While winter may not be done with Cullman County just yet, the North Alabama Agriplex already is looking to the great outdoors for its February lineup of DIY learning opportunities.

On tap at the Agriplex this month are courses that bring students up close with cooking by the campfire and using their own homemade instruments to monitor the weather — while grown-ups get more than one way to learn about native Alabama trees and how to take care of the ones they have at home.

This month’s cost-free Military Veteran & Beginning Farmer course (set for Feb. 20) will offer adults practical tips on selecting and using small rented farm equipment for those occasional jobs that call for more than the tools they may have at home.

Completing the class will qualify participants to rent farm equipment through the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Operation Grow Hardware and Equipment Loan program (OG-HELP), which provides farm equipment to designated counties statewide to offset the startup costs of agriculture.

Here’s a look at everything happening at the Agriplex in February:

Programs for kids

Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. — Heritage Homeschool (Elementary): DIY Weather Instruments
Create your own thermometer, barometer, and rain gauge using recycled materials — and then learn how to use them to predict the weather! Course cost is $20 per student, with a maximum cost of $40 per family.

Feb 6 at 12 p.m. — Heritage Homeschool (Secondary): Campfire Cooking
Join in for a campfire cooking adventure, while mastering the skills it takes to make mouthwatering meals in the great outdoors. Course cost is $15 per student.

Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. — Little Farmers: Town Mouse, Country Mouse
Jan Brett is a renowned author/illustrator whose books have been loved by many for decades. Each month, we will center our story time, stations, crafts, and snacks around a different Jan Brett book. Course cost is $8 per child, with a maximum cost of $16 per family.

Feb 15 at 9 a.m. — Farm Kids Club: I LOVE Rabbits
Valentine’s Day may be over, but it’s not too late to come discover why rabbits are one of our favorite animals at the Agriplex. Course cost is $15 per child, with a maximum cost of $30 per family.

Programs for adults

Feb 5 at 12 p.m. —  Lunch & Learn: Native Trees for Me
In preparation for the upcoming Tree Sale on Feb. 8, Cullman County Extension Coordinator Kira Sims will teach guests how to select the best trees and shrubs for their yards. Course cost is $10 per person, and includes a light lunch.

Feb 13 at 6 p.m. — Heritage Skills: Navajo Rag Rugs
Have you ever wondered what to do with your old clothes? Join instructors Roberta and Abigail in learning about the different types of rag rugs — and make a rug of your own using the Navajo knot. Youth ages 12-15 also are welcome to attend, and need to register and be accompanied with a paid registered adult. Course cost is $20 per person.

Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. — Living Landscapes: Pruning Workshop
Instructor Arnold Caylor will guide a pruning demonstration that includes both small fruits and perennials. Participants will meet at the Agriplex and travel from there to the day’s pruning sites. Course cost is $15 per person.

Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. — Military Veteran & Beginning Farmer: Small Farm Equipment Demo Day
This demonstration day will feature equipment available for rent to small farmers through the Operation Grow OG-HELP program. Attendance to the training also will qualify participants to rent equipment. The location for this course is yet to be determined; monitor the Agriplex’s website and social media for updates ahead of the event.

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