Owatonna Community Education

Learn how to attract butterflies to your yard and garden from an experienced Master Gardener! When you plant gardens for these beautiful flying wonders, you also roll out the red carpet for other creatures and support the natural environment. Master Gardener Lisa Reuvers has been teaching about butterflies and other garden treasures for over 30 years and can't wait to share her knowledge with you! Afterward, learn about photographing butterflies, flowers, and other garden findings from visual artist and photographer Jeff Jarvis of West Cedar Studio. Jeff will provide tips and ways to help you explore, record, and enjoy nature with the camera on your smartphone. Finally, members of the Bee Friendlies will share free native pollinator seeds during the event.

Many people feel frustrated when they try to meditate and think they’re “failing.” But meditation isn’t about trying or doing—it’s about simply being in the moment and taking a pause from your daily activities. This pause isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional as well. In this class, we’ll focus our intention on one thing—your breath, for example—and hold that focus for as long as you choose. We’ll let thoughts flow naturally while staying present, practicing patience and awareness. You’ll also learn what meditation is—and what it isn’t—how it works, and the benefits it can bring to your mind, body, and spirit. We’ll explore visualization, basic meditation techniques, and guided meditation. Feel free to bring a mat or rug to sit or lie on, if you’d like.

This class offers a comprehensive introduction to key life skills necessary for personal growth and success in adulthood. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will learn to navigate challenges, build healthy financial habits, and develop a strong foundation for a fulfilling life. Topics covered include: renting, buying, and personal finances.

Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and skills with others? This course is designed for individuals interested in becoming a community education instructor for youth, adult, and/or family classes. Whether you have expertise in arts and crafts, health and wellness, technology, languages, or any other field, this workshop will guide you through the process of becoming a successful community education instructor. No teaching license required! The Adult/Family Programs Coordinator and the Youth Enrichment Program Specialist will lead you through the process and then you'll have time to ask questions and fill out course proposals if you choose to do so.

How does sap turn into syrup? This hands-on experience at River Bend Nature Center in Faribault, MN will follow the process of maple syruping from start to finish. Help to tap trees, collect sap, and watch it boil! At the end of the program, attendees will have the opportunity to sample the sweet syrup they helped create. Dress for the weather!

Bring your broken items and your curiosity to Steele County’s first Fix-It Clinic! Skilled volunteer Fixers will help you troubleshoot and repair household items—like lamps, toasters, clothing, or small electronics—while you learn how it’s done. Each participant may bring up to two items to work on during the event. Together, we’ll save money, reduce waste, build our skills, and keep useful things out of the landfill!

Join us for Steele County’s very first Fix-It Clinic! Do you love tinkering, repairing, or helping others learn new skills? We’re looking for volunteer Fixers to share their know-how and help community members repair broken household items, from lamps and toasters to clothing and small electronics and more! This is a hands-on, community-driven event that keeps usable items out of the landfill while building local connections and practical repair skills. Sign up today to be a Fixer and help make our first Fix-It Clinic a success!

Crystals and gemstones have been with us since the beginning of time. Throughout history, mankind has been drawn to them, not only because of their beauty but because of their incredible abilities. They hold space in the most complex telecommunication systems, religious circles, spiritual practices, mediation sessions, and alternative healing methods. Because everything on this planet has a frequency or vibration, we can work with crystals and gemstones to strengthen your energy field, calm anxiety, think with clarity, balance your emotions, and increase your sense of spiritual connection. In this class, you will learn how to work with these hidden gems. You'll also learn about the qualities of specific stones including clear quartz, smokey quartz, amethyst, rose quartz, garnet, citrine, selenite, fluorite, lapis lazuli, and malachite.