The Jamestown Audubon Nature Center will host “The Art of Bonsai for Beginners” from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.

Trenton Lutes will teach the history of bonsai, the specialized tools used, the most common styles and general bonsai care. He will share information gathered from years of experience to instruct the beginning bonsai enthusiast in the techniques needed to turn a standard nursery stock plant into a bonsai tree. Those attending can choose from Dwarf English Boxwood, Bird’s Nest Spruce, and Juniper Procumbens on a first come, first choice basis. The availability of all these varieties will make for a diverse and interesting learning experience for everyone.

Students will find the front and line of their tree, use careful pruning and pinching to remove unwanted branches, leaves, and needles, and use basic wiring techniques to help shape the tree.

Included with the class will be the plant, one bonsai pot and tray, soil and wire, and the book 101 Essential Bonsai Tips. Tools will be provided for use during class only. Some will be specialized bonsai tools, but the majority will be simple tools people can find around their home. They can initially be used to get started creating more bonsai without having to invest in expensive, specialized tools up front.

Keep in mind that bonsai is a hands-on technique. Those attending should dress accordingly or consider bringing an apron.

Trenton Lutes graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta with concentrations in painting, photography and glassblowing. He is self-taught in the art of bonsai and has instructed bonsai classes at a variety of locations around Chautauqua County including Sensory Winery & Art Gallery, The Resource Center, Westfield Grape Discovery Center and the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.

The fee is $56; $52 for Friends of the Nature Center. Paid reservations are required by Monday, Sept. 19, by calling 569-2345 during business hours or using the online form by clicking on “The Art of Bonsai for Beginners” at www.jamestownaudubon.org.

Audubon education programs are funded with support from the Carnahan Jackson Foundation, Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, Holmberg Foundation, Hultquist Foundation and Lenna Foundation.

The Audubon Nature Center is at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. The building, with its collection of live animals, interactive exhibits and the Blue Heron Gift Shop, is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays. The grounds, including trails, gardens, picnic tables, arboretum, and Liberty, the Bald Eagle, can be visited from dawn until dusk daily.

To learn more about the Nature Center and its programs, call 569-2345 or visit www.jamestownaudubon.org.