Continuing Education on native plants at Tri-County Community College

Looking forward to spring after the recent cold weather? Treat yourself to six Thursday afternoons this spring with a local naturalist learning more about native plants of the southern Appalachians! Tri-County Community College's Continuing Education program is offering a course from 1-4pm on Thursdays starting March 27th and ending on May 1st... prime wildflower viewing season!! There will be both indoor presentations and light field activities. The course fee is $60 plus $1.30 for student insurance.

Pre-registration for continuing education classes can be made in person, by phone, or by mail with enrollment available on a first-come, first-served basis. If a class fills with preregistrants, a waiting list for that class will be maintained for the current session only. Registration and payment of fees will be held at the first class meeting. HRWC promotes the use of native plants in local landscaping and along waterways for the following benefits:

• Native trees and shrubs filter pollution from runoff, trapping excess soil and taking up nutrients.

• They create a canopy that shades the water, keeping the water temperature cooler.

• They act like a sponge, soaking up rainwater, minimizing flooding downstream and recharging groundwater.

• They help prevent erosion and loss of land.

• They provide food and shelter for wildlife.

• They absorb noise from waterfront activity and provide privacy and shade for picnicking and fishing.

For more information; (828) 837-5414 (Phone & Fax)