The Mountaineers Seattle Branch Naturalists

Course Closed for 2010. Sign up for next course opens February 2011

Do you want to be able to name the wildflowers that you see on your hikes? Or tell the difference between a fir, hemlock, and spruce? Or the difference between a chipmunk and a golden-mantled ground squirrel? Then this may be the course for you.

An Introduction to the Natural World is designed for hikers, climbers, photographers, scramblers, and conservationists who want to learn more about the mountains they enjoy. Using "A Field Guide to the Cascades and Olympics" by Stephen Whitney and Rob Sandelin as a text, students will learn how to identify flowers, trees, shrubs, birds, mammals, butterflies, and more. Instructors are volunteers who are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for natural history.

Beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike will enjoy this course. It includes four presentations and four field trips; two in town and two in the mountains. Field trips will be organized with faster- and slower-paced groups to accommodate all fitness and ambition levels. Participation in all activities is not required. The goal is to learn and have fun.

This course is open to Mountaineers members and the public. Members are encouraged to invite friends and family to join them in the course. The minimum age to participate is 14 years old. Course fees are $75 for members and $115 for non-members.

The course text costs $19.95 and is available at the Mountaineers Bookstore and most area bookstores. Members may buy the text at the Mountaineers Bookstore and receive a 20% discount. Click here to see a list of recommended equipment for the field trips.

This course will introduce you to common plants and animals in the Cascades and Olympics. If you think the course may be too basic for you check out the course species list. If you know most of the listed species you can always volunteer to be a field trip instructor !

For more course information contact Dave Shema. Registration opens in February and runs through May 15 or when the course fills. Register online or by calling the Mountaineers Office at (206) 521-6001.

Date		Activity
Tuesday	May 18	Natural World Presentation #1, Mountaineers Program Center
Sat or Sun	May 22 or 23	Neighborhood field trips, Coastal Forest
Tuesday	June 8	Natural World Presentation #2, Mountaineers Program Center
Sat or Sun	June 12 or 13	Neighborhood field trips, Birds
Tuesday	June 22	Natural World Presentation #3, Mountaineers Program Center
Sat or Sun	June 26 or 27	North Fork Teanaway River Field Trip (Esmeralda Basin, DeRoux Creek, Bean Creek, Iron Peak)
Tuesday	July 20	Natural World Presentation #4, Mountaineers Program Center
Sat or Sun	July 31 or Aug. 1	Mt. Rainier National Park Field Trip (Spray Park, Chinook Pass, Sunrise)