For the Birds
Classes & Workshops

The Arboretum is a great place to go birding!

Make reservations to visit the Arboretum, and use this free, handy bird checklist to search for the myriad birds who live here or pass through. The list follows observations of long-time Arboretum Naturalist Matt Schuth and all accepted ebird observations reported on-site.

View and print at

Free Arboretum Bird Checklist

Raptor Photography: Exclusive Camera Access (Online + In-Person Practicum)

Carlyn Iverson, Professional photographer, Conservationist working in science education for the public, underwritten by the Raptor Center

Live Webinar: Wednesday, July 28, 6-8 p.m. PLUS
In-Person Raptor Photoshoot at the Arboretum: Saturday, July 31
10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. OR 12:45-3 p.m.

Level: All levels
Owls, vultures, and eagles, oh my! Experience this unique opportunity to photograph mighty raptors in controlled, safe natural settings of the Arboretum.
$119 member/$139 non-member

Learn more & register at

Photography Classes

Nature sketchbooks with Pam Luer: Trees, Bark & Nests (Outdoors In-Person at the Arb)

Wednesday, July 28, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Pam Luer, professional artist specializing in nature based motifs. A licensed product designer for the gift and home decor industry

This class has been cancelled. Registrants are being notified and refunded. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Great Horned Owl: Birds of the North Needle Felting Series (Online)

Friday, August 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Laura Berlage, Fiber artist and in-demand instructor, Laura weaves classical art training with her fundamental need to create works that liberate the creative soul

Needle felting is fun! You will be guided step-by-step through the process to transform hand-dyed wool from the instructor's flock of sheep from her family's century-old homestead farm outside Hayward, Wisconsin into your very own adorable felted bird!
$94 member/$114 non-member

Learn more & register at

Fiber Arts Classes

Loon: Birds of the North Needle Felting Series (Online)

Friday, September 24, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Laura Berlage, Fiber artist and in-demand instructor, Laura weaves classical art training with her fundamental need to create works that liberate the creative soul

Needle felting is fun! You will be guided step-by-step through the process to transform hand-dyed wool from the instructor's flock of sheep from her family's century-old homestead farm outside Hayward, Wisconsin into your very own adorable felted bird!
$94 member/$114 non-member

Learn more & register at

Fiber Arts Classes

Raptor Photography: Exclusive Camera Access (Online + In-Person Practicum)

Carlyn Iverson, Professional photographer, Conservationist working in science education for the public, underwritten by the Raptor Center

Live Webinar: Wednesday, September 29, 6-8 p.m. PLUS
In-Person Raptor Photoshoot at the Arboretum Saturday, October 2
10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. OR 12:45-3 p.m.

Level: All levels
Owls, vultures, and eagles, oh my! Experience this unique opportunity to photograph mighty raptors in controlled, safe natural settings of the Arboretum.
$119 member/$139 non-member

Learn more & register at

Photography Classes

Needle Felted Birds: Sculpting with Wool

Saturday, October 23, 2021
Select a session or choose both!
Chickadee 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Warbler 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Karen Engelbretson, A fiber artist and instructor with a lifelong passion for birds in their habitat

Learn the craft of needle felting as you create a beautiful three-dimensional chickadee and/or warbler from corriedale wool and merino prefelt. Small class size allows for ample time for practice and one-on-one guidance from the instructor. All supplies included (value $35) to create TWO adorable birds!
$89 member/$109 non-member

Learn more & register at

Fiber Arts Classes

Winter Bird Photography (Online)

Thursday, February 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Central Time
Don Tredinnick, professional nature photographer, instructor and owner of Frozen Hiker Photography

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
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.
$25 member/$30 non-member

Learn more & register at

Photography Classes