Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Fireflies have lit up summer evenings for centuries. Class is held during peak firefly season! Discover the wonder of fireflies through both folklore and science. Uncover the secrets behind their glow, learn how to bring the magic home, and glean some practical tips for attracting fireflies to your own yard and what makes up their habitats. This class will be held outdoors (weather permitting), you will be contacted if the event is rescheduled due to weather. Chairs will be provided.

Learn to read your soil—and grow a better garden. Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. In this hands-on class, we’ll explore the basics of soil science, helping you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how to spot above-ground clues from your plants and their environment. We'll cover essential topics like soil texture and structure; pH and nutrient availability; fertilizers and soil amendments; and choosing the right plant for the right place. Whether you're starting fresh or trying to boost an existing garden, this practical, get-your-hands-dirty class will give you the tools to build better soil and grow healthier plants.This class will be held outdoors (weather permitting), you will be contacted if the event is rescheduled due to weather. Chairs will be provided.

Join us at the S.M.A.R.T. Garden as we discover Minnesota songbirds that may inhabit this unique landscape of prairie, pond, and mature trees with soft landing perennials. We will discuss common birds found in these habitats and how we can best support these populations. Following our birding experience at the garden, we will end with building a birdhouse (supplies provided). During this project, we will share special birdhouse features and important considerations to make when installing and maintaining your birdhouse. This class will be held outdoors (weather permitting), you will be contacted if the event is rescheduled due to weather. Chairs will be provided.