Nature & the Environment
NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Call 914-606-6830 and press 1, to register.
Wilderness Survival Skills
Introduction to the basics of wilderness survival techniques. Learn how to build survival shelters, gather water, and find edibles in the wilderness. More importantly, find out which of these options should take priority in a survival situation. What tools can you make using natural materials instead? The program can also show the basics of fire building and the variety of uses of fire in the wild.
In-Person:At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-TRVL 2050, 1 Sun., Nov. 5, 2:00-4:00 pm, CLA-100, $30. S Sciame #92135
Camping 101
This introduction to camping includes an overview of different group and personal equipment to pack, how to set up a campsite, hands-on demonstration to put up a tent, and much more. What items are vital and what are optional? How do you build a campfire? These questions and more are answered in this program, great for beginning campers or as a refresher.
In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-TRVL 2049, 1 Sun., Sept. 17, 2:00-4:00 pm, CLA-100, $30. S Sciame #92134
GO NATIVE U — GARDENING WITH NATIVE PLANTS
Classes and certificate are offered in collaboration with The Native Plant Center. A percentage of tuition supports the work of 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.
To register, call 914-606-6830 or register on-line at www.sunywcc.edu/wdce.
GO NATIVE U CORE COURSES
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. Meet at the Native Plant Center cottage. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide is required.
In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2023, 1 Fri., Sept. 29, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, KNC-5, $57. J Schuler. #91993
Native Perennials: Summer/Fall
Discover the many lovely herbaceous plants that will enhance your garden while providing food and shelter for native bees, butterflies, and more. In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2008, 1 Sat., Sept. 30, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, KNC-5, $57. B Fischer. #91990
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.
In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2010, 2 Sat., Dec. 2-9, 10:30-2:00 pm, (includes a 30-minute break), KNC-5, $133. C Summers. #92002
GO NATIVE U ELECTIVES
Vegetables Love Native Flowers
Discover the relationship your vegetable gardens have with your native gardens. Native flower gardens not only support a healthy and biodiverse environment—they also contribute to a healthy, pest-free and nutritious vegetable garden. Explore the services native pollinators provide; how to incorporate additional beneficial plants, including edible native species; and the importance of growing organically.
In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2144, 1 Tues., Sept. 26,
10:00-11:00 am, KNC-5, $57. J Bergonzi. #92151
The Native Garden in Fall and Winter
Learn which native plants extend the showiness and textural interest of your garden through fall and winter with beautiful foliage, colorful branches, striking structure, berries, and seed pods.
Remote: CE-GRDN 2118, 1 Tues., Oct. 3, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, $82. K Eierman. #91994
Identifying and Supporting Local Wild Bees
Explore the different groups of wild bees that make their homes in the New York metropolitan area. Learn about their identifying features, nesting habits, and more. In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2120, 1 Sat., Oct. 7, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, KNC-5, $57. S Kornbluth. #92003
Landscaping for Higher Ecosystem Function
A landscape may be beautiful but have little ecological value. Find out how to leverage the ecosystem function in your landscape to support wildlife and people.
Remote: CE-GRDN 2064, 2 Tues., Oct. 17-24, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, $133. K Eierman. #91985
Habitat for Herps
Herpetofauna, or “herps”—amphibians and reptiles—have endured hundreds of millions of years. However, their populations are in decline due to environmental stresses. Explore the differences between amphibians and reptiles and how to identify common species of the Northeast. Discover the habitats they need to survive and how you can create welcoming environments with native plants. In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-SCI 2063, 1 Sun., Oct. 29, 10:00 am–12:30 pm, KNC-5, $67. J DiPaola. #92154
Meadowscaping at Home
Consider turning part of your lawn into a beautiful, low maintenance, and ecologically beneficial haven. Learn how to create a native meadow or a meadow-like garden using the best native plants for pollinators. Remote: CE-GRDN 2041, 1 Tues., Oct. 10, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, $82. K Eierman. #91995
Intro to Botanical Latin Plant Names
Discover why botanical Latin terms are the preferred way of describing plants. Learn how to properly use, pronounce, and punctuate the names of native plants.
In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2139, 1 Fri., Dec. 1, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, KNC-5, $67. P Butter. #91996
Gardening for Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are amazing creatures and always a wonder to see. Make your yard a haven for these tiny flying jewels with a great selection of native plants that provide food sources and nesting sites all season long. In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2132, 1 Wed., Sept. 27, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, KNC-5, $57. D Himmelman #92000
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.
In-Person: CE-GRDN 2015, 2 Wed., Oct. 11 & 18, 7:00–8:30 pm, $82, GTW-133. L Becker. #91962
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).
In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: CE-GRDN 2143 1 Fri., Oct. 13, 1:00-3:30 pm, CLA-100, $67. P Butter. #92150
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.
In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla:CE-GRDN 2050, 1 Fri., Oct. 6, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, $57 (+ textbook). J Schuler. #91989
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.
Remote: CE-GRDN 2126, 1 Tues., Nov. 7, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, $82. K Eierman. #92004
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. In-Person: At SUNY Westchester Valhalla:CE-GRDN 2125, 1 Sat., Nov. 11, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, KNC-4, $57. C Huber. #91997
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.
In-Person: CE-SCI 2062, 1 Sat., Sept. 23, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, KNC-5, $57. R Finkelstein. #91986
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.
In-Person: CE-GRDN 2135, 1 Tues., Oct. 31, 10:00 am–1:00 pm, $82. K Eierman. #91999
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.
In-Person: 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
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.
In-Person: CE-GRDN 2134, $57. Duncan Himmelman. #91988
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.
In-Person: CE-GRDN 2145, $57. K Eierman. #92237
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.
In-Person: CE-GRDN 2136, $57. P. Butter. #91984