Mission
Our mission is to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.
Member Programming
Throughout the year, members at all levels enjoy free or reduced admission at most events, and access to members-only programs.
Whether you’re looking forward to sipping a cocktail while strolling through our ponds, seeing our state-of-the-art greenhouse on a guided tour, or enjoying an opportunity to celebrate with other members during our annual Member Night, we’ve got you covered in 2026.
This page is continuously updated throughout the season, so make sure to check back here and keep an eye on your email for updates through the new seasonal membership newsletter!
Wednesday, September 23 from 4 – 7 pm (Postponed to the rain date)
Join fellow members and Mt. Cuba Center experts for our 3rd annual Member Night! Member Night is free for all members, so reserve your spot today.
Enjoy extended hours in the gardens during a special night designed just for you and your guests.
This year’s event will feature:
Live music by The Honey Badgers
Hayrides through our Natural Lands
One-Night-Only 15% Discount on Native Plants (including never-before-offered plants!)
Specialty Tours
Pop-Up Talks
Expert Demonstrations with Mt. Cuba Staff
Beer, Wine, & Mixed Drinks Featuring Unique, Native Plant Cocktails
Multiple Food Options & Food Trucks
And More!
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, August 20th from 10-11 am
Thursday, September 17th from 10-11 am
Thursday, October 15th from 10-11 am
Thursday, November 19th from 10-11 am
This monthly member meet-up is designed to be a casual opportunity for connection at Mt. Cuba. We’ll meet in a rotating location in the gardens, and will be joined by our membership team and a different special guest from Mt. Cuba each month. Complimentary coffee, tea, and treats will be served. Come and go as you please; there is no need to register. Check in when you arrive at Ticketing on the day of the program.
Thursday, June 25th from 3-4 pm
Friday, October 9th from 3-4 pm (SOLD OUT)
Get an exclusive tour of our state-of-the-art greenhouse facility and learn how the day-to-day operations contribute to our conservation efforts with James Rockwell, Mt. Cuba’s Greenhouse and Nursery Production Manager.
Individual+ members can reserve a maximum of two tickets, while Dual+ and higher-level members are eligible to reserve up to four tickets. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. This is a highly-requested program and is likely to sell out fast. If you are unable to attend and have already reserved a ticket, please let us know as soon as you are able to.
*Please have your digital membership card ready to reference your membership number in order to reserve this tour.
About the Instructor:
James Rockwell is the Greenhouse & Nursery Manager at Mt. Cuba Center. He earned a BS in Environmental Horticulture and Agribusiness Management from Virginia Tech. James oversees our conservation research greenhouse where he facilitates propagation work for our gardens, external collaborators, and industry partners. Prior to joining Mt. Cuba Center in 2017, James gained experience at Longwood Gardens. His favorite aspect of working in the greenhouse is observing plants in all life stages, from seed to mature plants.
Friday 9/18, 5 – 7 pm | $45
Membership price | $36
With Sam Hoadley and Diane Keesee
Enjoy a stroll through the trial gardens of Mt. Cuba with a signature Pycnanthemum cocktail in hand and Manager of Horticultural Research by your side. Pycnanthemum, commonly known as mountain-mint, is a powerhouse native perennial prized for its aromatic foliage, long bloom season, and exceptional value to pollinators. Join gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels as Sam Hoadley guides you through this first look at the three-year Pycnanthemum trial and highlights top-performing species that make beautiful, resilient, and ecologically valuable additions to Mid-Atlantic gardens.
Signature cocktails prepared by mixologist Diane Keesee. Register now to discover why mountain-mints deserve a place in your garden!
Sunday 9/20, 1 – 3 pm | $45
Membership price | $36
The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is more than just a tree; it’s a living link to our continent’s past. While it produces the largest native edible fruit in the country, it remains a hidden gem to many. As we mark the Semiquincentennial, join us at Mt. Cuba Center for an immersive look at this resilient native species.
As interest in this historic fruit continues to grow among gardeners and food enthusiasts alike, now is the perfect time to experience it for yourself. Join Rodney Dever of Peterson Pawpaws for an engaging exploration of the pawpaw’s history, folklore, and its rise in popularity from the time of the Founding Fathers to today. Rodney will guide you through the transition of the pawpaw from a forest forage staple to a prized orchard variety. Whether you are a gardener looking for the best cultivars or a food enthusiast eager to try something new, this experience offers a rare opportunity to learn the lore and savor the creamy, custard-like flavor of the fruit that has captivated Americans for over 250 years.
You will learn about the best varieties for flavor and fruiting and discover the many ways this versatile fruit can be enjoyed. Surrounded by the beauty of Mt. Cuba’s gardens, you will not only learn about the tree’s storied past but also savor the legendary flavor of the pawpaw for yourself.