Nature & the Environment
To register please call 914-606-6830 and press option 1
GO NATIVE U FALL 2020 CLASSES
Classes and Certificate Program in Gardening with Native PlantsGo Native U at Westchester Community College offered in collaboration with The Native Plant Center how to plant and grow a beautiful and beneficial landscape using plants native to the Northeast.
Gardening enthusiasts, landscape architects, and designers will learn from experienced instructors about the importance of native plants, regional ecology, and the sustainable practices that can be used to enhance home and community environments.Students can enroll in single classes or pursue a certificate in Sustainable Gardening with Native Plants, which consists of 50 contact hours (18 hours/core courses, 17 hours/electives, and 15 hours/community service) plus a final exam.
Most classes offer LA-CES approved credit hours; some offer ISA-approved credit.
Go Native U Elective Courses
NEW! 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 Wed., Dec. 2, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, CLASSROOM #, $55. K Eierman. #90732
SPECIAL EVENT
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
A Partnership Between Westchester Community College and Westmoreland Sanctuary Westmoreland Sanctuary is a nature center and wildlife preserve located in Mt. Kisco, serving the Westchester community and beyond. Founded almost 60 years ago, its ever-expanding tracts of land now consist of 640 acres of year-round beauty and 7.5 miles of the finest hiking trails in Westchester. It is a place where wild bird and animal life flourish; a place where native flowers, shrubs, plants and trees are cherished, protected and preserved. Come, enjoy and reconnect with nature, and maybe even yourself. Central to Westmoreland Sanctuary’s mission, is providing environmental and conservation education about the health of our environment and natural world and how it depends on a committed generation of today to pass the torch of appreciation, understanding, and respect of the natural world to future generations.
To learn more, visit: www.WestmorelandSanctuary.org.
Winter Tree Identification
Learn how to identify trees without leaves using habitat, bark, branching, and more. We will join the instructor for a hike on trails to practice identifying techniques. The benefits of each species will be explored, and the pros and cons of different field guides will be discussed. Please dress for the outdoors; binoculars are helpful, but not required.
CE-SCI 2043, 1 Sat., Nov. 21, 2:00-4:00 pm, $30. #90703
Spring 2021
GO NATIVE U SPRING 2021 CLASSES
Classes and Certificate Program in Gardening with Native Plants. Go Native U at Westchester Community College offered in collaboration with The Native Plant Center. Discover how to plant and grow a beautiful and beneficial landscape using plants native to the Northeast. Gardening enthusiasts, landscape architects, and designers will learn from experienced instructors about the importance of native plants, regional ecology, and the sustainable practices that can be used to enhance home and community environments. Students can enroll in single classes or pursue a certificate in Sustainable Gardening with Native Plants, which consists of 50 contact hours (18 hours/core courses, 17 hours/electives, and 15 hours/community service) plus a final exam. Some in-person classes offer LA-CES approved credit hours; some offer ISA-approved credit.
To register for these courses, please call 914-606-6830 and press 1 or register online at www.sunywcc.edu/ce
Go Native U Core Courses
Introduction to Native Plants and Landscapes
Gain a comprehensive foundation for garden design using native plants. Learn about the importance of native plants, showy substitutes for non-native plants, and sustainable design concepts. Recommended as a first class to the other courses.
CE-GRDN 2010, 3 Sat., Feb. 13, 20, & 27, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, $135. C Summers. #21540
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, 1 Wed., Feb. 17, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, $57. K Eierman. #21542
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, 1 Wed., Mar. 10, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, CLA-100, $57. J Lapsker. #21545
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, 1 Fri., Apr. 30, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, $57. J Schuler. #21547
Elective Classes:
Introduction to Landscape Design
Learn the introductory steps to site analysis and approaches to landscape design. Use sketching to engage your imagination and to communicate design options. Evaluate the strengths of each design based on practical and helpful criteria. Students are required to bring to the first session a project idea or an unfinished project. Design options, completed by students at home, will be reviewed in the second session. Contact Sandra@plantmearainbow.com for supply list prior to first class.
CE-GRDN 2124, 2 Sat., Jan. 30 & Feb. 6, 10:00 am–1:00 pm, $135. S Cioffi. #21550
Best Practices for Garden Maintenance
Discover how to maintain a chemical-free, thriving native plant garden with best practices for weeding and invasive plant control, basic plant identification, and suggestions for equipment that will make the job easier.
CE-GRDN 2074, 1 Sat. Mar. 6, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, $57. C Summers. #21541
Fungi in Your Garden
Learn the role fungi play in both a healthy garden and as pathogens in a less healthy landscape. Practical tips will be offered in using fungi as amendments, for growing edible mushrooms, and for recognizing common fungal diseases and parasites.
CE-GRDN 2123, 1 Sun., Mar. 7, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, $57. T Ietaka. #21551
Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden
Attracting birds to your landscape requires an ecological approach—different species have different requirements. Learn the best landscaping techniques and native plants that provide the food, shelter, and nesting sites birds depend on.
CE-GRDN 2116, 1 Wed., Mar. 17, 10:00 am–1:00 pm, $83.K Eierman. #21543
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 Fri., Mar. 19 & 26, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, $93. J Schuler. #21548
Success with Seed Starting
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, 1 Sat., Mar. 27, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, KNC-3, $57. A Megaro. #21552
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, 1 Wed., Apr. 14, 10:00 am–1:00 pm, $83. K Eierman. #21544
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, 1 Wed., Apr. 14, 7:00-9:30 pm, KNC-3, $68 (+ $5 materials fee, payable to instructor). M Penziner. #21553
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, 1 Sat., May 1, 2:00–5:00 pm, CLA-100, $83. L Forcella. #21577
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, 1 Sun., May 2, 10:00 am–5:00 pm (1-hour lunch break), KNC-4, $135. L Forcella. #21578
Ready Your Garden for the Season
Using the gardens of The Native Plant Center as classroom, learn through discussion and demonstration basic techniques such as cutting back, weeding, edging, mulching, planting, dividing, and planning your garden for the future. Class meets outdoors in the New American Cottage Garden, behind The Native Plant Center’s headquarters.
CE-GRDN 2122, 1 Wed. May 5, 10:00 am–12:30 pm, $68. J Lapsker. #21546
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 Sun., May 9, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, KNC-4, $57. J Schuler. #21549
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
A Partnership Between Westchester Community College and Westmoreland Sanctuary. Westmoreland Sanctuary is a nature center and wildlife preserve located in Mt. Kisco, serving the Westchester community and beyond. To learn more, visit: www.WestmorelandSanctuary.org.
Snake Study
Join us for a hands-on, interactive experience that utilizes both live snakes and snake dissection specimens. Study snake behaviors and traits as well as their interior and exterior appearance.
CE-ANIML 2007, 1 Sat., Apr. 3, 2:00-4:00 pm, $31. #21772
Bird Banding
A unique learning activity! Participate as staff use mist nets and other techniques to safely capture wild birds, then assist as they identify each bird, record its age and sex, and carefully place a numbered band on the bird before it is released. Allows participants to see what scientists do to study birds. Please dress for the weather.
CE-SCI 2035, 1 Sat., Apr. 24, 9:00-11:00 am, $31. #21771
Winter Tree Identification
Learn how to identify trees without leaves using habitat, bark, branching, and more. We will join the instructor for a hike on trails to practice identifying techniques. The benefits of each species will be explored, and the pros and cons of different field guides will be discussed. Please dress for the outdoors; binoculars are helpful, but not required.
CE-SCI 2043, 1 Sat., Feb. 13, 2:00-4:00 pm, $31. #21770
Salamander Study
This class occurs during the normal season for salamander migrations and during the time when they begin to lay eggs. Learn about amphibian characteristics in general and salamanders specifically through a short presentation and hands-on experience at our vernal pools and surrounding woodland area.
CE-ANIML 2008, 1 Sat., Mar. 27, 2:00-4:00 pm, $31. C Martin. #21773