2026 Class Descriptions

Taekwondo and Self-Defense 

This class combines practical self-defense techniques with the dynamic movements of Taekwondo. Participants will learn essential skills to protect themselves, improve agility, and build confidence through structured training. Open to all skill levels, the class focuses on striking, blocking, situational awareness, and discipline while promoting fitness and mental resilience. 

Surrender Don't Release: Exotic Pet Surrender Events and Their Impact

Learn how Exotic Pet Surrender Events help protect both animals and the environment. In this engaging talk, we’ll explore why releasing pets into the wild can cause serious ecological problems and how surrender events provide a safe, responsible alternative. Guests will also have the chance to meet some of our animal ambassadors up close. 

See upcoming surrender events: https://www.jraar.org/exoticpetsurrenderevents 

Poetry, Freelance Fiction Writing, and Selling 

Introducing people to poetry in a fun way. How to release your creative side in writing, and maybe make some money as you do it. 

Live Birds of Prey Up Close! 

Kids and adults are equally fascinated by birds, and this will be an opportunity to see live Wisconsin raptors up close! Aves Wildlife Alliance will bring several birds of prey, which may include hawks, owls, and falcons. Raptors are a highly specialized group of animals that play a critical role in helping to maintain a healthy environment. 

Learn how raptors work for us and what makes them different from our usual backyard birds. Beka Weiss will discuss bird biology and natural history plus happily answer your questions.

Fear to Trust: Animal Empathy Training 

Are there some animals that you find scary or just don't like? Take part in fun activities to better relate to all animals that we share the planet with, especially those you are less comfortable with. For all ages. 

Imagined Plants 

Come learn what's growing this year at the Paine Art Center and Gardens! We'll see photos of the gardens in all 4 seasons and learn about plants, then create our own imagined plants to brighten up our homes this spring. 

Celebrate HerStory

Learn about amazing women throughout history who changed the world! Participate in a scavenger hunt to match these courageous leaders with their accomplishments, and participate in some fun hands-on activity stations ranging from science to art so you can follow in their footsteps!

 Activities geared toward elementary students and families, but could work for all ages! Brought to you by Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.

Indoor & Window Box Gardening

Get your hands dirty and explore your green thumb with indoor, window box, and small (four feet by four feet) bed gardening.

Recycling Right & T-Shirt Upcycling

Ever wonder what can and can’t be recycled in curbside bins? Want some recycling tips and tricks? Curious about how the recycling facility operates? Why do we “Hate the Ugly Eight"? After the presentation, learn a fun way to upcycle old t-shirts into tote bags!

Community Science as an Interpretive Technique

A presentation including a brief history of community science in the US, as well as a discussion of how organizations and educators can use it as a way to engage community members in the natural world.

Wildlife of Marsh Haven Nature Center

Learn about the wildlife that call Marsh Haven and the important Horicon Marsh home through artifacts and live animal ambassadors.  Plus, learn how you can help the critters in your own backyard.

What's in Your Drinking Water?

Concerned about what comes out of your tap? Always buying bottled water? Come learn about how your water gets to you, how it is (or isn't) treated, how to get it tested and what to test for. We'll cover basic drinking water purification, regulations, and steps you can take to feel comfortable drinking from your tap.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

Ever wondered what's crawling beneath the surface of your favorite local stream? This hands on workshop invites explorers of all ages to become "stream scientists" for a day. We're bringing the creek to the classroom  to uncover the tiny creatures that can tell a big story about our environment.

You'll have the chance to capture live "critters" from our observation containers and get a front-row seat to their strange and fascinating world by viewing them under a microscope. Using identification guides, you'll solve the mystery of which species you've found - from armored caddisflies to agile dragonfly nymphs.

Australia (A Cheesehead Down Under)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef? Or to visit a zoo where you can walk among kangaroos and wallabies? Join us to explore the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture of Australia. From vibrant coral reefs to unique animals found nowhere else in the world, you’ll get a glimpse of what makes this country so fascinating — and maybe even add a few destinations to your travel bucket list.

How to Fix Electronics

Join repair cafe volunteer, Jacob Klaameyer, as he explains how to refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, redesign, recycle, and repair electronics! We'll have some hands on demonstrations how to use electronics repair tools and provide advice on how to do it yourself. 

Anatomy of a Net-Zero Home

We built a new house in 2020.  Come learn how we made it an energy producer and a carbon sink!

Discover Bike Touring!

Come learn how to take multi-day trips on a bicycle!  We'll talk about what to pack, wear, eat, and what gear you'll need to take a self-sustained bike tour.

Paper Airplanes

Make your own paper airplanes and watch them soar!

Bracelet Designing

This fun 20-minute arts and crafts class is designed especially for kids and includes a step-by-step guided drawing activity along with simple bracelet making. Participants will follow easy instructions to create their own drawing and/or design a colorful bracelet to take home. It’s a creative, hands-on session that encourages imagination while helping kids build confidence in their artistic skills. 🎨✨