Nature & The Outdoors   

In this engaging lecture series, Janie Agyagos draws on 31 years as a Forest Service wildlife biologist in the Verde Valley to explore the region’s rich fauna. Each session explores a different taxa group (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates) and will include hands-on materials like preserved specimens and natural artifacts, the best field guides and apps for our area, and checklists and cheat sheets for participants to keep. These lectures offer an immersive look at the diverse wildlife we’re lucky to have as our neighbors.

Discover the principles of permaculture and how to design resilient, sustainable systems that work in harmony with nature. This community education course introduces key concepts such as regenerative agriculture, water harvesting, soil health, companion planting, and ecological design. Whether you’re a gardener, homeowner, or aspiring land steward, you’ll gain practical tools to create abundance while reducing waste and environmental impact. Learn how to think like a permaculturist and apply these principles in your own backyard or community. No prior experience required—just curiosity and a desire to live more sustainably.