On Saturday, May 30th (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), Sharleen from NPTTP will be teaching Coastal Plant Communities & Ecology, an elective in the SC Certificate in Native Plant Studies program.

We'll be meeting at the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center on U.S. 17 in Awendaw, SC, spending the morning in the classroom, breaking for an outdoor BYO lunch on the visitor center grounds, and then heading into Francis Marion National Forest for the remainder of the day.

Abbreviated class description:
Topics will include coastal SC ecosystems, ecology, native and invasive plants and wildlife (common and threatened), impacts of historical and current land use and climate change, the role of fire in the long-leaf pine ecosystem, and land management tools for conservation. We’ll begin in the classroom at the Sewee Visitor & Env Ed Center (morning) and then head outdoors into the Francis Marion National Forest to explore longleaf pine savanna, a carnivorous plant bog and a Carolina bay (afternoon).

Activities for the day will include plant identification, wildlife watching (including pollinators), ecosystem assessment, hiking (slowly, naturalist-style), and using reference books & iNaturalist (app) & Merlin (app) to identify and learn about new-to-you species of plants and wildlife.

Participants should be prepared to spend significant time in the field and hiking in wet and muddy conditions. Bring a lunch, plenty of water, a hat and appropriate footwear.

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).

Registration link (Cost $100):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coastal-plant-communities-ecology-scnpc-elective-53026-tickets-1989385854644