NILES — Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is a place where nature blends with gardens and art. Fernwood is comprised of 105 acres on the St. Joseph River at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. There’s always lots going on at the local garden from arts and crafts to exercise opportunities. Listed below are upcoming events for July 25 to Aug. 2.

Friday, Aug. 3

• Shakespeare at Fernwood, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The Merchant of Venice is a comedic, poignant tale presented by the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival Touring Company under the open sky at Fernwood. The two-hour performance is free of charge, so people are invited to bring their lawn chairs, family, friends, and enjoy Shakespeare on the Green at Fernwood. Food will be available for purchase by Chef Tim Carrigan.

Sunday, Aug. 5

• Fernwood Photography Club, 2 to 4 p.m.

This activity is open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program. For more information, contact Bob Denny at bobdenny.fernwood@gmail.com. Free with paid Fernwood admission.

Saturday, Aug. 11

• Watercolor Workshop, 10 to 4 p.m.

Dave Knoebber, of Art Loft Studio and Gallery in New Buffalo and host of WRHC 106.7 FM program “Harbor Country Arts Scene,” will lead a watercolor workshop featuring the summer landscape at Fernwood. A supply list is available upon registration. Cost: $80 (Member $64)

• Tallgrass Prairie Walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Every week brings new flowers into bloom in the tallgrass prairie with peak occurring in late July and early August. Come out and enjoy the show! $12 (Members $10). Children 10 and under are free.

Sunday, Aug. 12

• The Mediterranean Landscape, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

This activity will teach people how to add some Mediterranean character to their home landscape. Cost: $12 (Members $10)

•Volunteer Educators Training Session: Tallgrass Prairie, 2 to 6 p.m. 

Volunteer Educators are essential to the success of our youth programs as they help lead nature walks on the trails, assist with public programming, and so much more. Those Interested in joining should dress for walking the trails. All volunteers are welcome to attend any session of interest. Questions? Contact Naturalist Wendy Jones.

• Second Sunday Concert, 4 to 5 p.m. 

Carla Trynchuk, WAUS Radio and Fernwood present another season of Second Sunday Concerts through September. Concerts take place on Fernwood’s Green. Admission is free after 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 15

• Pond Study for Kids, 10 to noon

Children ages 6 to 10 can visit Fernwood’s ponds to catch crayfish, tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs, giant water bugs, and more. Those interested should dress in old clothes and shoes, and bring a change of fresh clothes. Cost: $10 (Members $8)

• Summer Yoga, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

People can bring their yoga practice into the outdoors. All levels welcome. This class will incorporate both yang (energetic movement) and yin (restorative) poses with the intent to restore the vital self. Cost: $12 (Members $10)

Other activities:

• Jon Meyer Nature Day Camps

Fernwood’s forests, pond, river, and prairie serve as the classrooms for these popular day camps. Those interested can visit Fernwood’s website for more information on camp offerings and to register.

• Roy and Ethelbel Knauer

Art Camps

Fernwood’s Roy and Ethelbel Knauer Art Camps combine the arts with natural sciences and are designed to stimulate curiosity, appreciation, and knowledge of the natural world. Those interested can visit Fernwood’s website for more information on camp offerings and to register.