Master naturalists announce fall class

BENTONVILLE -- The next opportunity to become a Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalist will be this fall semester at NWACC in Bentonville. Class starts Aug. 26th and will meet on Tuesdays from 2 to 4:50 p.m.

The course is titled "Special Topics in Environmental Science: Natural History and Field Identification, or ENSC 2843" and is a team effort between NWACC and the area Master Naturalists. This course gives students an introduction to techniques for field observation and identification of living organisms (plants, insects, birds, mammals, mushrooms, reptiles, amphibians and fish) and non-living ecosystem features (habitats, rock formations, weather patterns and the night sky).

Instruction will incorporate lecture, hands-on identification practice of living and non-living features of Ozark ecosystems, nature journaling and field trips to various habitats near campus.

Upon completion of the course, students have the option to earn the title "Arkansas Master Naturalist," with minimal additional fees paid to the NWA Master Naturalist organization. Joining the Arkansas Master Naturalists will connect students to a wonderful community of professionals and volunteers committed to environmental education, wildlife management, ecological restoration and habitat conservation.

Students may opt to audit the class if not interested in receiving college credit, and NWACC tuition is free for adult learners at least 60 years old. There are no prerequisites for the course.

The next Saturday class will be offered in the Spring. To register, visit nwacc.edu. For more information, email the instructor at [email protected].

General News on 07/16/2014