The public can learn the basics of creating one’s own miniature ornamental bonsai tree at the Audubon Community Nature Center on Saturday, June 1. Instructor Trenton Lutes is pictured working with a participant in an earlier “Bonsai for Beginners” workshop.

On Saturday, June 1, those interested can learn to create miniature trees in the Japanese bonsai tradition at “Bonsai for Beginners” at the Audubon Community Nature Center.

From 10 a.m. to noon, Trenton Lutes will teach the history of bonsai, the specialized tools used, the most common styles, and general bonsai care — all while creating a bonsai tree. 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.

Bonsai is a hands-on technique, so those attending will likely get dirty. 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 been working with his trees for eight years now. He has taught bonsai classes at a variety of locations around Chautauqua County including Audubon, Sensory Winery & Art Gallery, The Resource Center, Westfield Grape Discovery Center and the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.

The fee is $20, $15 for Nature Center members, plus a required $45 materials fee. Space is limited. Paid reservations are required by Thursday, May 24, by calling 569-2345 or visiting AudubonCNC.org/Programs and click “Current Schedule.”

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

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. To learn more, call 569-2345 during business hours or visit AudubonCNC.org.