CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Parks Conservancy is hosting several programs for children and families to learn about nature. The Conservancy is also beginning a series of nature-based education classes for home-schooled students.

Gyotaku - A Japanese “Fin” Art Class (home-schoolers): 10-11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at Bees Landing Recreation Center, 1580 Ashley Garden Blvd. In the 1800s, Japanese fishermen used block prints to record and document large and unusual catches. Make fish prints with rubber fish models or with your own catch (bring non-living whole fish on ice). Bring a white T-shirt if you prefer to make wearable art. Cost: $10 per parent/child pair (not a drop-off class). Limited to 15 children; register online at http://www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/events/

Artfully Pinning Insects with Artist Becca Barnet: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Hazel Parker Playground, 70 East Bay St. Artfully pinning insects is a great way to study anatomy and appreciate beauty. Learn how to preserve insects by pinning and placing them safely in display boxes. Students will explore insect anatomy and discover how design relates to function. They also will learn how to make the insects look like they are in motion and how to pin symmetrically for museum-style displays. Students will leave with a beetle of their own. Adults and children ages 10 and up. Cost: $29; register online. Checks only accepted the day of the class. Limited to 10 people.

Diorama Making Workshop with Artist Becca Barnet: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at Hazel Parker Playground, 70 East Bay St. Learn to make a diorama as well as how to preserve plants, construct false rocks, clouds and water, replicate textures and sculpt animals. All projects will be made from recycled materials and objects found in nature. Photographs of Charleston parks will be available for inspiration or bring your own. Limited to 15 students ages 10 and up. Cost: $29; register online.

Building Bird Feeders for Kids: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 in Etiwan Park on Daniel Island. Build wooden bird feeds (using Boy Scouts of America kits) to take home. Also learn how to provide the necessary elements for a wildlife garden that you can register with the National Wildlife Federation. Help make pine cone feeders to leave in the park's trees. Suitable for parent/child pairs (not a drop-off class). Class is limited to 15 children. Cost: $12 in advance; $15 day of (checks only). Register online.

Valentines for the Birds: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 in Allan Park, 365 Ashley Ave. Build wooden bird feeds (using Boy Scouts of America kits) to take home. Also learn how to provide the necessary elements for a wildlife garden that you can register with the National Wildlife Federation. Help make pine cone feeders to leave in the park's trees. Suitable for parent/child pairs (not a drop-off class). Class is limited to 15 children. Cost: $12 in advance; $15 day of (checks only). Register online.

Lunch Break Vermicomposting Demo: Noon to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at Brittlebank Park on Lockwood Boulevard. The average American family throws away 1.5 pounds of kitchen waste a day. Bring a sack lunch and learn how to put your apple cores to good use. See a demonstration on how to inexpensively and easily build a backyard worm compost bin, supplying fertilizer for your garden and bait for spring fishing. Cost: $10 per person or $20 per family. Register online.

A Gullah Tour of Charleston: 10 a.m. to Noon Saturday, Feb. 25 at 43 John St. Join the Conservancy for a Gullah tour of Charleston with Alphonso Brown. Learn about black slave owners, slave uprisings, the Gullah language and local legend blacksmith Philip Simmons. The mini-bus tour will make some stops in downtown Charleston parks where the Conservancy is gardening. Event is rain or shine; no refunds due to weather. Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Register online.  Limited to 20 people; children ages 10 and up welcome with a paid and registered chaperone.

Measure to Treasure: Math Enrichment (home-school for ages K-5): 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 2 at Daniel Island Waterfront Park and Trails. Follow clues and use measurements (length, weight and volume) to solve pirate map questions and locate the hidden treasure. Registration is limited to 20 children and parent participation is required. Cost: $8 in advance; $10 day of. Register online.

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