Class is Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall Room #023.
This class is 7 of 7 in "Your Marketing Playbook Series". Equip participants with practical skills to set up affordable, targeted ad campaigns on Google, Facebook, and Instagram. By the end of the workshop, participants will understand how to drive traffic, generate leads, and optimize their ad performance for better results.

Class is Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall Room #023.
This class is 2 of 7 in "Your Marketing Playbook Series". Equip participants with the skills to build a consistent brand identity
and develop content that resonates with their target audience across various formats. By the end, participants will have a
brand guide to ensure long-term consistency and a content plan ready for implementation. This course is led by Sue Pitts, an experienced business advisor and founder of Just Sue Creative, specializing in digital marketing, business strategy, and AI-driven innovation.
 

Fri. Nov. 14, 2025 6-9 PM Looft Hall. Curious about raising your own chickens? Whether you want fresh eggs, quality meat, or simply a rewarding new hobby, this class is your perfect starting point! The instructor will guide you through everything from building cozy coops and choosing healthy birds to caring for your flock and turning waste into garden gold. Take control of your food source and join a sustainable community of proud flock owners!

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!

Class is Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall Room #023.
This class is 6 of 7 in "Your Marketing Playbook Series". Teaches participants how to effectively use email marketing and
CRM tools to build and nurture lasting customer relationships, boost retention, and improve engagement through targeted
email campaigns. This course is led by Sue Pitts, an experienced business advisor and founder of Just Sue Creative, specializing in digital marketing, business strategy, and AI-driven innovation.

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.

Sat., Aug. 23, 2025 | 10 AM–12 PM | Looft Hall. Garlic is an easy and rewarding crop — especially in our zone — and preserving it is the best way to enjoy its rich flavor all year long! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the essentials of curing, storing, and preserving garlic for long-term use. The instructor will cover: tips for planting, growing, and multiplying garlic, techniques for curing and storing garlic bulbs, & methods for preserving, including dehydrating, freeze-drying, and creating long-lasting pantry staples. Come join us and unlock the full potential of this versatile, flavor-packed garden favorite!

Sat. Nov. 15, 2025 10AM-12PM Looft Hall Fall is the best time to plant garlic, and this hands-on workshop will walk you through every step! Learn the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic, why it matters for planting in our zone, and how to grow a successful crop from clove to harvest. We’ll cover site prep, planting depth and spacing, the best tools to use, and how to mulch properly for winter protection. Discover how to set your garlic up for strong spring growth and a bountiful summer harvest — and gain the confidence to make this low-maintenance, rewarding crop a long-term staple in your garden!

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, 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.

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.