Adventure Dog - Before there were house dogs, there were outdoor adventure dogs! Now we can have house dogs that enjoy outdoor adventure! From camping to kayaking and from hiking to hunting, learn about different ways to safely engage with your canine companion in the great outdoors. You both will be happier for the time spent in the wide, open spaces!

Archery 101 – Learn basic archery skills through hands-on experience with modern archery equipment while aiming at a target. Requires a short walk on a gravel road to archery site.

Backing a trailer – Learn and practice the basics of backing a trailer.

Basic Invasive Plant ID and Management Hike -Join us for a guided hike where you’ll learn how to identify common invasive plant species threatening our local ecosystems. This educational hike will teach practical techniques for preventing the spread of these plants and strategies for managing or treating invasive populations. Closed toed shoes are recommended.

Beekeeping 101 - Gain an understanding of the important roles that pollinators play in our environment. Learn about the basic knowledge of beekeeping, including the honeybee life cycles, and dynamics of the colony used in establishing and keeping a working hive for the production of honey.

Birdwatching – Refuge Manager Joe Robb will guide you through the woods of Big Oaks NWR to find some of our many different species of birds. You can’t help but find his enthusiasm contagious as he teaches you about binoculars, field guides, and birding by ear! Be sure to wear hiking shoes for a slow walk in our woods. Binoculars and field guides will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Campfire Cooking - There's nothing like cooking over an open fire (or hot coal bed)! Learn useful methods for primitive cooking outdoors. Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.

Canoeing & Kayaking - Learn how to get in and out of a canoe or kayak while staying dry, and practice paddling methods, including how to travel in a straight line. This course is taught on a lake, so be prepared; you may get wet! Bring extra pair of clothes and a towel... just in case. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended.

Design Your Own Native Pollinator Garden – Want to design a native garden but don’t know where to start? We will help you design a thriving Indiana Native Plant Garden giving you information on design elements, area preparation and maintenance. If possible, have an idea of sun exposure, soil type and size of area. We will also provide a packet of materials to take home including a list of where you can find native plants.

Find Your Way! (with a map & compass) - Learn how to use a map and compass and test your new skills to walk a short orienteering course in the woods. Bring your own map and compass if you have them! Hiking gear and a notebook are recommended.

Firearm Familiarity - Experience a live firearm demonstration! Gain a basic understanding of firearm safety, and get hands-on instructions, while practicing firing with handguns and rifles. All equipment is provided.

Fly fishing - Fishing with a fly rod is the natural way to catch fish! This course will provide you with enough instruction to start you off in the right direction for years of fly-fishing adventures. All equipment is provided. Mud boots and bug spray are highly recommended.

Geocaching – Learn how to use a GPS unit to find hidden caches. Getting the Shot! – Learn to get the most from your camera. We’ll go over manual settings and set out to find great images around us. Need a camera, a sense of humor and a sense of wonder. Involves walking.

Hypertufa Planter Making - Create and take home a lightweight, rustic, textured planter that won’t break from freezing like a terra cotta pot! Loofah Sponge & DIY Scrub – Learn how to grow the Loofah gourd, prepare it for use as a sponge and make a body scrub.

Maple Syrup - Learn a short history of maple syrup, how to identify maple trees, and the tools needed for sap collection. Explore the process of creating maple syrup from start to finish and get a chance to try it yourself. Taste test included!

Mushrooms: Fungus Among Us - Explore the trails and woods near Old Timbers Lodge while hunting for mushrooms and slime molds to gain some basic identification skills. No experience necessary! Just bring a magnifying glass if you have one. Walking shoes are recommended.

Noticing Nature – Begin to learn and recognize the patterns in nature. Keeping a nature journal is a great way to stay actively involved in seeing these patterns. If you have a journal or sketch book you would like to bring, you may. Otherwise, all materials can be provided.

Pest to Practical Purpose: DIY Wreath – Transform pesky vines into rustic wreath. Walk around to identify other invasive plants.

Providing Homes for Wildlife – In this class we will talk about landscaping for birds. Plus, we will build a bluebird house.

Self Defense - Having the knowledge and courage to protect yourself is important. Learn the basics of selfdefense with verbal and physical strategies to deal with aggressive confrontations. There will be drills and stimulated attack scenarios, so active participation is encouraged. Participants must be ready to have fun! Smartphone Photography - The best camera is the one that's always with you! Learn the tips and tricks to get the best wildlife photos out of your smartphone. Bring your smartphone with either a power bank or fully charged, and shoes for walking in the woods.

Sporting Clay Shooting - Learn the basics of firearm safety and trap shooting, including proper gun mounting and leading the target, so you can try shooting sporting clays! All equipment is provided Tomahawk Throwing. Maybe you know how to shoot or use archery equipment, but do you know how to accurately throw a tomahawk? Discover the basics of tomahawk throwing during this fun, hands-on class! Short walk to site.

Tree Identification – Learn to identify trees. Wild Edible Plants - Go “organic” and discover local plants you can use for food or medicine! Bring a hand lens to get a closer look at these plants and be prepared to walk in the woods.

Yoga - This lighthearted and fun course is a great opportunity for beginners to move their bodies while learning the foundations of yoga in the great outdoors! Learn how to incorporate simple breathing techniques, yoga poses, and mindfulness practices to leave you feeling relaxed and more connected to not only your body but also nature. We’ll shake things up in a way that feels good and supportive for all bodies! Bring a yoga mat or towel