Go Native U: Spring 2019 Course Schedule
at Westchester Community College, in partnership with The Native Plant Center
Register Now: Call 914-606-6830 and press 1 or register online. Classes are held in the Knollwood Center (KNC) or Classroom Building (CLA).
Most classes offer Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA-CES) credits.
Core Classes:
Native Perennials: Spring/Summer
Learn about the many herbaceous native plants that will enhance your garden and also provide food and shelter for native bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
CE-GRDN 2016, Sat., Jan. 26. 24, 10 am–12 pm, KNC-4, $55. Barbara Fischer. #13170
Introduction to Native Plant Communities
Examine the groups of native plants that grow together in the wild, and the ecological reasons for gardening with this approach. Learn about common plant communities, why they are important, and how to emulate them in your landscape. CE-GRDN 2013, Wed., Feb. 6, 10 am–12 pm, KNC-4, $55. Kim Eierman. #13171
Plant Identification in the Field
Move outside the classroom to learn how to identify plants using a taxonomic key. Try your skills in the field by exploring the demonstration gardens of The Native Plant Center and the grounds of the college campus. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide is required.
CE-GRDN 2023, Tues., May 7, 10 am–12 pm, KNC-3, $55. Jessica Schuler. #13172
Elective Classes:
Gardening with Native Grasses
Native grasses and sedges add beauty, depth, and texture to the landscape and provide food and shelter for wildlife. Learn how to use these low-maintenance plants in meadows, native grass gardens, and mixed borders. CE-GRDN 2085, Sat. Feb. 9, 1–3 pm, KNC-3, $55. Michael Hagen. #13173
NEW! Spring Awakening
Discover the beauty and ecology of northeastern spring blooming wildflowers and their pollinators. Find out how to garden with trilliums, orchids, and other early perennials.
CE-GRDN 2117, Sat., Feb. 23, 10 am–12 pm, KNC-2, $55. Carolyn Summers. #13285
Mosses and Lichens Workshop
Discover the basic evolution and biology of mosses and lichens, and how they are used by wildlife and in gardening. Learn to identify common species by creating a “living field guide.” Dress appropriately for weather; part of the class will be held outdoors.
CE-GRDN 2099, Sun., March 3, 9:30 am–12:30 pm, KNC-5, $80. Taro Ietaka. #13174
Gardener’s Toolkit for Invasive Species
Learn to identify common invasive species. Find out the recommended management practices for monitoring and controlling these invasives as well as pertinent regulations.
CE-GRDN 2037, 2 Tues., March 19 & 26, 10 am–12 pm, KNC-2, $90. Jessica Schuler. #13175
NEW! Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden
Learn the best landscaping techniques and native plants that provide the food, shelter, and nesting sites birds depend on. CE-GRDN 2116, Wed., March 27, 10 am–1 pm, KNC-3, $80, Kim Eierman. #13284
NEW! Seed Germination: Basic and Advanced
Explore the fundamentals of seed germination and transplanting—from proper temperatures and the best soils to how to avoid pitfalls. Learn the techniques native seeds require, the difference between stratification and scarification, and what a code such as C-60 means. CE-GRDN 2115, Sat., March 30, 10 am–12 pm, KNC-3, $55, Anne Megaro. #13283
Ecological Design
Reimagine a new landscape design for small or large sites or a restoration of an existing site using the concept of native plant communities. Learn how to select suitable native plants to create a natural landscape. CE-GRDN 2029, Wed., April 10, 10 am–12 pm, CLA-100, $55. Eti Katoni. #13176
Identifying Ferns of the Northeast
Learn the distinguishing characteristics of the 30 most common ferns native to the region. Examine the shape of fronds, spore-bearing leaves, leaf veins, and margins. Ferns will be illustrated by use of a herbarium, which allows for up-close views. CE-GRDN 2053, Wed., April 17, 7–9:30 pm, KNC-3, $65 (+ $5 materials fee, payable to instructor). Michael Penziner. #13177
Great Native Plants for Containers
Invite nature to your yard, patio, or balcony with container plantings. Learn which native plants grow successfully in containers and attract butterflies, beneficial insects, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. CE-GRDN 2057, Wed., May 1, 10 am–1 pm, $80. Kim Eierman. #13179
Introduction to Insect Identification
Become familiar with the common insects found in native plant gardens and how they relate to the surrounding ecosystem. Learn the basics of invertebrate taxonomy and how to distinguish insects from other arthropods. Examine their habits, life cycles, and habitat preferences.
CE-GRDN 2046, Mon., May 6, 7–9:30 pm, KNC-3, $65. Lawrence Forcella. #13180
Advanced Insect Identification
Move on to a more in-depth discussion of native insects of the Northeast. Featured species will be discussed in detail, particularly those associated with a healthy hardwood forest. Learn about the region’s ecosystems and how to create habitat niches in your own yard to attract beneficial insects, including native bee species. Prerequisite: Introduction to Insect Identification.
CE-GRDN 2063, W/Th/F, May, 8–10, 7–9 pm, KNC-2, $130. Lawrence Forcella. #13084
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, Tues., May 14, 10 am–12 pm, KNC-4, $55. Jessica Schuler. #13181