Wild School Hibernation Celebrations are planned for Dec. 28 and 29 at Pete’s Pond in La Grande.

LA GRANDE — Wild School, a program through Art Center East that introduces kids to nature-based projects at Pete’s Pond, is planning two sessions of a Hibernation Celebration.

The class for ages 6-12 will meet from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28. Parents or guardians are not required to stay, but are welcome to join the activities.

The session for ages 0 to 5 starts at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 29. A parent or guardian must stay for the hour-long class.

Attendance is free. Pete’s Pond is at 913 Miller Drive.

During these programs, children will use art and science to learn about hibernation and what animals at Pete’s Pond do in the winter. Activities will include brewing pine needle tea and campfire cooking.

Register at artcentereast.org.

About the teachers

The teaching artists are Meghan Ballard and Amanda Welch.

Ballard holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Portland State University and has done graduate-level coursework in Environmental Education. She has more than 10 years of experience in environmental education engaging K-12 science classes in stream and wetland restoration projects. She is currently a freelance environmental educator, a Cub Scouts Den Leader, a board member of the Blue Mountains Conservancy, and a mother of two.

Welch teaches art at Stella Mayfield Elementary School in Elgin and has a master’s degree in Arts Education. Although her main focus is fiber art, she spends a lot of time working with various mediums such as painting, photography and ceramics. She is also a mom of four and helps coach the La Grande Swim Club.

Wild School

Sessions of Wild School and Wild Preschool run throughout the year. For class updates, and to see a full roster of offerings at Art Center East, visit artcentereast.org.