Nature and Conservation

Choose your class, Choose your date!  Here's how it works:
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1. Choose a class.   2. Gather a group of friends, family or colleagues.   3. Call to schedule a date.
319.325.6609

Birds, Bats and Bees!


​BEE HOUSES
Benefit your wild bees and create something beautiful!  There are endless creative possibilities for building these great pollinators a happy home.  Bee houses accommodate a variety of species and provide safe nesting sites by mimicking the spaces they love.  Choose between building a simple house or a deluxe hotel.  We will also discuss what plants you can grow to provide a natural habitat so you can keep the bees coming to your yard! 
Bee House  ​$35/adult, kids free. 1 hr.  
Bee Hotel  $50/adult, kids free. 1.5 hrs.  
Call to schedule.

​BIRD HOUSES
Birders and Builders!  This is a fun class that explores the options for creating space for our local birds - some of whom are declining in population.  Learn about the preferred houses of different species and choose one to build.  We will also cover the best locations to hang your bird house and how to keep them clean and safe.  Choose which house to build - American Kestrel, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Bluebird or Barn Owl.
​$65/adult, kids free. 1.5hrs.  Barn Owl house will include a material fee of $25.  
Call to schedule.

​BAT HOUSES
Bats have quite a reputation in literature, but in real life they are great at cutting down on mosquito population and the pests that plague your garden.  In this class we will build our own bat houses and learn about the benefits of these remarkable creatures.  
$65/adult, kids free. 1.5 hrs.  
Call to schedule.

Foraging

 
​FORAGE YOUR YARD
If you have a natural yard and gardens, chances are you can have a forage fest in your own back yard.  From weeds and ornamentals to trees, native plants and invasives, there are many edibles under our noses that we may not recognize.  Come join us for a tour of our yard and gardens as we gather edibles from surprising places and fix up some snacks!
$35/adult, kids free. 2hrs.
Call to schedule.

Nature Craft


​HAND CRAFTED CORDAGE USING NATURAL FIBERS
Learn the awe inspiring craft of making a simple cord by hand, using natural fibers harvested from the local landscape.  Class will harvest materials - bark, grasses, milkweed stems, nettle or whatever is in season - and create cord that is both beautiful and strong.
$35, 2hrs.  
Call to schedule.

​WILLOW GARDEN OBELISK
In a few simple steps, learn how to create your own garden obelisk out of freshly coppiced willow. These are great for supporting vines, tall flowers or vegetables in the garden. If you're not a gardener, these obelisks serve beautifully as lawn ornaments or craft racks. Add fairy lights and natural ornaments for more fun!  Bring your favorite garden hand shears if you have them and wear comfortable clothing.  
$120/adult, kids free. 1.5 hrs.  Includes all materials.  
Call to schedule.

WREATH MAKING
Gather to make your own beautiful wreath with fresh greens, berries, and other locally gathered treasures.  Bring your own base or make a new one out of willow or grapevine.  If you wish, you may choose to make a swag, garland or table runner instead.  
$45/adult. 1.5 hours. Includes all materials.  
Call to schedule.

Botanicals and Hand Printing



​BOTANICAL LINE DRAWING:
In this fun indoor/outdoor class, we will begin by collecting seasonal botanicals to use in our drawings.  Once back at the studio, participants will learn line, shapes, patterns, design and layout for creating elegant botanical line drawings.  As a fun twist, if time allows, we'll also explore how to use the same tools to make whimsical folksy botanical designs.
$45/adult, kids free. 1.5 hrs.  
Call to schedule.
LEAF & NATURE PRINTING:
Nature printing was historically used by botanists, herbalists, physicians and others to document plant specimens.  Also used as an art form, the process is very simple and yet produces endless possibilities for creativity.  Using items found in nature, students will learn to print single images and then to design more complex patterns.  
$65/adult, kids free. 1.5 hrs.  Materials included.  Optional additional supplies available for purchase during class.  
​Call to schedule.