Make-and-Take Workshops
Looking for more? Check out our naturalist programs for guided hikes and other experiences in the Abbey Arboretum.
Bat Houses
Monday, June 17, 2024
6:00-9:00 p.m.
- $20 - Members & CSB+SJU Students
- $40-Nonmembers
Explore the world of bats in Minnesota while crafting your own bat house to take home. Tools and materials will be provided.
Diamond Willow Walking Sticks
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
1:00-4:00 p.m.
- $20 - Members & CSB+SJU Students
- $40-Nonmembers
- Space limited to 10 participants
Learn the processes of identifying diamond willow, peeling the bark, and finish sanding your own walking stick. Varnishing will be on your own.
Willow Baskets
Saturday-Sunday, October 12-13, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- $80 - Members & CSB+SJU Students
- $100-Nonmembers
With materials gathered from the Abbey Arboretum, enjoy a weekend learning about and weaving your own basket to take home!
Snowshoe Making
2024-2025 Session TBA
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- $140-Outdoor U members
- $180-Nonmembers (includes honorary 1-year Outdoor U membership)
- Space limited to 10 participants
You will come away from this workshop with your own pair of laced Ojibwe style snowshoes. We will demonstrate bending snowshoe frames and teach lacing techniques. Varnishing and bindings will be on your own.
Wreath Making
2024 Sessions TBA
New Science Center 150, SJU
You will come away from this workshop with your own handmade wreath using natural materials collected in the Abbey Arboretum. No experience necessary. Maximum of 20 wreaths available per session, so register early!
CSB/SJU/OSB Employees & General Community
- $20 per wreath
CSB/SJU Students
- FREE thanks to funding from CSB and SJU Senates
Community Registration Student Registration
Paddle Making
2024-25 Session TBA
- $90-Outdoor U members
- $130-Nonmembers (price includes honorary 1-year Outdoor U membership)
- Space limited to 10 participants
Explore the different ways wooden paddles are made, then work on making a laminated, bent or straight shaft paddle. We supply the wood and you will glue the blade, shaft, and grip on the first day (6-8 p.m.). On day two, we will shape and work on sanding each paddle (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.). You’ll have to do some work at home, including final sanding and varnishing.