June 14th, 2025 9am-3pm 
A babysitting course is designed to teach individuals, typically between the ages of 11 and 15, the skills needed to safely care for children. These courses typically include both practical and theoretical components. 
• Childcare Skills 
• Safety and Emergency Procedures
• Behavior Management
• Basic Housekeeping
• Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
 

Join us for a workshop at River City Chimney & Hearth in Council Bluffs on Sat. 6/21/25, from 9AM to 3PM. Learn to build a cob oven using natural materials, many of which you may already have at home. Earthen cob ovens are not only affordable to construct but also enjoyable to use, providing a unique baking experience that is difficult to replicate in a conventional kitchen. With expert guidance from Ron of River City Chimney, you'll gain the skills to create a functional and attractive earthen oven, perfect for baking pizzas and bread in your own backyard! Please Bring: a packed lunch/drinks & pizza ingredients as we will bake our pizzas in the cob oven during the workshop. Wear clothing that can get muddy, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection. 

Class will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 - 9:30 am - 12:00 pm - Looft Hall Room #023
New to Cricut? This beginner class is the perfect place to start. Learn how to set up your machine, navigate Design Space, understand cutting materials, care for mats and blades, and complete basic cuts. You’ll leave with several small projects and the confidence to begin creating on your own. Class is for Cricut Explore series, Maker, and Maker 3 machines. Cartridges-only machines are not supported. Bring your Cricut machine, cords, mat, laptop (preferred) or mobile device with the Cricut app, and any tools you already own. Ensure Design Space is updated to the latest version. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for setup. Supplies are included.

Tues.9/23/25 6:30-8:30 PM Kinney Hall Room 044. Looking to cut energy costs, boost sustainability, or stay prepared when the grid goes down? This hands-on, beginner-friendly class is for homeowners, farmers, and small business owners who want practical solar solutions. Learn how to power outdoor lighting, electric fences, security systems, and essential devices—perfect for home, ag, or business use. Led by an experienced instructor, you’ll get real-world tips and simple project ideas you can put to use right away. Sign up today and start powering your space—reliably and sustainably—with the sun!

This class will be on Sat. Oct. 4, 2025, 10 AM - 1 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Explore the methods and benefits of dehydrating food to extend its shelf life and maintain nutritional value. Topics include selecting the right foods for dehydration, equipment options, and tips for storing and using dehydrated foods in daily meals.

Saturday, October 18, 2025 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall ground floor Lobby 
Join us for a hands-on Native Plant class at Iowa Western Community College! This class will introduce you to the beauty and benefits of native plants as you help beautify our campus. Under the guidance of experienced instructor Lance, you'll learn about the various native species that thrive in our region and how to properly plant and care for them. All supplies will be provided, so come ready to get your hands dirty and contribute to a sustainable landscape. Whether you're a beginner or have gardening experience, this class is perfect for anyone interested in creating an eco-friendly environment.

This class will be held Sat. Sept. 20, 2025, 10 AM - 1 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Discover techniques for drying herbs to preserve their flavor and medicinal properties for year-round use. This class will cover different drying methods, storage tips, and creative ways to use dried herbs in cooking and home remedies.

Class will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall 
Learn the foundational skills and strategies needed to start and manage a successful business. This course covers essential topics such as creating a business plan, understanding finances, marketing your services, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Ideal for aspiring business owners or those looking to strengthen their business knowledge.

Class will be Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs 
Learn the basics of operating essential equipment for effective land management. This hands-on course covers the use of machinery like Bobcats for shearing, grinding, and mulching; Bush Hogs for mowing and shrub removal; brush cutters; and other tools. Gain practical skills for maintaining and restoring landscapes safely and efficiently.

Class will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall  
This course provides an overview of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they apply to land management and stewardship activities. Learn about safety standards for working with heavy equipment, herbicides, and in the field, as well as proper risk management practices. Ideal for land managers and those involved in outdoor conservation work, this course helps ensure a safe and compliant work environment.

Class will be Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus 
Discover the techniques and tools needed to harvest, process, and clean native seeds for restoration projects. This hands-on course covers best practices for collecting seeds, ensuring quality through proper processing, and preparing them for planting or storage. Perfect for anyone interested in conservation or land restoration efforts.

Class will be Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Hitchcock Nature Center
This course focuses on the principles of designing sustainable soft trails in natural landscapes. Learn how to plan, layout, and build trails that minimize environmental impact while providing access for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Topics include trail alignment, erosion control, and long-term maintenance strategies, with an emphasis on creating trails that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Classes start Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm and continue one Tuesday evening per month until November. 
This hands-on series is designed for landowners, natural resource professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of managing Iowa’s unique ecosystems. Participants will explore topics such as tree and plant identification, invasive species management, herbicide application, equipment operation, trail design, tree and shrub removal, wildfire planning, and ecosystem restoration. Some classes will include fieldwork at off-site locations, offering real-world application and insights.  
 

Saturday, September 27, 2025, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Council Bluffs Campus - Kinney Hall #066 
An array of fibers, dyes, and other art materials can be found growing here in our backyard. We'll practice techniques for identifying useful plants and students will create their own handmade sheet of paper using locally foraged plant fibers. Historical and contemporary examples of artists using foraged materials will be presented. 

This class will be held on Sat. Oct. 18, 2025, 10 AM-1 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus. Learn the essentials of canning food using both pressure and water bath methods. This class will cover safety guidelines, required equipment, and step-by-step instructions to preserve your garden harvests effectively.