Golden Hills is partnering with Iowa Western on classes about sustainability and traditional skills. See upcoming and previous programs below.
Land Stewardship Series
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Classes start Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm and continue one Tuesday evening per month until November.
This hands-on series is designed for landowners, natural resource professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of managing Iowa’s unique ecosystems. Participants will explore topics such as tree and plant identification, invasive species management, herbicide application, equipment operation, trail design, tree and shrub removal, wildfire planning, and ecosystem restoration. Some classes will include fieldwork at off-site locations, offering real-world application and insights. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. Each class is $65, or register for all classes in the series for a total of $499. |
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Wildland Fire Planning & Management
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm Hitchcock Nature Center This course covers the fundamentals of wildland fire planning and management. Participants will learn how to develop fire management plans, assess wildfire risk, and implement strategies for fire prevention and response. Topics include fire behavior, safety protocols, prescribed burning, and managing fire-prone landscapes to protect ecosystems and communities. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Tree & Shrub Removal
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 5:30pm - 8:30pm IWCC Council Bluffs Campus This course covers the essential techniques for removing trees and shrubs, focusing on best practices for clearing invasive species and managing woody encroachment. Learn about proper tools, safety measures, and effective methods for removal in diverse landscapes. Ideal for land managers, conservationists, and anyone interested in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Herbicide Use
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm IWCC Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall This course covers the safe and effective application of herbicides in land management. Learn how to identify invasive plant species, select appropriate herbicides, and apply them using best practices to minimize environmental impact. Topics include safety protocols, equipment use, and integrated pest management strategies for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Tree & Plant Identification
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm IWCC Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall This course is part of the Land Stewardship Series. Learn to identify native and invasive trees, plants, and shrubs that impact western Iowa’s prairie and savanna ecosystems. This hands-on course will teach you how to recognize species that need protection and those that require management or removal to preserve fragile landscapes. Gain practical skills to support effective land stewardship and conservation efforts. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Equipment Operations
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm Council Bluffs Learn the basics of operating essential equipment for effective land management. This hands-on course covers the use of machinery like Bobcats for shearing, grinding, and mulching; Bush Hogs for mowing and shrub removal; brush cutters; and other tools. Gain practical skills for maintaining and restoring landscapes safely and efficiently. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Soft Trail Planning & Development
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm Hitchcock Nature Center This course focuses on the principles of designing sustainable soft trails in natural landscapes. Learn how to plan, layout, and build trails that minimize environmental impact while providing access for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Topics include trail alignment, erosion control, and long-term maintenance strategies, with an emphasis on creating trails that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Intro to OSHA
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 5:30 pm - 8:30pm IWCC Council Bluffs Campus - Looft Hall This course provides an overview of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they apply to land management and stewardship activities. Learn about safety standards for working with heavy equipment, herbicides, and in the field, as well as proper risk management practices. Ideal for land managers and those involved in outdoor conservation work, this course helps ensure a safe and compliant work environment. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Seed Harvesting, Processing, & Cleaning
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm IWCC Council Bluffs Campus Discover the techniques and tools needed to harvest, process, and clean native seeds for restoration projects. This hands-on course covers best practices for collecting seeds, ensuring quality through proper processing, and preparing them for planting or storage. Perfect for anyone interested in conservation or land restoration efforts. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Business Basics
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm IWCC Council Bluffs Campus Learn the foundational skills and strategies needed to start and manage a successful business. This course covers essential topics such as creating a business plan, understanding finances, marketing your services, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Ideal for aspiring business owners or those looking to strengthen their business knowledge. Register here. $65. Registration closes 3 days prior to each class. For registration questions, contact Megan Blakely at Iowa Western. |
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Past Programs
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Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Business Development
Friday, February 28, 2025 8:30am-3pm Iowa Western - Council Bluffs campus Learn from industry leaders as they share their success stories, strategies for growth, and the impact of outdoor recreation & eco-tourism on western Iowa’s rural communities. View the draft agenda here. Cost: $50. Register here. |
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DIY Rain Barrel
Tuesday, May 30 6:00-7:30pm Iowa Western Community College Page Fremont County Center- Shenandoah Instructor: Jamie Smidt Fowler Do It Yourself! Learn how to make a rain barrel for the home to capture water for later use. Class is $75 which includes supplies, and you'll get to take home your own rain barrel. Pre-registration is required by May 25th. Register here: Iowa Western DIY Rain Barrel |
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Soups, Sauces & Salsas New date! Tuesday, September 27, 2022 (Rescheduled from Tuesday, Sept. 6) 5:00pm-7:00pm IWCC Council Bluffs Student Center. $20. Register here. |
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Whole Hog Fabrication
This class has been canceled due to low registration. Check back for a reschedule date. Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 5:00pm-7:00pm IWCC Council Bluffs Student Center. $35. Registration not available currently. Check back for a reschedule date. |
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Local Food & Farm Bus Tour (canceled!)
Saturday, August 27 12:00-5:30pm ***Please note this event was canceled due to low registration. Check back for a rescheduled date.*** Participants will meet at the Iowa Western Campus in Council Bluffs and take a guided bus tour to several farms and local food businesses. The tour starts with a locally-sourced lunch at Milk & Honey on the historic courthouse square in Harlan. |
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After lunch, visit Rosmann Family Farms and learn about their organic crop and livestock operation, then check out their on-farm store full of local products. Next, the bus will head to Main Street in Logan and stop at One Farm’s market, which will include a wine tasting and more shopping opportunities. Finally, you’ll get a tour of Honey Creek Creamery with a sample of gelato before returning to your vehicle in Council Bluffs.
Registration fee includes the bus, lunch, gelato, and farm tour. Bring some extra cash to purchase food and other goods at Farm Sweet Farm and One Farm Market.
Registration is $50 and you must register by August 20.
Registration fee includes the bus, lunch, gelato, and farm tour. Bring some extra cash to purchase food and other goods at Farm Sweet Farm and One Farm Market.
Registration is $50 and you must register by August 20.
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Jam and Jelly
Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 This class was canceled due to instructor illness. Check back soon for reschedule date! 5:00pm-7:00pm IWCC Council Bluffs Student Center. $20. |
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DIY Rain Barrel
Thursday, July 28 6:00-7:30pm Shenandoah campus of IWCC Instructor: Jamie Smidt Fowler Do It Yourself! Learn how to make a rain barrel to conserve water by capturing rainfall and snowmelt to use in your yard and garden. Class is $75 which includes supplies, and you'll get to take home your own rain barrel. Pre-registration is required by July 21. Register here. |
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DIY Rain Barrel
Two options: Thursday, May 12 5:00-6:30pm (Council Bluffs) Registration closed. or Saturday, May 14 10-11:30am (Shenandoah) This class was canceled due to low registration. Instructor: Jamie Smidt Fowler |
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Do It Yourself! Learn how to make a rain barrel to conserve water by capturing rainfall and snowmelt to use in your yard and garden.
Class is $75 which includes supplies, and you'll get to take home your own rain barrel.
Pre-registration is required. Registration ends one week before each class.
Class is $75 which includes supplies, and you'll get to take home your own rain barrel.
Pre-registration is required. Registration ends one week before each class.
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Composting Class
Tuesday, April 19 5:00-6:30pm Iowa Western Community College Dodge Hall (Council Bluffs campus) Instructor: Matt Mancuso Learn how to improve the quality of your soil, while helping reduce waste going to the landfills. This class will present the three kinds of composting: Aerobic Anaerobic Vermicomposting Each has its pros and cons. Decide what is best for you. You will learn about what can and cannot be composted and how to maintain a proper compost bin. Class is $10 and pre-registration is required. Register here. |
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