Saturday, June 7, 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.

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.

Class will be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall 
This course is part of the Land Stewardship Series. Learn to identify native and invasive trees, plants, and shrubs that impact western Iowa’s prairie and savanna ecosystems. This hands-on course will teach you how to recognize species that need protection and those that require management or removal to preserve fragile landscapes. Gain practical skills to support effective land stewardship and conservation 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.  
 

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.