Introduction to the Natural World Course

*AS A RESULT OF THE SUSPENSION OF ALL COURSES/ACTIVITIES/EVENTS UNTIL 4/24/20, WE WILL BE CANCELING THIS COURSE. CURRENT PARTICIPANTS MAY RECEIVE A FULL REFUND, DONATE THEIR COURSE FEE, OR TAKE THE COURSE NEXT YEAR AT NO EXTRA COST. PLEASE SEE THE COVID-19 RESPONSE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION*

An Introduction to the Natural World course is designed for hikers, climbers, photographers, scramblers, and conservationists who want to learn more about the mountains they enjoy. Using various smart phone apps, charts, and guidebooks, you will learn the basics of how to identify flowers, shrubs, trees, birds, mammals, butterflies and other forms of life. Instructors are volunteers, eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm of nature. Field trips will be organized with a mix of terrains and distances to accommodate all fitness levels. Field trips are scheduled a month to 2 months in advance, as we see what the winter snowpack and spring weather bring. 

The course includes four presentations at the Mountaineers Program Center at Magnuson Park Seattle, and four field trips (2 local and 2 in the mountains). The 2 local field trips are half day or an evening.  The 2 in the mountains will be a full day, including travel, and take place in the Teanaway region and in Mount Rainier National Park.  Participation in all activities is not required. To graduate, we will have a after-class exercise for students to turn in. We will celebrate your success and get to know other naturalists at a potluck in September. The goal is to have fun, meet some like-minded folks, and to learn.

This course is for adults only, please. No refunds after registration closes.