Minneapolis Public Schools

You will learn how to describe different parts of lichens, where to look for them, and the most common species in our area. You will also learn how humans have used lichens for thousands of years for food, art, and medicine. This class meets for four weeks, with classroom dates April 23 & 30 and field dates May 7 & 14. Instructor will share more info about the outdoor class sessions. A materials fee covers the equipment you will need for this course.

Be prepared to put your feet in the grass and your head in the clouds. Come be inspired by our natural world. Students should be 4 years old by the date the class starts. Grades are the year your student will be entering in the fall of 2025. Please select this option when you register. Would you like a full day option? Register your child for a morning class and an afternoon class and choose the option “Stay for free lunch and recess from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.” This extra hour is free of charge! Community Education uses a sliding scale model for program fees so our summer programs can be financially sustainable and more equitable. The different prices reflect the average cost of offering a class as well as discounted options and options that help us cover our administrative costs. Families are asked to pick the price that they are able to pay. If you need further financial assistance, please contact the lead coordinator of the Super Summer Program at Sanford at lissa.gordon@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-668-4922.

Spend time getting fresh air and exploring a produce garden in Theodore Wirth Park. A garden naturalist will guide you through various seasonal gardening topics and give you tips and tricks for how best to grow your own garden, or just give you a chance to explore what this 1-acre garden has to offer. Insects in the Garden Explore the garden for bugs and learn about the helpers and pests. We will go over organic ways to manage pests, and the importance of other insects in the garden, such as pollinators. Sessions will be entirely outdoors, please dress for the weather. You will be sent an email if session needs to be canceled due to bad weather. Program held at JD Rivers’ Garden, 2900 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405