UNCA's Continuing Education Progam Offers Up 
an Assortment of Outdoor Classes

Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from classes covering herbal lore and first aid, spring wildflower identification, backpacking, kayaking and rock climbing as part of UNCA’s Continuing Education Program’s spring offerings. Classes are open to the community.

"Herbal Wisdom: Using the Plants Around Us" will be taught by Jessica Godino, certified herbalist and co-owner of Red Moon Herbs on Saturdays March 31-April 28 (excluding April 14). The course will explore local wild herbs and how to incorporate them into one’s diet and medicine chest.

Godino will also teach a one-day course on "Herbal First Aid" Saturday, Feb. 17. Participants will be instructed on using numerous herbs to help treat a variety of illnesses, including burns, stomach upsets, sore muscles and allergic reactions.

North Carolina’s beautiful array of wildflowers will take center stage in an identification class led by naturalist Dan Lazar on Saturdays May 12-June. 2. By visiting a number of habitats, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, students will be introduced to the "Newcomb" system of wildflower identification.

Camping and mountaineering guide Stuart Cowles will lead the "Wilderness Winter Adventure--Backpacking" class. Students will learn the skills needed to safely enjoy winter camping and cold weather mountaineering, including clothing systems, footwear concerns, equipment usage, and frostbite and hypothermia prevention. The highlight of the class will be an overnight adventure in the Pisgah National Forest. Classes meet Tuesdays Jan. 30-Feb. 20.

April 23-May 28 Cowles will lead a second course on "Wilderness Spring Adventure--Multi-Element," which will give a general introduction to kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking and leave-no-trace wilderness principles. Students will have an opportunity to use their new-found skills during an overnight backpacking adventure.

Courses are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fees and meeting times vary. For an application or more information, call UNCA’s Special Academic Programs Office at 828/251-6558.

Media Contacts:

• Tom Coonan, Special Academic Programs Assistant, 828/251-6558
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant, 828/251-6526