Nature Club (ages 2-5)
2026-03-05 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
Let your creativity shine as we transform used items into something brand new.

Nature's Healing
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 and 1 more date
Research proves that meditation in nature is a powerful and productive technique to improve your quality of life.

Join us each Wednesday at 10am as Dennis Kelly, Founder of Meditation Around Town, leads each EXPERIENCE NATURE’S HEALING session in the beautiful natural setting of The Brenton Arboretum.

This program is FREE to everyone and NO REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. The meditation is physically low-impact and suitable for anyone able to sit or stand quietly (boisterous children may have a hard time). No special equipment is required.

During winter month Nature’s Healing will meet in the Vista Room. When you enter the arboretum’s main gate follow the road to the right. Please park in the parking area directly before you reach the main building.

During warmer months Nature’s Healing will meet at the Pavilion. When you enter the arboretum’s main gate follow the road straight. The road will take a curve and the Pavilion will be on your left hand side. Please parking in the parking lot directly across from the Pavilion.

Experience Nature's Healing: Nature Meditation
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 and 1 more date
Nature Healing and Yoga with Nature will be on holiday break until Wednesday January 15th. Have a great season with family and friends and we hope to see everyone back January 15th, 2025

Research proves that meditation in nature is a powerful and productive technique to improve your quality of life.

Join us each Wednesday at 10am as Dennis Kelly, Founder of Meditation Around Town, leads each EXPERIENCE NATURE’S HEALING session in the beautiful natural setting of The Brenton Arboretum.

This program is FREE to everyone and NO REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. The meditation is physically low-impact and suitable for anyone able to sit or stand quietly (boisterous children may have a hard time). No special equipment is required.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Brenton Arboretum, to get to the Pavilion, continue straight on the arboretum’s gravel road after you pass through the main gate. The road will meander through the property — drive slowly and watch for pedestrians — and you’ll see the Pavilion and it’s parking area at the north end of the property.

Visit: http://experiencenatureshealing.com/ for more information.

Acorn Academy (6 years and up)
2026-03-19 09:00 - 10:00
What’s going on amongst decaying logs, in a heap of leaves, or in a pile of compost? Come learn about decomposers and build a kitchen composter.

Register Here

Learn about the bustling of life in unsuspecting places.

Nature Club (ages 2-5)
2026-03-19 10:30 - 11:30
Sing songs, craft, and explore an exciting world of life in unsuspecting places.

Register Here

Learn about the bustling of life in unsuspecting places.

Visit to Grimes Public Library
2026-03-25 13:00 - 14:00
Explore more about our feathered friends, with hands-on activities for the kids.

Acorn Academy (Ages 6 and up)
2026-04-02 09:00 - 10:00
Explore the wonderful world of flowers! Discover how flowers can mix and match their pollen to create brand-new flowers with different looks and even new colors!

Register Here

Kid's Nature Club (Ages 2-5)
2026-04-02 10:30 - 11:30
Hi Friends! Have you ever wondered how to get flowers that have different shapes, colors, sizes, or smells? Come explore with us the amazing world of flowers.

Register Here

Visit to Clive Public Library: Tree Dwellers
2026-04-02 18:15 - 19:00 | Clive Public Library, 1900 NW 114th St, Clive, Iowa, 50325, United States
Learn about tree and animal interactions. Activity included for kids to work on fine motor skills.

Trees For Bees at the Clive Public Library
2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Clive Iowa Public Library, 1900 NW 114th St, Clive, Iowa, 50325
Want to learn how to support our pollinator population with trees? Join Brenton Arboretum Executive Director, Melissa Burdick, at the Clive Public Library for review of excellent trees for Iowa landscapes that are especially beneficial to our local pollinators. Our conversation will range from large overstory trees to selections for the smaller landscape as well as shrubs that will have your garden humming with happy bees.

This is a free lecture and no registration is required. Please note, this program is at the Clive Public Library.

Spring Paint N Pie
2026-04-19 13:00 - 15:30
🎨🥧 Spring Paint N’ Pie with Libby Morecraft 🥧🎨

Celebrate spring with creativity (and pie!) at our Spring Paint N’ Pie on April 29, 2026. Join local artist Libby Morecraft for a fun, relaxed painting experience where she’ll guide you step by step in creating an adorable baby bird canvas—perfect for spring décor.

No experience needed! Libby will share her favorite tips and tricks to help you customize your painting and create a one-of-a-kind piece you’ll be proud to display in your home. Enjoy great company, delicious pie, and an evening of artistic fun.

🎟️ Tickets are limited—reserve your spot today and paint your way into spring!

Trees & Climate Change
2026-04-22 18:00 - 20:00
Join Brenton Arboretum Executive Director, Melissa Burdick, for an in-depth look at how trees both reflect and affect the Earth’s climate. In this lecture we’ll review the science that informs climate knowledge along with the strategies humans can take to make a positive impact on the future of the planet.

This is a free lecture and no registration is required.

Earth Day
2026-04-26 13:00 - 15:00
Join The Brenton Arboretum team as we kick off our 2026 classes and programs with a fun-filled Earth Day celebration! 🌎✨

📅 Sunday, April 26🕐 1:00–3:00 PM

Bring your family and friends and drop in anytime for an afternoon of FREE, open-house–style crafts, games, and hands-on activities for all ages. Come explore, create, and celebrate our planet together at the Arboretum! 🌿💚

Stay after our Earth Day activities to hike, explore and enjoy the arboretum grounds. No registration necessary.

Snappy’s Pit Fire BBQ food truck

Dallas Center Cub Scouts pack #116

Dallas County Sheriff

Green Iowa Ameri Corps

Iowa Department of Forestry

The Brenton Arboretum kids craft station

Iowa Waste Authority

Birds and Bagels
2026-05-02 07:00 - 09:00
Welcome Back, Feathered Friends!Spring Bird Walk with local bird enthusiast John Bissell

As migratory birds return to Iowa, join local bird enthusiast John Bissell for an engaging and educational walking adventure through the Arboretum. Together, you’ll explore the grounds, identify bird species, and dive into fascinating conversations about habitats, migration, and all things birds.

Your journey begins and ends at our brand-new Eddy Woods Wildlife Observation Walnut, a peaceful space designed to connect you with nature. After your hike, relax in the observation area with a complimentary bagel and juice, and chat with fellow nature lovers about all the birds you spotted along the way.

Event Details:

🌿 All ages welcome (children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult)

🐶 No dogs, please

🧥 Dress for outdoor exploration—this program takes place entirely outside

🔭 Don’t forget your binoculars!

Come celebrate the beauty of spring migration and immerse yourself in the world of birds. We can’t wait to explore with you!

Cost is $5.00 for members and $10.00 for non-members
