a list of Fall 2015 Native Plant Studies Certificate Classes

 Certificate Classes Fall 2015 Certificate in Native Plant Studies Summer Flora Milo Pyne, Plant Ecologist Saturdays, June 27, July 11, 18, 25; 9:30 ‐ 12:30pm This course is intended for a broad audience, as well as for students who are enrolled in either of the Garden’s certificate programs. Field trips and exercises provide experience in the use of identification keys and recognition of plants in a natural setting. No prerequisite. Fee: $125 ($115 NCBG members) Botany Olivia Lenahan, Horticultural Scientist Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22; 9:15 am – 2:15 pm This course is introductory in nature and designed for a broad audience. It is a fundamental core course for students enrolled in either of the NCBG certificate programs. Basic principles of botany including taxonomy, anatomy, morphology and physiology are covered. Class time is divided between lectures and examining/dissecting samples. There are also opportunities for making observations in the gardens. Bring your lunch. No prerequisites. Fee: $195 ($175 NCBG members) Reeves South: August 1, 8, 15; C106: August 22 Pollination Anne Lindsey, Botanist Saturdays, August 29, September 12, 19, 26; 9:30 – 12:30 pm Thiscourseisintendedforabroadaudienceandexplorestheuniquepartnershipoffloweringplants
andtheiranimalpollinators.Includedisanexplorationofattractantsystemsandbreedingbiologyof
thefloralpartnerandaspectsofthebiologyandbehaviorsofcommonpollinators.Wealsoexplorethe
importanceofpollinationtoecosystemhealthandtohumanfoodproduction.Brieflecturesarefollowed
byfieldobservationsattheGardenandsomelabwork.Studentslearntorecognizeimportantinsect
pollinatorsandprepareareportonapollinationstoryforaplantspeciesoftheirchoice.
Prerequisites: Botany, Local Flora. Fee: $130 ($117 NCBG members) C107 Fall Flora Ken Moore, NCBG Assistant Director, Retired August 29, September 12, 26, October 3, (Inclement Weather Date/Optional Field Trip, October 31) This course is intended for a broad audience, as well as for students who are enrolled in either of the Garden’s certificate programs. Field trips and exercises provide experience in the use of identification keys and recognition of plants in a natural setting. Fee: $130 ($117 NCBG members) C110 Native Seed Propagation Heather Summer, NCBG Seed Program Coordinator Saturday, September 12; 1:30 – 4:30pm Intended for all levels, students learn seed propagation techniques for native perennials and woody plants. Topics include seed collection methods, post‐collection handling, cleaning equipment and 1 4/13/15 techniques, seed storage, seed sowing techniques, sowing media, cultural requirements of seedlings, and dormancy requirements. No prerequisite. Fee: $32 ($29 NCBG members) C107 Applied Conservation Biology Johnny Randall, NCBG Director of Conservation; Mike Kunz, NCBG Conservation Ecologist Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22; 1:00 – 4:00pm This course supplements information presented in Principles of Conservation Biology. It takes the conceptual and theoretical elements of ecological and conservation biology principles and applies them to conservation, rehabilitation and management of natural areas. The subject matter covered demonstrates how concepts such as island biogeography, population genetics, metapopulation dynamics and ecosystem function are used by conservation planners and land managers. Emphasis is placed on conservation and management practices that are discussed in the classroom and studied in NCBG natural areas. Prerequisite: Principles of Conservation Biology. Fee: $130 ($117 NCBG members) C107: October 1, 15, 22; Bell Seminar Room: October 8 Plant Taxonomy Milo Pyne, Plant Ecologist Sundays, October 18, 25, November 15; 1:15 – 5:00 This course builds on the fundamentals taught in Botany and prepares students for supplementary material covered in Flowering Plant Families. It is a core course for students enrolled in either of the NCBG certificate programs. Students learn the basic concepts of the taxonomy of vascular plants and how to identify plant families by making observations of selected characteristics. The use of taxonomic keys is introduced. Interesting examples are studied to illustrate current issues in plant taxonomy and nomenclature. Prerequisite: Botany. Fee: $130 ($117 NCBG members) C107 Lichens Eimy Rivas Plata, Lichenologist Saturday, October 24; 9:30am – 4:30pm This class is intended for a broad audience. Lichens (lichenized fungi) are symbiotic organisms that consist of fungal, algal and/or bacterial partners. Among the first life‐forms to live on land, lichens have occupied nearly every habitat on Earth and grow on many of the surfaces of our environment. This class introduces students to the fascinating world of lichen biology, the dazzling diversity of the local lichen flora, and their importance as indicators of environmental health. Includes lecture, demonstrations, and a field trip. Serves as 1/2 elective credit for the Certificate in Native Plant Studies. Bring your lunch. No prerequisite. Fee: $65 ($58 NCBG members) C107 Soil Ecology Nicolette Cagle, Ecologist Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17, 24; 9:30am – 12:30pm This course is intended for a broad audience. Students are introduced to the complex world of soils including information on how they are formed, characterized, and populated by a wide array of organisms. An overview of soil types is presented, followed by the study of typical Piedmont soils and their properties. The various roles that soils play in both human society and ecological systems are discussed. No prerequisite. Fee: $130 ($117 NCBG members) C106 2 4/13/15 Book Review: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard Nicolette Cagle, Ecologist Friday, December 4; 12 – 2pm Bring your lunch and join Nicolette Cagle for a discussion of Annie Dillard’s nonfiction book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek . This story is a first‐person point of view, detailing the narrator’s explorations of nature and life in the area of Tinker Creek in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The book records the narrator's thoughts on solitude, writing, and religion, as well as scientific observations on the flora and fauna she encounters. No prerequisite. Fee: $15 ($12 NCBG member) C106 3 4/13/15