Certificate in Native Plant Studies

Winter 2012 Course Offerings
Please see registration and payment policies at the bottom of this page.
For more information and to register for courses, contact Esther at

Basic Botany (core course)

Plant kingdoms, structure and function, life stages, populations and ecotypes, flowers and plant reproduction will be covered. This course will give the student a working vocabulary and understanding necessary for the remaining courses

Fri. 13 (6-9pm), Sat. 14 (9-12), Sun 15 (1-4pm)

Instructor: Dr. Larry Mellichamp     Class limit: 24      Cost: $81


February

Forest Ecology (elective – pre-requisite: Basic Botany)

Descriptions of forestry techniques for existing woodlands; planning timber harvests for sustainable production; identifying the economic and environmental importance of forests and their products; understanding of the various natural habitats on your property.

Fri. 3 (6pm-9pm), Sat. 4 (9am-12noon), Sun 5 (1pm-4pm)

Instructor: Dave Harrington     Location: McMillan Greenhouse + Sunday field trip

Class limit: 16     Cost: $81

Journaling in the Dark Days of Winter (open to anyone)

Close observation of plant materials from the gardens, some writing and sketching and drying samples of winter's beauty. Expect some walking in the gardens to collect samples if weather permits. A great class when there is no desire to toil in cold weather!

Instructor: Kathy Zimmermann

Sat. 11 (9 am –1 pm), Sun. 12 (1pm-5pm)

Class limit: 12    Cost: $72 (bring journal/sketchbook of your choice, pencils, pens, camera or cell phone w/ camera)

NEW Advanced Ecology (elective – pre-requisite: Basic Ecology).

Advanced Ecology will build on the concepts discussed in Basic Ecology, getting a bit deeper into the science of ecology (interactions between organisms and their environments).  Participants will read some basic scientific studies on various topics and we will discuss the ecological concepts involved as we explore the ways that ecological studies are conducted.  A few of the topics planned for further explanation are: observed patterns and potential implications of climate change, urbanization, invasive species, pollinator relationships, and plants' defensive mechanisms.  Students will be emailed some reading materials a couple of weeks prior to the start of the course so that we can jump right into our discussions.

Tue. 7 (6:30pm -8:30pm), Thu. 9 (6:30pm–8:30pm), Sat. 11 (2pm–4pm), Thu. 16 (6:30pm–8:30pm)

Instructor: Dr. Carrie DeJaco    Location: Queens College   Class limit: 16    Cost: $72

Winter Tree Identification (elective – Pre-requisite: Basic Botany)   Full. Please ask to be placed in waiting list.

Learn to identify leafless, dormant trees by their winter twig characteristics and bark. We will use the booklet “Winter Tree Finder” in this class.

Instructor: Dr. Larry Mellichamp

Fri. 17 (6pm-9pm), Sat. 18 (9am -4pm)

Class limit: 14     Cost: $81 (addl $4.00 for winter tree booklet)

NEW Basic Horticulture (core – Pre-requisite: Basic Botany)

A very hands-on course in which plant growth, environmental factors, diurnal cycle, propagation, and basic plant culture will be covered.

Thu. Feb. 23 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Sat. Feb. 25 – 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, Thu. March 15 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Instructor: Frankie Fanelli

Location: CPCC Cato Campus

Class limit: 16    Cost: $81.00

 
March

Soils of the Piedmont (elective – Pre-requisite: Basic Botany)

It all starts in the soil! Learn about Piedmont soil types, their properties, structures, and how they relate to plant growth and habitat development.  The essential class for any gardener.

Instructor: Dr. Greg Pillar

Fri 16 (6pm-9pm), Sat. 17 (9am-4pm)

Class limit: 16    Cost: $81

Birds’ Spring Behavior (open to anyone)

Instructor: Dr. Jeff Thomas

Fri. 23 (6pm-9pm), Sat. 24 (8am-3pm)

Class location: Reedy Creek Park and McMillan Greenhouse

Class limit: 16    Cost: $81

Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat (open to anyone)

Will provide guidance on how to make your property a certified wildlife habitat with special emphasis on implementation and maintenance.

Instructor: Mary Stauble

Thu. 29 (6pm-9pm), Fri. 30 (6pm-9pm), Sat. 31 (9am-12noon)

Class limit: 16     Cost: $81

Found something you'd like to sign-up for?  Email Esther at and indicate which courses you would like to take.  She will check to see if space is available and email you back.  Please don't send a check until she confirms with you that you are registered.