The new year might be getting off to a chilly winter’s start, but in the warm indoors, there are plenty of ways to learn at the North Alabama Agriplex in January.

The Agriplex is kicking off 2025 with a full programming calendar for both kids and adults, offering tasty courses on kitchen creativity and how to craft cute animals with needle felting. Elementary school students can learn about Alabama native bluebirds (and make a birdhouse to take home), while middle and high school students can explore how drone technology is shaping the future of farming.

Visit the Agriplex’s website (agriplex.org) for more information on the nonprofit’s January lineup of activities and to register for the course that catches your eye.

Here’s a look at all the programs and events happening at the Agriplex in January:

Programs for adults

Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. — Heritage Skills: Needle Felting. Allison Bohorfush Kress will be teaching the basics of needle felting to make cute animals. Each participant will choose one animal to make and take. The $30 per-person course cost includes a supplied needle felting kit (a requirement for the class). If you bring your own kit, the course cost is $23 per person.

Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. — Lunch and Learn: Microgreens Made Easy. Taste a mix of microgreens and learn how they can benefit your health.  Each participant will get a microgreen kit to take home and grow your own. Taught by Bill Fortenberry with Alabama Mushrooms. Course cost is $15 per person.

Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. — Military & Beginning Farmer: Small Fruit for Small Farms. Learn the ins and outs of small fruit production, including ideal varieties for North Alabama, crop establishment and pest management for blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and muscadine grapes. There is no charge for this free course, which also includes a light dinner. Program led by Kira Sims and Arnold Caylor.

Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. — Living Landscapes: Practicing Permaculture with Walden Farmacy. If you have a homestead, backyard or even just a balcony, this class will teach you how you can transform these areas into safe spaces for wild creatures. Course cost is $15 per person.

Programs for kids

Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. — Heritage Homeschool (Elementary): Beautiful Bluebirds. Learn how conservation efforts have helped our native bluebirds and see what you can do to help boost their population. Make and take home a birdhouse and nesting ball. Course cost is $15 per student (grades K-6); accompanying adults may attend free of charge.

Jan. 9 at 12 p.m. — Heritage Homeschool (Secondary): The Future of Agriculture: Drones In Farming. Discover the technology behind agricultural drones, their applications in real-world farming and the benefits they bring to sustainability and efficiency. Course cost is $15 per student (grades 6-12).

Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. — Little Farmers: Daisy Comes Home. Jan Brett is a renowned author/illustrator whose books have been loved by many for decades. Each month, storytime, stations, craft and snacks will center around a different Jan Brett book. Course cost is $8 per children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult.

Jan. 18 at 9 a.m. — Farm Kids Club: Microgreen Mania. After learning about and sampling this small but mighty superfood, you’ll get to take home your very own grow kit. Course cost is $20 per child ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Benjamin Bullard can be reached at bbullard@cullmantimes.com and by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 234.