One way to beat cabin fever in the winter is to take some fun adult or family classes. Most people know that you can find a great selection of classes at your local parks & recreation department, the YMCA and The Salvation Army KROC Center–not to mention NWTC, UWGB or St Norbert Colllege. But did you know you could also find some great classes at the Green Bay Botanical Garden? Better yet, most are only 1 or 2-day classes which do not require a big commitment from busy moms or families. There are also some fun storytimes. Below are some of the classes available at the Green Bay Botanical Garden this winter. For more information on events and classes, visit their website at www.gbbg.org or call 920.490.9457.

Winter Family Festival – Saturday, February 6; 10am-2pm
Discover snowman-themed games, crafts and activities for the whole family. Professional snow carvers will create winter-themed snow sculptures and a family snowman building area in the Kress Oval (weather dependent). Come inside for food and hot chocolate. If there is inclement weather, all activities will be held indoors. FREE admission for all.

Garden Sprouts: Garden PJ Fun – Friday, January 22; 10-11:30am
Shhh! Everyone is sleeping! Have you ever wondered what happens in the Garden during the cold winter? Where do garden creatures sleep? Come and explore the winter garden and learn who snores throughout the entire winter! Put on your favorite pair of pajamas and join us as we learn all about the winter sleepers! This program is designed for children ages 3-5 and one accompanying adult. Price includes one child and adult. Additional child is half price. $8/GBBG Members; $13/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

From Curd to Press – Tuesday, January 26; 6-8pm
Learn to make delicious cheese curds. We will make these and learn how to press them to make cheddar cheese. Learning to press and age this cheese will be instructive for those who want to experiment. For those who simply want curds, you will be delighted at the result. We will sample curds and previously finished cheese. $35/GBBG Member; $44/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

Garden in a Bottle – Thursday, January 28; 6-8pm
In this workshop, you will discover how and what plants need in order to be self-sustaining in a terrarium for your home or as a gift for family and friends. All materials included. $45/GBBG Members; $54/Non-Members Pre-registration required.

Family Snowshoe Hike – Saturday, January 30; 1-3pm & Saturday, February 27; 10-11:30am
Find a new way to have fun this winter! Learn the basics of snowshoeing then head outside to discover what causes winter, explore ways that plants are adapted to survive and search for tracks and signs of animals. Dress in layers and be prepared for hiking outdoors for about 1 hour. Distance of hike will range from ¾-1 mile depending on abilities of the group. Snowshoes are sized for ages 6 and up. Program will be held as a hike if there isn’t enough snow for snowshoes. $13/GBBG Member Families; $18/Non-Member Families. Pre-registration required.

Herbal Infused Oils, Salves & Lotions – Tuesday, February 2; 6-8pm
Herbalist Linda Conroy will lead participants though the process of making oils, salves and lotions. The focus will be on creating remedies from herbs in the garden. Participants will leave with a list of healing herbs, recipes and preparations made in this workshop. Fee covers oils, jars, beeswax and all supplies for making an infused oil, a massage oil blend, a salve and a lotion. $24/GBBG Members; $33/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

FREE Travelogue: Germany – Wednesday, February 3; 12-1pm
Join us as we travel across Germany from east to west. See remnants of the Berlin wall, the romantic city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and explore castles near the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet. Bring a bag lunch and join us for this FREE program. Pre-registration required.

Introduction to Mosaic Art 2 – Tuesday, February 9 – Thursday, February 11; 5:30-9pm
This 3 night Mosaic 2 Class taught from a Fine Art point of view will give students the opportunity to learn additional information and skills which will allow them to begin to work more independently. The class will focus to a greater degree on mosaic process including design, cutting, execution technique, mosaic materials, adhesives, substrate preparation, copyright and safety. Students will create a small 6 x 6 inch mosaic from beginning to end. On the last night of class, we will enjoy a visual presentation/lecture on Ancient and Contemporary Mosaic Around the World. All materials and use of tools are included. $155/GBBG Members; $164/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

Family Workshop: Feathered Friends – Saturday, February 13, 10-11:30am
Learn how you can show special love to our feathered friends. We will explore the garden to identify some common winter birds and make a few special valentine bird treats to take home. All materials included. $13/GBBG Member Families; $18/Non-Member Families

FREE Travelogue: Africa – Wednesday, February 17; 12-1pm
Bill and Pat will share their travels throughout Africa during this lunchtime presentation. View amazing photos of animals migrating across the Serengeti Plain including lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes and so much more! Learn about the culture and customs of the Masai people, Mount Kilimanjaro and general travel trips for Africa. Bring a bag lunch and join us for this FREE program.

Building Healthy Soil for Healthy Plants – Thursday, February 18; 2-4pm
Healthy soil is the foundation for a successful vegetable garden. Learn from Vijai Pandian, UW Horticulture Extension agent on how to build good soil tilth, understand organic soil conditioners, sample soil for testing and plant nutrient seeds. $9/GBBG Member; $18/Non-Member. Pre-registration required.

Garden Sprouts: Hot Chocolate Fun – Friday, February 19; 10-11:30am
Did you know that chocolate comes from a tree? Come celebrate chocolate and other snacks that come from plants! We will read a delicious story and make a few chocolate treats to take home. Grab your taste buds, this class is sure to fill your tummy. This program is designed for children ages 3-5 and one accompanying adult. Price includes one child and adult. Additional child is half price. $8/GBBG Members; $13/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

Painting Party – Friday, February 19; 6-8pm
Have fun painting with your friends in a relaxed group setting while following step-by-step instructions. Enjoy various beverages from the Garden’s cash bar or bring your own non-alcoholic refreshments and snacks to feed your creativity. No experience is necessary, making it a fun and creative night out! Each participant will create a unique 16 x 20 acrylic painting. Give it a try, we promise you’ll have fun! All materials included. $35/GBBG Members; $44/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

Tips for Great Yoga Photos – Monday, February 22; 6-8pm
Posting yoga “selfies” has become quite a phenomenon but photographing your yoga practice can sometimes be distracting and even intimidating. Join Liz Brandt of Nomaste Yoga and Wellness and Shayna Amenson of Amenson Studio as they help you navigate this tricky terrain. Class will begin with a short yoga flow designed to warm and inspire, following our practice we will discuss tips and ideas for taking yoga photos, and finally class will end with the opportunity for you to have a professional portrait taken in a pose of your choice. Come with us for this fun and interactive journey and we will show you that you don’t need an expensive camera to take yoga photos. Please bring a yoga mat. $22/GBBG Members; $31/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

Advanced Smartphone Photography – Thursday, February 25; 6-7:30pm
Always reaching for your phone to capture that special shot, but disappointed with the end result? Want your photos to stand out? Learn the best techniques and apps for making your photos the envy of all your social media friends. We will start in the classroom before venturing out to practice. Any camera phone is welcome! $16/GBBG Members; $25/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.

Early Season Vegetable Gardening – Monday, February 29; 6-7:30pm
Early spring is a great time to begin planning and planting your favorite cool season crops. This class will explore the plethora of cool-season plants that you can both start growing and harvest during the early spring weeks. Join Master Gardener, Lynn Clark, for an evening of edible exploration. $9/GBBG Members; $18/Non-Members. Pre-registration required.