Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is a place where nature blends with gardens and art. The garden is comprised of 105 acres on the St. Joseph River, at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. The following is a breakdown of upcoming events.

The Chippewa Project | Friday, July 13

• 6:30 to 9 p.m. —  A group of longtime friends and family members started The Chippewa Project. The group is comprised of local talent from Niles and Buchanan, people can sing and dance along to their renditions of classic rock and country hits—new and old. Food will be provided by Chef Tim Carrigan, and beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets in advance $8. Ticket purchases between July 10 to July 13 are $10.

Garden Stations: Herbs |

Sunday, July 15

• 2 to 4 p.m. —The community is welcome to drop by on Sunday, July 15, for a hands-on learning experience straight from the gardens. Free with paid Fernwood admission.

Tallgrass Prairie Walk |

Sunday, July 15

• 2 to 3:30 p.m. — Every week brings new flowers into bloom in the tallgrass prairie, with peak occurring in late July and early August. Cost: $12 (Members $10). Children 10 and under are free.

Summer Yoga | Wednesday, July 18

• 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. — The community can bring their yoga practice into the outdoors. All levels are welcome to this class that will incorporate both yang (energetic movement) and yin (restorative) poses to restore the vital self. Cost: $12 (Members $10)

Lavender Cut and Craft Class |

Thursday, July 19

• 2 to 5 p.m. — The community is invited to enjoy a fragrant afternoon at Lavender Hill Farm in Niles. Those who visit the farm can cut fresh lavender from the fields and create a fragrant and decorative lavender wand or small wreath with owner, Martha Wilczynski. $20 (Members $16)

Fernwood Friday | Friday, July 20

• 5:30 to 9 p.m. — As part of the WVPE Summer Concert Series, Kennedy’s Kitchen will perform. Their sound includes fiddle, flute, whistle, mandolin, tenor banjo, bouzouki, guitar, and bass. Food by Chef Tim Carrigan, and beer and wine will be available for purchase. Cost: $5 (Fernwood and WVPE Members are free)

Fernwood Book Group |

Saturday, July 21

• 10:30 a.m. to noon — In Suspect Terrain by John McPhee. Even those who have not read the book are encouraged to attend. This activity is free with paid Fernwood admission.

“Reclaiming our Nature” Contemplative Program: Summer Retreat | Saturday, July 21

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Meditation teacher and University of Notre Dame research professor Deirdre Guthrie presents the third of our 2018 seasonal contemplative programs, featuring a variety of meditation activities and exercises to guide you through your inner landscapes of well-being as you honor this time of peak growth and seasonal surroundings. $40 (Members $35)

Art Stations: Drawing with Charcoal | Saturday, July 21

• 2 to 4 p.m. — The community is welcome to drop by on Saturday, July 21, to try their hand at an art project. The activity is free with paid Fernwood admission.