Hands-on Workshops and Events
These are a mix of free and fee-based workshops held at the Galena Creek Regional Park or at Great Basin Institute Office at 16750 Mt. Rose Highway. To see a complete listing of current workshops go to Galena Creek Nature Programs CalendarSpace in many of these workshops is limited. Please call 775.674.5486 or 775.674.5485 to register.
Examples of Free Hands-on Events
Snowman Building Contest
Join Galena Naturalists a snowman building contest. Drop-in to Galena Creek Regional Park to help us build a community of snowmen, snow creatures, and snow forts. We will provide the snow and hot chocolate. Participants must bring other items they wish to use to decorate their snow creatures. Prizes will be given for the most creative snowmen. This is an all ages event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Before There Were Video Games: Pioneer & Native Crafts Day
Join us for an afternoon of candle making, cider drinking, corn husk doll crafting, and much more. This workshop gives children the chance to step away from the video games and learn how to play fun games that existed before the electronic age. We’ll also work on crafts (candle making, corn husk dolls) that were hugely popular before the era of glitter and pipe cleaners. This event is for families with children ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Winter Family Bird Feeder Workshop
Learn about local bird ecology by joining us for a short bird walk. Then, return to build and decorate your own bird feeder to attract feathered friends to your yard. This event is for families with children ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Orienteering: Map & Compass Family Scavenger Hunt
Go on a scavenger hunt adventure in Galena Creek Regional Park! After an introduction to using the compass, map, and clues with a Galena Naturalist, each family will go off on their own to navigate the scavenger hunt course looking to gain knowledge about the area using the questions, compass, and map provided. Drop-in anytime, but plan for at least one hour to complete this adventure. This is an all ages event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Examples of Prior Fee-based Workshops
Sweet Basketry with Cat Mena
No matter who your ancestors were, they made baskets. In this introductory workshop with local basketry artist, Cat Mena, you’ll discover the history of basket making and learn how to make a simple, “sweet style” basket using twining technique. A variety of different baskets, weaving techniques, and styles will be on display, along with extra materials and instructions. Learn more about Cat Mena at her website.
Pysanky Egg Decorating with Rebecca Rosenberg
Create your own uniquely decorated sophisticated Pysanky Egg, just in time for Easter! This workshop will be lead by Art Instructor, Rebecca Rosenberg. All materials will be provided. This hands-on activity is suitable for children 10 and older. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but will be able to work independently to decorate their own egg. This will be a great activity for parents and children.
Berry Pickin’ Basketry with Cat Mena
If you happened to catch Cat Mena’s February “Sweet Baskets” workshop, you know she’s a pro. In this hands-on workshop, participants will make their own berry pickin’ basket, perfect for storing goodies left by the Easter Bunny, veggies from the Farmer’s Market and, of course, summer berries. This sturdy basket is constructed using three different weaving techniques—twining, three-rod wale, and randing. Participants will leave with a completed basket and will also receive written instructions for making another berry pickin’ basket. A large display of different baskets, weaving techniques, and styles will be on display, plus extra materials and instructions. Learn more about Cat Mena at her website.
