Hands-on workshops available
Birdhouses, eating naturally and planting gardens to attract birds and bees are topics of upcoming programs offered through Waupaca’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The classes are being taught by program leader Blair Hill, a University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate who has a degree in wildlife education.
The next workshop he leads will be in the senior center’s craft room, located in the Waupaca Recreation Center’s lower level.
Over a four-week span, Hill will teach participants how to build three different birdhouses, as well as a house for bats.
Each class is a stand-alone workshop and for those age 16 and older.
Those under age 16 may participate with an adult.
All the workshops are from 10 a.m. to noon, with separate registrations for each one.
Build a birdhouse for bluebirds on Saturday, Feb. 24. Registration is accepted through Feb. 9.
On Saturday, March 3, participants will build a birdhouse for chickadees and wrens. People may register through Feb. 16.
Build a birdhouse for robins and eastern phoebes on Saturday, March 10. Registration is accepted through Feb. 23.
On Saturday, March 17, build a house for bats. People may register for it through March 2.
“If you don’t want them in your house, give them an alternative place to stay,” Hill said of bats.
Visit www.waupacaactive.net to register for any of the workshops.
A computer is available at the rec center for those who do not have computer access at home, or who have questions about how to register online.
There is a fee for each workshop, and participants will keep what they make.
The environmental education center at Waupaca Eco-Park will be the home base for the other upcoming classes.
The park is located at 1534 Webster Way, near the East Gate Subdivision.
Those interested in taking the following classes should watch for registration information on www.waupacaactive.net as it gets closer.
Hill will teach “Migrating Birds of Wisconsin” from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, April 21 through May 26.
Open to all ages, those who attend will learn about the birds that migrate through Wisconsin and birding basics.
He will teach “Eating Naturally” from noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays, April 21 through May 26.
That program is also open to people of all ages.
Hill encourages parents to attend with their children and to bring journals to class to draw pictures of the plants.
“We will be learning about native plants in the area that are safe to eat,” he said.
Since the two classes are running concurrently, people may sign up for both of them, Hill said.
“Planting for the Birds and Bees” will be the topic of the next class.
Hill will lead that one from 2-3 p.m. Saturdays, May 5-19.
“We’re going to build a garden at the eco-park,” he said.
Using native plants, participants will learn how to build a garden that is both visually pleasing and attractive to birds and bees, he said.