Iowa Western Community College

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. 6-7-25, 10 AM-12 PM Council Bluffs Looft Hall. This is a great course for anyone interested in rabbits for 4-H projects, living a more self-sufficient lifestyle, starting a therapy pet business, or garden applications—no experience required! You will learn how to manage the basics of care, feeding, and the housing requirements of rabbits for any purpose. Explore how the rabbit applications will enrich your life, health, and sustainability practically. This course welcomes all rabbit lovers and is the perfect beginner-level course.

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.

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, 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, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

This class will be held on Fri. Oct. 17, 2025, 6 PM-9PM, at Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Learn the essentials of canning food using water bath methods. This class will cover safety guidelines, required equipment, and step-by-step instructions to preserve your garden harvests effectively.

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.

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.