James Madison University
EN-12: Continuing Education

Arboretum Explorer Camps (2 camps): Five different days of local flora and fauna will include hands-on exploration of plants, birds, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic life, and insects. Campers will leave with new skills of observation and wildlife identification, an appreciation of the forest ecosystem, and a love for nature. Instructors include Arboretum staff, JMU professors, JMU Biology students from the JMU Herpetology Outreach Program, and local Master Naturalists. Space Explorers Camps (3 camps): Using JMU’s unique facilities such as the John C. Wells Planetarium and Science on a Sphere- camp-goers will get a perspective of Earth and other planets like an astronaut would. We seek to inspire and excite the next generation of scientists and engineers. This exciting camp will demonstrate to students that science is constantly changing, constantly uncovering new clues about why our universe is the way it is and not some other way. We will investigate the size and scale of our solar system, learn about the robotic exploration of it, and learn about our own planet Earth and our fragile environment! Life-Long Learning Institute (LLI) Program (4 courses): -Practicing Sustainability: With Benefits Now and For Future Generations - One Course Option from the LLI Sustainability is discussed with urgency in the news today, but these reports are confusing and difficult to translate into daily life. This course will show specific practices that support household and community sustainability in an urban/suburban setting. We will discuss what “sustainability” actually means and how non-sustainable suburban status symbols can be a problem. -Exploring Ecosystems of the Valley This three-day course will visit three different types of ecosystems typical of the Shenandoah Valley. This will include the Cowbane Prairie of Stuarts Draft, Maple Flats Swamp near Lyndhurst, and the forests of the G.R. Thompson Wildlife Refuge. We will be on the lookout for any native plants or animals known to occur in these places, and Nate will discuss the importance of their roles in the ecosystem. We will also discuss the characteristics and history behind each ecosystem. -Water and the Human Narrative: A Journey of Discovery Recognition of the importance of water and human evolution, by necessity, involves an extended voyage of discovery that begins with early human activity and extends to modern times. Along the way, we will examine the roles of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, as well as the rivers of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and America. When finished, a new dimension of the human experience will lay before us. -Beginning Birding This introduction to birding, one of the fastest-growing hobbies, will explore our local birds: year-round, winter, and summer residents, along with migrants that briefly pass through. Learn how to recognize birds by shape, size, behavior, plumage, and habitat. Topics will include how to observe birds, birding etiquette, and use of equipment such as binoculars, cameras, and field guides. We will explore backyard birding, attracting birds, and birding a field. This course will include both classroom sessions and field birding. Instructor: Diane Lepkowski has used her photography to share her passion for enjoying, studying, and protecting birds.

Responsible parties for course information: Ms. Sarah MacDonald and Ms. Carol Fleming, Assistant Deans, Office of Outreach and Engagement. Analysis conducted based on offerings listed in spring of 2018.