Conservation Creation Arts and Crafts Workshops

We are raising funds to provide free Conservation Creations Arts & Crafts Workshops for up to 25 people to attend each quarterly workshop. 2027 will be the sixth year to host the workshops and your donation will buy supplies needed for the craft or art project. 

Each workshop consists of an introduction of who we are and programs and services we provide, an educational program related to the craft or art project we make, trivia related to the topic, and a project leader. 

For example, in October the workshop was held at Gorman Nature Center in Mansfield. The craft was a lantern made of a recycled jar and decorated with autumn foliage and stickers. The speaker introduced attendees to a milk snake and shared information on the nocturnal creatures that go bump in the night. She played participants animal sounds and had them guess what the creature was. Participants left with more compassion for nocturnal animals and less fearful of the sounds of things going bump in the night. 

Due to the generosity of the community in 2025, the 2026 conservation creation workshops were completely free of charge. All workshops had a full house. If the workshops are free, we hope any barriers to attending will be dropped so we may educate more people about the importance and need for soil and water conservation in a fun and engaging manner.

The only other expenses the workshops incur are the workshop coordinator's, speakers and project leaders time.  The workshop coordinator's (Zoe Baumberger's) time is covered by Richland Soil and Water Conservation District and guest speakers and project leaders have donated their time or had it covered by their organization. We are blessed to have the support of our five-member board of supervisors and many generous partners who value the benefits the workshops provide. 

Here are comments from some workshops:

"I love how much Christine knew about growing herbs, information about them and that she had personal stories with them.  I could have listened to her longer, very informative."

"Very informative – all speakers."

"Great guest speaker for newbies and seasoned gardeners.  Even took home a nice recipe."    

"Good coverage of topic, tied in with craft."

"Love crafting."

"You always do an amazing job with the workshops. Great location!"