TriDistrict Community Education

Join historian Peter Rachleff to read and discuss the 2024 National Book Award-winning novel, James. This retelling of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is from the perspective of the enslaved man “Jim”, who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River. Everett invites us (or challenges us?) to consider American history and American fiction from a point of view unfamiliar to most of us. Many of us grew up reading Huckleberry Finn and can now consider how it might have shaped our views of American history - and to discuss how James offers new insights. Instructor: Peter Rachleff, Professor Emeritus Macalester College

Discover the majestic world of bears using clues from berries, small rodents and fish. These super-sized, furry animals are our guardians of forests, mountains, and rivers. Showcasing in black, brown, white, glacial blue, and Spirit-bear-cream, bears hold wide respect in native cultures. They often instill fear in humans, as they are misunderstood. Learn why we all need bears to share our planet, unveiling the Spirit Bear as a symbol of successful collaboration in protecting one of the rarest bears on Earth. Presenter: Melanie Shipman, Lifelong Naturalist

Discover the creative possibilities with Canva, the ideal tool for beginners and novices! Learn to harness the power of the easiest design website available (and free). You'll learn to create stunning designs or use templates with step-by-step guidance. Whether it's online documents, business cards, email signatures, or more, leave this class with the confidence and skills to use Canva effectively and creatively. Our instructor, Nickie Welsh, will be live & interactive on Zoom. Join us at TPAC with Nickie and our in-person volunteer facilitator to ensure a great classroom experience. Or join on Zoom from home. Specify when registering.

Discover the joy of spontaneous fun in this lively beginning improv class designed especially for seniors! No scripts, no pressure—just playful exercises and games that spark creativity, laughter, and connection. You'll build confidence, improve thinking, and enjoy the freedom of expressing yourself in a supportive, low-stress environment. Come for the fun, stay for the friendships, and laugh because you can. Instructor: Laura Berger

Discover the exciting world of high-altitude research with the NASA MN Space Grant Consortium! This presentation explores the science behind weather balloons, how they collect atmospheric data, and their role in space and climate research. Learn how these balloon missions help advance scientific understanding and provide valuable insights into our planet and beyond. Don't miss this fascinating event. Presenter: James Flaten, PhD, Assoc Dir of NASA's MN Space Grant Consortium

Eloise's programs are designed to promote connections with nature. Register one week or more in advance. It's time - let's go! March Looking for Spring Hike Maybe you will need to wear boots or a raincoat, or winter-wear still, but we are heading out on Thompson Park trails in search of early signs of spring. Will March come in like a lamb or go out like a lion? Whatever, there will be signs of spring and we will find them! April April Foolery This program is all about nature facts, fiction, trivia and maybe even attempts at stumping the naturalist. Let's have some laughs! May Spring Birding Join fellow bird enthusiasts on a guided hike through the woodlands, around the lake, and across nearby grasslands at Thompson Park. We'll be on the lookout for early spring migratory birds in their natural habitats. Bring your favorite field guides and binoculars if you have them! June Plants Alive How much do you really know about plants? Discover surprising facts and answer intriguing questions during this engaging, station-based activity that takes place both indoors and outdoors. July Summer Garden Tour Looking for gardening inspiration? Join us for a tour of three unique off-site gardens during their peak blooming season. We'll meet at Thompson Park Activity Center (TPAC) at 9:00 AM to arrange carpools, then explore the vibrant and imaginative gardens in West St. Paul and St. Paul, spending 20–25 minutes at each garden. Aug The Soil Beneath Our Feet Soil is a vital resource we often take for granted. In this class, you'll learn about the different types of soil, how it's used (and abused), and its importance to life on Earth. Gain a deeper appreciation for the ground beneath your feet!