Introduction to the Natural World Course

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 smartphone 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 for nature. Field trips will be organized with a mix of terrains and distances to accommodate all fitness levels.

The course includes four presentations over zoom (on-line), and four in-person 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 an 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 learn.

This course is for adults only, please.