For the Birds Classes & Workshops
From bird-watching walks to bird-themed arts and crafts, let your inspiration take flight at the Arboretum.
|
|
Live Webinar: Winter Bird Photography
Thursday, February 11, 2021 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Central Time Don Tredinnick, professional nature photographer, instructor and owner of Frozen Hiker Photography
Level: Intermediate -some familiarity with the manual functions of your camera and an understanding of exposure settings
Create amazing photos of birds this winter! With the techniques presented in this webinar, you will be able to photograph birds on snow-covered branches, at the feeder, and in flight. You will learn:
- Equipment needed for photographing birds
- Techniques for photographing birds in winter
- Insights into winter bird behavior
- How to capture birds in flight
- How to build a backyard bird photography studio
Consider registering for the Add-on location shoot outside at the Arboretum's bird feeders to practice these new techniques. See below for deatils and registration. The instructor will be available to answer questions and offer tips during your practice time.
Required Equipment for the Live Webinar: Computer or Tablet, Internet, up-to-date Chrome, Firefox, or Safari Web browser, and downloaded Zoom software (free).
Zoom Participation in this online course requires that you use the free Zoom video conferencing service. You must install Zoom on your computer to experience this webinar. Click here for a tutorial on how to join a Zoom meeting and much more.
How it works: Register 1 person with 1 email at a time (you will be asked which email you want the invitation link sent to at checkout). If you would like to register multiple people, please register them each separately with separate emails. Registered attendees will receive the link needed to join in their initial purchase confirmation by email. The Arboretum will also send a reminder email with the link 2 days prior to the start date. Simply click the link at the webinar start time to join! Then the host, Frank, will accept you into the webinar. Send webinar-related questions to the Arboretum webinar host, Frank Meuschke, at meusc008@umn.edu
Limit 25, Live Webinar on Zoom platform
 |
$30 member/$35 non-member |
|
|
OPTIONAL Add-on Winter Bird Photography: On Location at the Arboretum
Saturday, February 13, 2021 Choose from: 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m., or 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Don Tredinnick, professional nature photographer, instructor and owner of Frozen Hiker Photography
Level: Intermediate -some familiarity with the manual functions of your camera and an understanding of exposure settings Prerequisite Live Webinar: Winter Bird Photography
Put what you've learned in Winter Bird Photography Live Webinar into practice at this exclusive opportunity to photograph birds at the Arboretum! Your instructor will be available to answer questions and offer tips throughout your practice time. Very small group size to ensure sightlines to our feeders and social distancing.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- DSLR, Mirrorless, or high quality "bridge" telephoto camera
- Your longest lens (ideally 300mm or longer)
- Clothing appropriate for the winter weather
- Monopods or Tripods (optional)
COVID-19 Guidelines During Your Program
- We encourage you to take your temperature and stay home if you have a fever of 100.4 or higher, shortness of breath, or persistent coughing. You will receive a full refund.
- You must wear a mask at all times during this event, even when outside (fleece balaclava are not considered effective protection).
- Please maintain a distance of at least six feet from others (except those you are with, such as family members)
- If you do not observe these guidelines, staff may ask you to leave.
- Bring your own water and snack; no food or drinking fountains will be available.
Limit 4 per time slot, Meet outside Oswald Visitor Center
 |
Sold out 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb 13, On-location $49 member/$64 non-member, includes admission
|
 |
11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 13, On-location $49 member/$64 non-member, includes admission
|
 |
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 13, On-location $49 member/$64 non-member, includes admission
|
|
|
|
 |
Drawing with Pastels Workshop: Crow (Online)
Saturday, February 20, 2020 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Ann Solyst, Award-winning painter and illustrator
Level: Some drawing experience preferred, no pastel background required
Supplies: Use-Your-Own, See supply list below. For convenient ordering of supplies click this Dick Blick order list (approximately $20, allow up to 2 weeks for delivery)
This live, interactive online workshop will explore chalk pastels: a portable, versatile medium with a dynamic, painterly quality akin to oil painting, but without the need for harsh chemicals. Whether you are familiar with chalk pastel or have never picked up a pastel in your life this is the class for you! From the comfort and safety of your home, join us as we use pastels to take an artistic look at crows, an intelligent bird with all black plumage, found year-round in Minnesota:
- Begin with helpful demonstrations and exercises
- Learn about shape, form, layering and blending with pastel
- Follow along with instructor balancing line, form, color and composition
- Work in small breakout groups (online) and receive direct instructor feedback
- Watch demonstrations to execute detailed finishing touches on your crow.
A video recording of the entire class will be provided which allows students to review class techniques. No need to take notes! This recording is available for 60 days after class.
Use-Your-Own Supplies for class
- NuPastel (I prefer Prismacolor) colors: White, Warm medium gray, Light blue, Black
- Willow charcoal
- Tortillion
- Kneaded eraser
- Sketching paper (several sheets) - White sulphite drawing paper 9 x 12, 60 lb
- Drawing paper (1 sheet) - Moonstone colored Canson Mi-Teintes drawing paper 19' x 25'
Zoom Arboretum class host Arboretum Art Curator & Program Manager Wendy DePaolis, will be facilitating this class live. For webinar questions or assistance during class, contact Wendy at depao008@umn.edu or 952-334-4019.
How it works Registered participants will be emailed a link to join the class via Zoom, an online interactive platform hosted by Arboretum, which allows interaction, feedback and questions. The Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants.
Limit 16, Live online interactive workshop on Zoom

|
Use-Your-Own Supplies $59 member/$79 non-member |
|
|
|
See more information on other Guided Public Arboretum tours. |
|
Questions? Arboretum Education Office Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.* arbedu@umn.edu 612-301-1210* *We are temporarily working from home during Covid-19, we may return phone messages from a home phone
Cancellations & Exchanges
Cancellation policy
Waitlist The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the orange "waitlist" button next to the class and complete the form. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional sessions may be added.
Email Subscriptions Subscribe here to join Arboretum mailing lists that interest you, and be among the first to know about what's happening at the Arb!
Share your feedback Use this feedback form to share anonymous feedback about educational programming with the Arboretum Education Team.
Youth+Adult Together Family Programs Homeschool Days
Drop-in ONLINE! PlantMaker Studio@Home ONLINE! StoryTime@Home
Online Learning ONLINE! Online/@Home Programs, Webinars
Gardening & Horticulture Gardening - General
Fine Art & Crafts Painting & Drawing Book Club & Literature Creative Aging: Ages 60+
Photography Photography
Food & Wine Cooking
Nature Appreciation Birds Signature Guided Walks
Nature-Based Therapeutics About Nature-Based Therapeutics NBT Programs & Events
About Arboretum Education Instructor Bios Arboretum Staff Bios Education Department Statistics
|