June
Basics of Entomology (elective / open to the public) June 6-9
This course will be a brief introduction to the biology of insects and related arthropods, structured around application and investigation of issues related to interactions between insects and plants and insects and humans. The focus will be on biodiversity and ecology of beneficial insects, but will include a primer on insect identification, conservation, and ecology. Insects will be collected during class-time to illustrate collection, curation, and identification methods.
Instructor: Dr. Chris Paradise (Davidson College)
Dates and times: Thu. 6 (6pm-9pm), Sat. 8 (9am-12noon) and Sun 9 (2pm-5pm). Total 9 hours.
Location: McMillan Greenhouse and gardens, UNC Charlotte.
Cost: $81.00
Class limit: 16 participants.
Conservation Ecology and Rare Plants (elective; pre-requisite: Basic Ecology) June 13-15
This course focuses on the protection and management of plant biodiversity. Topics include species conservation, causes and consequences of declines in plant biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, management approaches, biological reserve design, restoration of ecosystems, and the role of conservation biologists in plant conservation.
Dates and times: June Thu. 13 (6pm-9pm), Fri 14 (6pm-9pm) and Sat 15 (10am-1pm)
Instructor: Dr. Jessica Braswell (Queens University)
Location: McMillan Greenhouse, UNC Charlotte and Redlair Farms in Gastonia.
Suggested Reading: Plant by Janet Marinelli (reference book).
Cost: $90.00
Class limit: 16 participants
Bog Gardens and Aquatic Plants (elective / open to the public) June 21-22
Carnivorous plants (think Venus’ fly-traps and pitcher plants) are some of the world’s most fascinating plants – and they are North Carolina natives! Carnivorous plant expert, Larry Mellichamp, will explain the biology of these plants, the native habitats that harbor them, and how you can enjoy them in your own gardens. Participants will construct their own dish garden with at least 5 different bog plants to take home. Since aquatic plants are often confused with bog plants, we will look at those and their cultivation and care, and how to grow them for enjoyment in the home garden. Some will be available for purchase.
Instructor: Dr. Larry Mellichamp
Dates and times: June Fri. 21 (6:30pm-9pm) and Sat. 22 (9am-4pm – ½ hr. lunch break). 9 hours
Location: McMillan Greenhouse, UNC Charlotte.
Cost: $81.00 + $30.00 for plant materials
Class limit: 12 participants
July
Fern Foray (elective; Pre-requisite: Basic Botany) July 9, 11, 12
Ferns are fascinating and much-loved woodland plants – and yet, how does one begin learning to distinguish between the many species that are native to the Carolinas (there are actually more than 65!) This class and field trip combination will serve as a primer to fern characteristics and identification techniques, plus be a great opportunity to see many species in the wild. We will focus on about 20 species, including many of the most easy and desirable to grow. The field trip will include 3-4 great fern sites in the mountains of North Carolina – in the Brevard, Looking Glass Falls, and Mt. Pisgah areas.
Instructors: Dr. Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross
Dates & Times: Tuesday July 9 (6pm-9pm), Thursday 11 (7am-10pm. Field trip) and Friday 12 (6pm-9pm).
Cost: $108 + travel supplement (TBA) + $4 fern guide
Class limit: 14 participants
Basic Horticulture (core course; pre-requisite: Basic Botany). July 19-20, Aug 3
A very hands-on course in which plant growth, environmental factors, diurnal cycle, propagation, and basic plant culture will be covered.
Instructors: Frankie Fanelli & Paula Gross
Dates and times: July 19 (5:30pm-8:30pm), July 20 (9:00am-12:00noon) and Sat. Aug 3 (9:00am-12:00noon). Total 9 hours.
Cost: $81.00
Location: McMillan Greenhouse
Class limit: 16 participants
Propagation – Details to come, September 26, 28
Interested in Registering for a class? Please email Esther at ecarras1@uncc.edu for availability and registration policies.
