-08 16:00 - 17:00 | RT Jones Library, Cherokee County, GA, 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA, 30114, United States
Vermiculture: or How to Raise Worms In-Person

Learn about the creatures beneath the dirt! Join us for a presentation by Southeastern Grasslands Institute about vermiculture, the process of using worms to create compost. Participants will learn about the benefits of vermiculture and how to set up and care for their own worm bin.
Photo: University of Connecticut Extension

Neighbors for Nature: Building a Volunteer Movement that Lasts
2026-06-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Forsyth County Extension Office, 5110 Piney Grove Rd, Cumming, GA, 30040, United States
Building an army of environmental volunteers starts with a clear purpose and a sense of shared ownership. People are far more likely to engage when they understand the local impact of their efforts—whether restoring native habitats, supporting pollinators, or improving water quality—and can see tangible results. Successful programs focus on lowering barriers to entry by offering flexible opportunities, hands-on training, and roles suited to different ages and skill levels. Strong leadership and consistent communication help volunteers feel valued, while partnerships with schools, libraries, and community groups expand reach and diversity. Equally important is creating a sense of community—celebrating successes, telling meaningful stories, and connecting volunteers to something larger than themselves. Over time, these efforts transform individual participants into committed advocates who not only contribute their time, but also inspire others, creating a growing, self-sustaining network of environmental stewards.

Little Chicks, Big Stories
2026-06-18 10:30 - 11:30 | RT Jones Library, Cherokee County, GA, 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA, 30114, United States
Chicken Storytime with SGI! In-Person

Join us for a special storytime and activity with our friend Ms. Jodi from the Southeastern Grasslands Institute! Children must be accompanied by an adult. We hope to see you there!
Photo: Mississippi State Extension

Seeds on the Move: Nature’s Traveling Garden
2026-06-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Kemp Memorial Library, Cobb County, GA, 4029 Due West Road, Marietta, GA, 30064, United States
Discover how plants travel without ever moving their roots in this fun, hands-on library program all about seed distribution! School-age participants will explore the amazing ways seeds spread—by wind, water, and even hitchhiking on animals and people. Through interactive demonstrations and simple activities, kids will investigate how different seeds are designed to soar, float, stick, or roll their way to new growing places. By the end of the program, participants will have a deeper understanding of how plants grow and spread in nature—and may even take home seeds of their own to start a mini garden.
Photo: Nature on the Brink graphic

Unearth A Story
2026-06-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Hickory Flat Library, Cherokee County, GA, 2740 E Cherokee Dr, Canton, Georgia, 30115, United States
Unearth A Story invites preschoolers to dig into the wonders beneath their feet through stories, sensory play, and hands-on discovery. Children will explore soil, worms, roots, and tiny underground creatures while listening to engaging nature-themed books and participating in simple, interactive activities. This playful program sparks curiosity about how plants grow and how living things depend on healthy soil, helping young learners connect with nature in a fun and meaningful way.
Age Group: Preschool

Bee Builders: Creating Homes for Nature’s Pollinators 🐝
2026-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw, GA, 30152, United States
Join us at the library for a hands-on Bee Hotel program designed especially for school-age youth! In this engaging and educational activity, participants will learn about the fascinating world of native bees—gentle, solitary pollinators that play a vital role in helping plants grow, flowers bloom, and ecosystems thrive. Kids will discover how these bees differ from honeybees, why they need safe nesting spaces, and how we can support them right in our own backyards. The highlight of the program is building a simple bee hotel using natural and recycled materials, giving each child a chance to create a habitat they can take home and monitor. This fun, creative experience blends science, conservation, and craftsmanship while inspiring young learners to become stewards of the environment.
Age Group: School Age Youth
Photo: Scout Life

The Living Edge: Prairie Strips in the Modern Landscape
2026-06-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Cherokee Veteran’s Park, 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton, GA, 30115, United States
Discover how prairie strips can transform ordinary landscapes into vibrant habitat for pollinators, birds, and wildlife while improving soil and water health. In *The Living Edge: Prairie Strips in the Modern Landscape*, participants will explore the beauty, ecological benefits, and practical design of prairie strips through an engaging outdoor program focused on conservation, native plants, and sustainable land stewardship. Learn how even small areas of native grasses and wildflowers can make a big environmental impact in parks, neighborhoods, farms, and community spaces.
Milton Garden Club

Tiny Greens, Big Impact
2026-07-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Rd, Canton, GA, 30115, United States
Discover the power of tiny plants with this engaging public presentation on microgreens! Learn what microgreens are, how they differ from sprouts and baby greens, and why they are packed with flavor, color, and nutrition. Participants will explore easy methods for growing microgreens indoors year-round, discover popular varieties to try at home, and learn creative ways to use them in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and more. Whether you are interested in healthy eating, gardening in small spaces, or growing fresh food for your family, this presentation offers practical tips and inspiration for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Age: Adults, Youth

The Incredible Journey - Lifecycle of a Water Molecule
2026-07-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Hickory Flat Library, Cherokee County, GA, 2740 E Cherokee Dr, Canton, Georgia, 30115, United States
Join us for an exciting open library event for youth, **“The Incredible Journey – Lifecycle of a Water Molecule,”** where young explorers will follow the amazing path of water through clouds, rain, rivers, soil, plants, and living things! Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, participants will discover how water moves through the water cycle, supports life on Earth, and connects every ecosystem. This fun and educational program will spark curiosity about science, weather, and the natural world while showing that every drop has an incredible story to tell.

Exploring Ecosystems - Mini Terrariums
2026-07-23 17:00 - 18:30 | North Cobb Library, 3535 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA, 30144, United States
Join us for **“Exploring Ecosystems – Mini Terrariums,”** an exciting open library event for youth where participants will discover how ecosystems work by creating their own miniature living world! Young naturalists will learn how plants, soil, moisture, sunlight, and decomposers interact to form balanced ecosystems while building and taking home a small terrarium. Through hands-on exploration and creativity, this fun and educational program will inspire curiosity about nature, ecology, and the delicate connections that support life on Earth.

Tellus Symposium 2027
2027-03-20 09:00 - 16:00 | Tellus Science Museum, 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA, 30120, United States
The Tellus Symposium 2027 brings together scientists, land stewards, educators, and community leaders to explore the vital connections between native plants, pollinators, and Southern grasslands. Together, we will share knowledge, inspire action, and build partnerships that advance research, restoration, and conservation across the region. By celebrating the beauty and resilience of our native ecosystems, we can create thriving habitats for pollinators and wildlife while supporting healthy communities for generations to come.
Speakers:
Ashley Frasca – Green and Growing with Ashley Frasca
Doug Tallamy – Homegrown National Park
Laurie & Larry Alvord – Georgia Bat Experts
Philip Juras – Historical Grassland Artist
Dwayne Estes – Southeastern Grasslands Institute
Trecia Neal – Green Gardens Education and Design
Kyle Lybarger – Native Habitat Project
