Nature   

Fire-resistant landscaping bridges two fields of expertise: horticulture and fire dynamics. This course will explore fire-resistant landscaping design and maintenance in an urban environment. Covered topics will include: wildfire dynamics; the connection between wildfire, landscaping, and home ignitions; choosing fire-resistant landscaping materials; plant placement, spacing, and maintenance best practices; conflicting objectives and guidance; hazardous vegetation and flammable plants’ codes and ordinances; and selecting plants for fire-resistance and low water use, wildlife value, deer resistance, erosion control, shade, and privacy. Students will be asked to share their landscaping objectives and photos of their yards with others in the second class to showcase problems and solutions.

NOTE: Students attending the third class should bring a personal computer that can run an Excel file which will be sent to them by email prior to the class.

This is an interactive lecture course presented from an artistic and amateur scientific point of view designed to appeal to all levels of nature, butterfly, and gardening enthusiasts. Students will learn what steps to take to create a pollinator-friendly landscape and, upon installation of those gardens, should be able to qualify for certification as monarch butterfly way stations or Rogue Valley pollinator-friendly gardens. Discussions will include habitat, soils, basic design, growing plants from seed, and best plants for sustained bloom. Other topics of interest to Rogue Valley residents such as lawn reduction, removal, or replacement, as well as irrigation and plant selection for water conservation, are emphasized. This presentation is fast-paced and packed with images, many from McKenzie’s camera. No textbook is required. The basic principles discussed can be used in small spaces such as flowerpots on balconies, small raised beds, community spaces, or other planting alternatives.

NOTE:  New for winter term will be a class on attracting and sustaining native and migratory hummingbirds. Outside classroom activities are optional, including at-home soil tests and garden design observing solar aspects and compass points.

What is a "foehn" wind? It played an important role in spreading the Almeda Fire on September 8, 2020, that destroyed thousands of homes in the Rogue Valley. Have you done any vegetation modification around your house to stop wildfires from igniting your house and wondered how to gauge prioritization? Most homes are burned in wildfires from ember showers from the advancing fire. Why are clearing out combustible material next to your house or limbing up trees important? Have you given thought to your evacuation route during a wildfire? How can you access ongoing wildfire information and interpret wildfire briefings? This course will introduce everyday citizens to basic fire behavior and weather information taught to firefighters that can help inform evacuation decisions during fire season, as well as prioritize home and property hardening activities. There are no required texts, costs, physical requirements or knowledge level. A recommended reading list will be provided.

Expect to hear a poem or two in between viewing/enjoying photographs of birds and lovely places in nature. This course will weave storytelling about our feathered friends with PowerPoints of photos accompanied by sounds of the birds about which we are learning. Previously used slides will no doubt be included, but new content and the inclusion of poetry makes this a new course for all. No prior knowledge of birding is necessary. You are invited to bring your sense of curiosity.  The emphasis is on having fun and connecting with the natural world.