Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Birding Walks
2025-05-02 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-06 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Visitor Pavilion
Embark on a nature-filled adventure with our Birding Walks at Daniel Stowe Conservancy!
Led by longtime Garden volunteer and avid birdwatcher, Gail Ice, this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse avian life that calls our Garden trails home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, join us for an educational and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
What to Expect:

Guided bird-walk along the Garden trails, meeting outside the Garden Pavilion.
Learn about local bird species, their habitats, and behaviors from an experienced birder.
Discover hidden gems and scenic spots within the Garden while observing birds in their natural environment.
Bring your own pair of binoculars if you have them to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Important Information:

This event is open to all ages and levels of birdwatching experience. Pets are not allowed to accompany on these walks.
Please dress appropriately for hiking and outdoor exploration. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and bringing rain gear, as this event is rain or shine.
Participants are encouraged to respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles during the walk.
Registration is not required for this event; simply meet outside the Visitors Pavilion at the designated time to join the walk.

Note: Participants without memberships who wish to explore the Garden’s interior after the Birding Walk will need to purchase tickets for Garden admission.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and discover the beauty of birdwatching at Daniel Stowe Conservancy!

Farmhouse Garden Center Grand Opening
2025-05-03 10:00 - 18:00
Join us on Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. for the Grand Opening of our new Farmhouse Garden Center! This new space is a remodeled white house that previously held administrative offices. Now, visitors will find a variety of home gardening needs both inside The Farmhouse and in the garden spaces surrounding the building. Products available for purchase include plants, seeds, pots and tools along with gardening books, gifts and supplies, such as home and yard decor. The Farmhouse Garden Center embraces a rustic, charming feel, from the classic farmhouse kitchen space to a jewel-toned, moody room to kick back and relax. The Farmhouse Garden Center will also serve as a new location for gardening and horticulture classes and workshops for visitors, with a room dedicated to potting and planting.
We’re hosting several promos during the Grand Opening to celebrate the new space:

The first 25 visitors to make a purchase on Saturday, May 3 at The Farmhouse Garden Center will receive a free day pass to The Gardens at Stowe.

Anyone who makes a purchase at The Farmhouse Garden Center on Saturday, May 3 may bring their receipt to The Trailhead Store to receive 50% off their purchase (alcohol not included)

Daniel Stowe Conservancy is also running a social media giveaway on their Instagram @danielstoweconservancy. Participants will be entered to win a $100 gift card to The Farmhouse Garden Center. The last day to enter is Thursday, May 1.

We hope to see you there!

Pickin' on the Porch
2025-05-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-31 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Trailhead
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the Trailhead Store! Our Pickin’ on the Porch music series brings talented local musical artists out to the Trailhead Store porch for some free fun every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. (Weather permitting). Pickin’ on the Porch features:

Rotating musical artists
Beverages like lattes, cold beer, wine and soda
S’mores and other tasty treats

Upcoming Line Up:
October 4 – JazzGroupProject
October 11 – McKinney Gap
October 18 – Ephraim Sommers
October 25 – Munn + Nunn
November 1 – The Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
November 8 – LorrieAnn Dalley
November 15 – Ephraim Sommers
November 22 – Alma Russ

Pickin’ on the Porch and access to the Trailhead Store is free!

Others Day 5k + Kids' Dash
2025-05-04 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for a fun trail race to celebrate the special women in your lives.
Why “Other’s Day”?
First, we love moms. Moms are the best. But we also want to celebrate all the amazing women that support and inspire us everyday. Grandmothers. Granddaughters. Sisters. Aunts. Nieces. Mentors. Besties. Daughters. and yes, Mothers.
The Other’s Day 5K is a chance to celebrate and honor “the village”. So join us and rep the Others that have and continue to make a difference in your life.
Race registration includes triblend race shirt in your choice of unisex or women’s cut, finisher medal, post race food, drinks and vendor fair. That’s not all! 5K participants will also receive 50% off access to the Gardens (valid only on race day).
Your participation in the Other’s Day 5k supports membership, donations and private funding to operate and serve the community.
Bring the whole family for the Kids Dash following the 5K! The Kids Dash course is a loop around the pond near the start/finish line, so parents can hang out and enjoy the post-race festivities while keeping an eye on the little ones as they dash!
Register Here

Birding Walks
2025-05-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Embark on a nature-filled adventure with our Birding Walks at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden!
Led by longtime Garden volunteer and avid birdwatcher, Gail Ice, this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse avian life that calls our Garden trails home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, join us for an educational and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
What to Expect:

Guided bird-walk along the Garden trails, meeting outside the Garden’s Visitors Pavilion.
Learn about local bird species, their habitats, and behaviors from an experienced birder.
Discover hidden gems and scenic spots within the Garden while observing birds in their natural environment.
Bring your own pair of binoculars if you have them to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Important Information:

This event is open to all ages and levels of birdwatching experience. Pets are not allowed to accompany on these walks.
Please dress appropriately for hiking and outdoor exploration. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and bringing rain gear, as this event is rain or shine.
Participants are encouraged to respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles during the walk.
Registration is not required for this event; simply meet outside the Visitors Pavilion at the designated time to join the walk.

Note: Participants without memberships who wish to explore the Garden’s interior after the Birding Walk will need to purchase tickets for Garden admission.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and discover the beauty of birdwatching at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden!

Forest Bathing
2025-05-08 09:00 - 12:00
Join us on this three-hour journey to unplug, slow down and reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you. Forest Bathing (also known as the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku) invites you to explore the natural world using your five senses. This is not a hike or naturalist walk; it’s a meditative, guided wander in nature. And there’s a growing body of scientific knowledge that demonstrates the benefits of spending time in nature like this, as a wellness practice and as an effective way to manage stress.
Benefits include:

Boosting your immune system through inhaling phytoncides, essential oils emitted by trees, plus other beneficial microscopic particles that are stirred up as you walk
Reducing blood pressure, respiration and heart rate
Reducing stress, improving mood, increasing energy and improving sleep
Increased capacity for empathy and kindness for self and others
Increased ability to think strategically (“Executive Thinking”)
· Increased ability to think more creatively (“Original Thoughts”)

Register Here
Guide, Angie Stegall is an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach and a Certified Sparketype ™ Advisor. She’s an Executive LIFE Coach who works with Founders, business owners and other executive-level leaders. Angie is also the author of five books, including “Notes from Nature” and “Make Some Room.”
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking on uneven surfaces along dirt or gravel covered trails and for sitting down on grass, pine needles, or bare dirt. Bring a hat, sunglasses, layers or rain gear. Please check the weather as we forest bathe in sun, rain, wind or snow. Sunscreen and/or bug spray might be appropriate, too. Bring your own water and snacks if needed and a small backpack to carry these personal items. Your guide will have small sit pads available for you to use or you can bring your own yoga mat, towel or blanket.
Forest Bathing Testimonials:
“I’m sleeping better. Prior to the Forest Bathing experience, I had not been sleeping well. Since the experience, I have had some of the best sleep that I can remember.”
“The time our guide Angie took to center us before we went into the forest. I loved the outward facing circle exercise. It helped me clear my mind and practice listening and looking before we began “bathing”. Also, she answered my questions before I asked: about pace, distance between participants, and no talking throughout.”
“I was energized and thrilled to have such an atypical morning. This fueled me for the remainder of the day, and helped me fall asleep quickly, and a bit earlier than usual.”
Program Details:

Cost:

$65 for Garden Members
$80 for non-Garden Members

Location: The Trailhead Store

Celebrate the Outdoors Night with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers
2025-05-09 19:00 - 21:00
Mark your calendars for May 9 at 7 p.m. and head to CaroMont Health Park for Celebrate the Outdoors night as the Gastonia Ghost Peppers take on their rivals, the High Point Rockers! 🏟️🔥
We’ve teamed up with the Ghost Peppers to raise funds for Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Purchase your tickets through the link below and a portion of the proceeds will support Stowe’s mission of creating unforgettable outdoor experiences.
✨ Special Bonus: The fan who purchases the most tickets will earn the honor of delivering the game ball before the action begins! 🙌 A rare opportunity to step into the spotlight and be a part of the game day magic.
Don’t miss out on this exceptional event packed with thrilling plays, community spirit and a chance celebrate the outdoors! Secure your tickets now and aim for that top spot! 🎟️🌟 See you there!
Get Tickets

Mother's Day at Stowe
2025-05-11 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday, May 11 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Join us this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11 for a joyful afternoon surrounded by greenery and blooms. As our thanks for spending your day with us, admission for ALL moms (new mothers, grandmothers and every mom in-between) is half-price!
From 1-3 p.m., enjoy live music on the lawn by female folk duo Munn & Nunn! The sounds of nature in the morning and music in the afternoon create perfect soundtracks for your garden picnic!
Treat mom (and yourself!) to a drink and stretch out on the grass or find a sunny cafe table! We’ll also have local food trucks on site and cool grab-and-go lunch or dessert options inside!
Make it extra special by visiting the Big Leaf bar and getting our new Mother’s Day-exclusive Beverage + Bouquet Bundle: choose your beverage and build your own adorable mini bouquet to sit alongside your drink!
Shop an eclectic local vendor market on our Four Seasons Lawn filled with one-of-a-kind goods to find the perfect gift for mom!
Inside our Garden Pavilion, don’t miss the Gaston County Art Guild’s A Natural View art show on display this spring. Learn more about A Natural View here.
While you’re here, stop and shop at our charming new Farmhouse Garden Center, located beside the Trailhead Store! The first 500 moms to visit the Farmhouse who have purchased Garden admission will receive a free starter bloom to nestle beautifully into your home garden, while supplies last! Blooms include native and non-invasive favorites like zinnias, marigolds and other pollinator-friendly pops of color.
Admission:

Adult: $20
Senior (60+): $16
Child (2-12): $10
Half-Price Mom: $10
Half-Price Senior Mom: $8

Children under 2 are free. Stowe members are free.
Register Here

Birding Walks
2025-05-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Embark on a nature-filled adventure with our Birding Walks at Daniel Stowe Conservancy!
Led by longtime Garden volunteer and avid birdwatcher, Gail Ice, this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse avian life that calls our Garden trails home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, join us for an educational and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
What to Expect:

Guided bird-walk along the Garden trails, meeting outside the Garden Pavilion.
Learn about local bird species, their habitats, and behaviors from an experienced birder.
Discover hidden gems and scenic spots within the Garden while observing birds in their natural environment.
Bring your own pair of binoculars if you have them to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Important Information:

This event is open to all ages and levels of birdwatching experience. Pets are not allowed to accompany on these walks.
Please dress appropriately for hiking and outdoor exploration. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and bringing rain gear, as this event is rain or shine.
Participants are encouraged to respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles during the walk.
Registration is not required for this event; simply meet outside the Garden Pavilion at the designated time to join the walk.

Note: Participants without memberships who wish to explore the Garden’s interior after the Birding Walk will need to purchase tickets for Garden admission.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and discover the beauty of birdwatching at Daniel Stowe Conservancy!

Hats in the Garden
2025-05-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Wednesday, May 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Get ready to make a grand entrance on Wednesday, May 21, as Hats in the Garden returns with a vibrant burst of springtime energy!
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s mission, as we raise our glasses to the blooming renovation of our White Garden. Picture this: sipping sparkling champagne and tasty cocktails surrounded by the beauty of our White Garden, a delicious luncheon and the fabulous company of fellow fashion enthusiasts and, of course, taking in the extraordinary and creative hats worn by your fellow attendees!
This fabulously chic annual fundraiser isn’t just an event – it’s a dazzling showcase of community spirit, bringing together over 300 local philanthropists and leaders who share our passion for nurturing nature’s wonders and preserving our botanical paradise.
Purchase Tickets

Jazz at the Garden: Memorial Weekend Kickoff and Outside White Party
2025-05-23 18:00 - 22:00
Friday, May 23 | 7-10 p.m.

Jazz at the Garden is back! Start your Memorial Day weekend off right with an evening of jazz, delicious Southern barbecue and dancing the night away.
On , join us in welcoming The Terence Young Experience to our outdoor Four Seasons Lawn! Pack your picnic blankets or lawn chairs and wear your coolest white ensemble!
To enjoy the holiday weekend right, you can pre-purchase your barbecue buffet access and have dinner squared away– just add a plate for each person to your cart and you can check them out with your tickets. Enjoy local barbecue featuring tender pork and chicken, classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans and a dinner roll. (No outside food will be permitted. Additional snacks at our bar, subject to availability.)
Doors open at 6 p.m., giving you time to settle in, grab a drink from our cash bar, fix yourself a plate, and take a garden stroll before the concert begins.
At 7 p.m., Terence Young and his band will take the stage, bringing their signature blend of jazz, R&B and smooth grooves. A celebrated guitarist with an impressive career, Young has performed alongside legendary artists such as Gladys Knight, BabyFace, Charlie Wilson, Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack and many more. He is featured on guitar on the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute with R&B Queen Angie Stone. A true Carolina classic, Terence Young is a native of Elko, South Carolina, and now resides in Columbia, South Carolina.
After the concert, stick around for an outdoor dance party! Embrace the tradition of crisp linens and summer whites (last chance before Labor Day!) and come dressed in your breeziest white dresses and slacks as you dance under the stars!

Adult Ticket: $49
BBQ Plate: $20
Each plate is good for one person, so please add the appropriate amount of plates and tickets for your party!

Members save 15% on their concert ticket! Be sure to log in with your membership-associated email address and you will see your discounted price at checkout.
Register Here

Grow Your Own Butterfly Workshop
2025-05-24 11:00 - 11:45
Saturday, May 24 | 11 a.m. | Part of the Butterfly Festival
Children and adults alike can enjoy the magical experience of raising a butterfly! In this fun, hands-on workshop, kids will learn all about the butterfly life cycle and take home a garden kit with two live caterpillars, their food, and a cozy habitat to watch them grow, transform, and take flight!
Led by a garden educator, this 30–45 minute class is perfect for curious young minds discovering nature! A butterfly kit is perfect for the whole family to observe, so only one kit purchase per family is required! Space is limited, so reserve your kit and join us at the outdoor Levine Pavilion to learn together!

$30 per kit, suitable for one family
Regular garden admission for non-members is required at check-in

Register Here

Butterfly Festival
2025-05-24 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-25 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-26 11:00 - 15:00
Memorial Day Weekend | May 24 – 26, 2025
Activities between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Discover the magic of metamorphosis at our Butterfly Festival: a weekend of fluttering wings and sunny skies! To celebrate in the grand opening of our beloved Butterfly Bungalow this Memorial Day Weekend, we’ve crafted an afternoon of fun where visitors of all ages can explore the colorful world of butterflies and pollinators!

Check out our Grow Your Own Butterfly workshops on Saturday or Sunday, and take home a care kit with live caterpillars! With just one kit, a family can join our educational workshop and watch their hungry caterpillars grow into native butterflies at home!

On Monday, join a garden expert on a guided Butterfly Nature Walk, where you’ll spot butterflies and butterfly-nurturing blooms, learn more about native plants, sustainability for butterflies and more! At Stowe, the beauty of nature in flight doesn’t end at the Bungalow’s door!

Plus, check out creative and educational crafts with our educators for the kids, attend a butterfly-themed story-time, complete our special Butterfly Festival scavenger hunt and enjoy loads more family fun! Grab a themed drink or kid’s treat at the bar – and pick up some seed-growing kits while you’re there to sprout a native spring bloom that butterflies will love! Don’t forget to strike a pose with our giant butterfly wings for a great photo to remember the day!

Register Here

Grow Your Own Butterfly Workshop
2025-05-24 13:30 - 14:15
Saturday, May 24 | 1:30 p.m. | Part of the Butterfly Festival
Children and adults alike can enjoy the magical experience of raising a butterfly! In this fun, hands-on workshop, kids will learn all about the butterfly life cycle and take home a garden kit with two live caterpillars, their food, and a cozy habitat to watch them grow, transform, and take flight!
Led by a garden educator, this 30–45 minute class is perfect for curious young minds discovering nature! A butterfly kit is perfect for the whole family to observe, so only one kit purchase per family is required! Space is limited, so reserve your kit and join us at the outdoor Levine Pavilion to learn together!

$30 per kit, suitable for one family
Regular garden admission for non-members is required at check-in

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Grow Your Own Butterfly Workshop
2025-05-25 11:00 - 11:45
Sunday, May 25 | 11 a.m. | Part of the Butterfly Festival
Children and adults alike can enjoy the magical experience of raising a butterfly! In this fun, hands-on workshop, kids will learn all about the butterfly life cycle and take home a garden kit with two live caterpillars, their food, and a cozy habitat to watch them grow, transform, and take flight!
Led by a garden educator, this 30–45 minute class is perfect for curious young minds discovering nature! A butterfly kit is perfect for the whole family to observe, so only one kit purchase per family is required! Space is limited, so reserve your kit and join us at the outdoor Levine Pavilion to learn together!

$30 per kit, suitable for one family
Regular garden admission for non-members is required at check-in

Register Here

Grow Your Own Butterfly Workshop
2025-05-25 13:30 - 14:15
Sunday, May 25 | 1:30 a.m. | Part of the Butterfly Festival
Children and adults alike can enjoy the magical experience of raising a butterfly! In this fun, hands-on workshop, kids will learn all about the butterfly life cycle and take home a garden kit with two live caterpillars, their food, and a cozy habitat to watch them grow, transform, and take flight!
Led by a garden educator, this 30–45 minute class is perfect for curious young minds discovering nature! A butterfly kit is perfect for the whole family to observe, so only one kit purchase per family is required! Space is limited, so reserve your kit and join us at the outdoor Levine Pavilion to learn together!

$30 per kit, suitable for one family
Regular garden admission for non-members is required at check-in

Register Here

Butterfly Nature Walk
2025-05-26 13:30 - 14:15
Monday, May 26 | 1:30 p.m. | Part of the Butterfly Festival
Meet up with curious minds outside the Butterfly Bungalow to take a peaceful stroll through our most butterfly-friendly spaces on this guided nature walk, led by a knowledgeable garden educator. Along the way, you’ll discover the native plants that support pollinators, learn how to spot and identify local butterfly or moth species and experience the fluttering wings of spring.
Please pre-register your free spot, as availability is limited!
Register Here

Tai Chi + Tea
2025-05-28 10:00 - 12:30 | Visitor Pavilion
Wednesday, May 28 | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful movements of Tai Chi, then enjoy complimentary tea as you explore the principles of Chinese Medicine and how what we eat and drink can help enhance our health.
Members: $50
Non-Members: $65
Register Here

Woodland Naturalist Summer Camp
2025-06-09 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-10 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-11 09:00 - 15:00
Calling all young nature lovers! Campers will learn about our forest environment and its creatures, small and big, shy and friendly, sharing their unique habitats with us.
Campers will be outside rain or shine with hands-on, engaging activities lead by our Education staff and camp counselors.
June 9-13 | Ages 8-12 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225 | Non-Members – $250
Register Here
