Workforce Development and Community Education: Fall 2023

Visit us online at www.sunywcc.edu/wdce | 30 LIFELONG LEARNING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN-PERSON Designing Native Plant Gardens Learn how to assess and analyze an existing site and how to develop a beautiful, beneficial design plan that encourages birds and pollinators and incorporates sustainable principles. CE-GRDN 2015, 2 Wed., Oct. 11 & 18, 7:00–8:30 pm, $82, GTW-133. L Becker. #91962 NEW! IN-PERSON A Sight for Sori: Identifying Ferns of the Northeast Discover the anatomy, basic identification characteristics, and reproductive cycle of common native ferns. Plant your own container of fern spores to take home. Become a frond flipper as the class moves outdoors to examine a few fern species in The Native Plant Center demonstration gardens. Bring a pint-sized plastic container with a clear lid. $67 (+ $5 materials fee, payable to instructor). CE-GRDN 2143 1 Fri., Oct. 13, 1:00-3:30 pm, CLA-100, $67. P Butter. #92150 IN-PERSON Advanced Plant Identification in the Field Spend the class outdoors practicing the use of field guides and taxonomic plant identification keys. Prerequisite: Plant Identification in the Field or equivalent coursework in botany. Meet in the Stone Cottage Garden on the college campus. Dress appropriately for the weather. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide required. CE-GRDN 2050, 1 Fri., Oct. 6, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, $57 (+ textbook). J Schuler. #91989 REMOTE Gardening Strategies for the Climate Crisis The urgency of the climate crisis has never been greater—more severe and erratic weather, record losses of native species, and an increase of invasive species. Discover gardening strategies to reduce the impacts of climate change and improve your surrounding environment. CE-GRDN 2126, 1 Tues., Nov. 7, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, $82. K Eierman. #92004 IN-PERSON Rain Gardens and Biodiversity Learn how to build a rain garden to reduce flooding and to increase the diversity of insect and bird life in your neighborhood Explore site assessment, soil analysis, design guidelines, construction, and plant selection. CE-GRDN 2125, 1 Sat., Nov. 11, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, KNC-4, $57. C Huber. #91997 IN-PERSON In the Field: Become a Community Scientist Everyday people across the country are recording their observations of plants and animals in the name of science. You can, too. Learn about “Citizen” or “Community” Science and how to use identification and reporting apps such as SEEK and iNaturalist to help learn more about local flora and fauna, their habitats, seasonal changes and to advance research. The class will spend time in the field for hands-on experience. A smartphone is required. CE-SCI 2062, 1 Sat., Sept. 23, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, KNC-5, $57. R Finkelstein. #91986 IN-PERSON Unlocking the Mysteries of Native Plant Selection When choosing native plants, you need to ask the right questions to get the best results. Let’s sort out the mysteries and complexities of native plant selection including: Are native cultivars OK to use? Am I buying a genetic clone? What are local ecotypes? Are dwarf nativars ecologically useful? What’s the tradeoff with double flowers? Which native plants require pollination partners? ...and much more. CE-GRDN 2135, 1 Tues., Oct. 31, 10:00 am–1:00 pm, $82. K Eierman. #91999 IN-PERSON The Native Gardener’s Library Learn about the colorful history of plant literature and the essential titles to begin or expand your gardening library for reference and inspiration. Discuss the books most prized by master gardeners and come away with reading lists for learning and pleasure in native plant conservation, gardening, and garden design. CE-GRDN 2137, 1 Fri., Nov. 3, 10:00-11:30 am, CLA-100, $41. P. Butter. #92001 SPECIAL EVENT: BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GO NATIVE U Native Plants: From Soils to Success Discover how to keep your garden looking good in all seasons. Come see for yourself the living tapestry of a native landscape. Native plants offer benefits beyond beauty. Learn the role soils play in nurturing plants. Jump-start your certificate! Each class is $57. Classes meet on Friday, September 22, 2023 in SUNY Westchester Valhalla, Classroom Building, Room 100, Park in Lot #4 10:00 am-12:00 noon: Get the “Dirt on Soil” 12:00 noon-12:45 pm: Lunch (on your own) 12:45-2:45 pm: Creating a Succession of Bloom in the Native Garden 2:45-3:00 pm: Break 3:00-5:00 pm: Native Plant Center Garden Tour IN-PERSON Get the “Dirt” on Soil Soil is alive with microorganisms that help provide garden plants all-important nutrients. Learn the basics of soil science (texture, structure), how to foster and maintain soil health, and why a soil test is a good starting point. Create a living soil and reap its benefits for years to come. CE-GRDN 2134, $57. Duncan Himmelman. #91988 NEW! IN-PERSON Creating a Succession of Bloom in the Native Garden Pollinators need a continuous source of food to survive. From early spring through late fall, different species of pollinators look for different types of plants. Learn how to make your garden beautiful while also supporting these critical creatures throughout the growing season with a succession of native plants. CE-GRDN 2145, $57. K Eierman. #92237 NEW! IN-PERSON Native Plant Center Garden Tour Explore the collections of The Native Plant Center on a guided tour of its demonstration gardens in their fall glory. Discover the range of styles and functions and come away with inspiration for your own garden. Meet in the Lady Bird Johnson Garden on campus; park in Lot #1. CE-GRDN 2136, $57. P. Butter. #91984

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