Make-and-Take Workshops

Paddle Making (currently FULL)
Fri-Sat, Mar 28-29

$90 – Outdoor U Members and CSB+SJU students
$130 – Nonmembers (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.

Snowshoe Making
Sat, Dec 6

$140 – Outdoor U Members and CSB+SJU students
$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

Create your own handmade wreath using natural materials collected in the Abbey Arboretum. No experience necessary.

Holiday Crafts

Get in the holiday spirit with some nature-inspired crafts. Select from four craft options (and our estimated time to create): Snowmen (45 min), Trees (30 min), Wreaths (60-90 min), Gnomes (20-30 min). Individual craft prices listed on registration page.

Bat Houses

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

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

With materials gathered from the Abbey Arboretum, enjoy a weekend learning about and weaving your own basket to take home!

Looking for More?

Check out our naturalist programs for guided hikes and other experiences in the Abbey Arboretum.