On Saturday, August 29th (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), a new elective for the SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies program -- Native Plants & Pollinators -- will be offered in the Charleston area by NPTTP founder Sharleen Johnson.
We'll be meeting at the Clemson Extension TEACH Center in Charleston, SC, for the morning and early afternoon, and spending the last several hours out in the field to observe and identify pollinators visiting native plants.
Class description: This pollinator-centered day will include photo-filled and info-packed presentations featuring diverse pollinator taxa (native bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and beetles), an exploration of the characteristics of each pollinator taxon's preferred native plant species (pollinator syndromes), and deep dives into their life histories (what do the nests, food provisions and life stages of these insects look like?) and habitat needs. We'll also discuss generalist versus specialist pollinators, buzz pollination, wind pollination, pollen allergies and the plant-species-dependent nutrient composition of pollen and nectar. In the afternoon, we'll head outdoors to observe pollinators in action and develop practical identification skills. As part of this class you will receive a copy of Heather Holm's "Pollinators of Native Plants".
The SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies is a popular option with environmental educators, landscapers, naturalists, and gardeners interested in obtaining formal training and certification in SC ecosystems, botany, native plant communities, and sustainable landscaping. Note: All classes are open to the public (you're welcome to sign up for this course even if you're not enrolled in the certificate program).
To register, visit Clemson's SC Native Plant Certificate website, scroll down to the "Upcoming Certificate Courses" section, and click on the link for the August 29th class "Native Plants and Pollinators".
Cost: $100 (with a 10% discount available to members of the SC Native Plant Society and/or SC Botanical Garden; reach out to Sue Watts at watts9@clemson.edu for the discount code prior to registering).