Geology of the Snake River When: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. May 2 Cost: $99
Rocks tell stories and those who join this class will learn what the rocks of the Snake River tell about the area’s geological history. This full-day class includes lunch and explores the river from Hells Gate State Park Marina all the way up the canyon to the confluence with the Imnaha River.
“We use the entire stretch of the river to tell the story,” said Keegan Schmidt, class instructor and geology professor at Lewis-Clark State College.
Keegan uses interactive tools, including posters, rock samples and, for the mobile and adventurous, the chance to get out and explore. Not only do participants get to ask as many questions as they want, they can come back year after year — and many do.
The class is open to those 16 years and older; dress for the weather and meet at Hells Gate marina in Lewiston. Register for the class at www.lcsc.edu/ce or call (208) 792-2447; registration deadline is May 2 or when the class reaches capacity.
Essential Oils – Roller Ball Remedies When: 7:30-8 p.m. May 14 Cost: $5/roller ball, payable to instructor
Essential oils are powerful — that’s what Angela Zavala said she found and why she’s eager to provide education on their use.
The roller ball class is a “make and take” class where participants create roller ball topical applicators. Zavala covers how to use the oils safely and common uses for several oils. Participants can choose from a few oil blends that support the immune system and a healthy routine.
“At 2 a.m., it’s nice to have something on the shelf that works,” Zavala said.
Zavala distributes essential oils for a brand name essential oil company, but she focuses on education and practical use over sales for this class. The information and formulas covered in her class can be replicated with any brand of quality essential oils, she said.
Register for the class at www.pullmanparksandrec.com or call (509) 338-3227. The class is held at Sweet Mutiny at 1195 S.E. Bishop Blvd. in Pullman.
Hunting Spring Mushrooms When: 9:30 a.m. May 17 Cost: $42/residents, $44/non-residents
Many people avoid hunting mushrooms for fear of being poisoned.
Lori Carris, class instructor and a Washington State University professor who specializes in fungi, will cover a variety of information on mushrooms, including edibility. The class begins at the Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center in Moscow, where participants will learn about spring mushrooms, most notably morels, including tips on where to find them, permit requirements and other types of mushrooms in the area.
Participants then drive to a location in the woods for hands-on mushroom hunting experience. Although there’s no guarantees on what they’ll find, people usually enjoy the time and leave with enough information to be able to hunt for mushrooms on their own. “It’s an adult Easter egg hunt — it’s fun,” Carris said.
Participants should dress for the weather and bring a lunch, bucket or basket and a pocket knife. Register for the class at www.ci.moscow.id.us/parks-rec or call (208) 883-7084. The registration deadline is May 13.
Want to find out about more classes and workshops in the area? Visit www.inland360.com and click either “Events” from the menu bar or “Inland360 Events” on the right side under the menu. Under the event slideshow, click “All Categories” and select “Classes/Workshops.”
