USAO announces free fall workshops in nature, culinary arts and crafts
As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to get out of the house and explore something new at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s Jean McLaughlin Outdoor Education & Research Center. Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, sharpen your culinary skills, or dive into creative crafts, our fall workshops offer a range of exciting activities to help you make the most of the season. All events are free, donations are encouraged.
Explore the night at our “Insect Night,” where Dr. Jason Shaw and emeritus faculty member Dr. Mike Mather will guide you on an exciting evening of catching and identifying local insects.
For those who enjoy culinary arts, we offer two special workshops: “Wine and Cheese” and “Beer and Brats,” led by Dr. Jeanette Loutsch and Dr. Rachel Jones. Participants will learn to create wine, cheese, beer, and bratwurst, and take home what they’ve crafted during the workshop.
As the holidays approach, embrace the season with our “Pumpkin Baking & Holiday Macrame” workshop. Participants will turn pumpkins into delicious treats and create festive macrame ornaments.
Insect Night
- Friday, September 20, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Participants will join Dr. Jason Shaw and emeritus faculty member Dr. Mike Mather for a night of catching and identifying insects that live at the habitat. Attendees will learn a variety of insect trapping methods and identification. Open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for walking outdoors at night!
Wine and Cheese (21+)
- Saturday, September 27, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Participants will join Dr. Jeanette Loutsch and Dr. Rachel Jones to engage in the art of wine fermentation and cheese making. During the workshop, participants will also be treated to a variety of cheese and wine sampling. Participants will be treated to dinner and sent home at the end with products made during the workshop. Participants must be over 21 and provide identification upon arrival.
Beer and Brats (21+)
- Saturday, October 25, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Participants will join Dr. Jeanette Loutsch and Dr. Rachel Jones to engage in the art of brewing beer, mead, and the process of at home bratwurst making. Participants will be treated to dinner and sent home at the end with products made during the workshop. Participants must be over 21 and provide identification upon arrival.
Pumpkin Baking & Holiday Macrame
- Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Participants will join Dr. Jeanette Loutsch and Dr. Rachel Jones to learn and participate in the process of turning pumpkins into delicious holiday treats! While things are in the over, participants will have the opportunity to learn the art of macrame and make holiday themed ornaments. Attendees will be treated to lunch and sent home at the end with products made during the workshop. Open to ages 14 and up.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.