Are you curious about the plants, animals, and habitats around you?

Explore the coast with the Winyah Naturalist Course being offered as a part of the South Carolina Master Naturalist Program. During this 13 week course, we will practice identification skills, learn ecological concepts, discuss the natural history of the habitats we visit, examine human impacts on the environment, and develop the skills necessary to be active volunteer stewards in the community.

Field trip sites include the North Inlet–Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Hobcaw Barony, Huntington Beach State Park, the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, and other local areas of interest.

Through the Winyah Naturalist Course you will:

• Develop naturalist observation and recording skills.
• Learn to use and select field guides.
• Practice plant and animal identification.
• Understand basic biological and ecological concepts.
• Learn to read the natural history of a landscape.
• Analyze environmental issues.
• Cultivate good environmental stewardship practices.
• Explore unique habitats of the South Carolina Coast.
• Meet others who share your fascination with the natural world

Winyah Naturalists are certified through the SC Master Naturalist program, a SC Cooperative Extension program administered through the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources of Clemson University in cooperation with various partners around the state.

Participants completing the course and 30 hours of approved volunteer work will receive a Master Naturalist certification and will be eligible to join a local chapter and participate in advanced volunteer training courses.

For more information about the Winyah Naturalist Course, Contact

Jennifer Plunket, Stewardship Coordinator
North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
843-904-9033

REGISTER FOR THE SPRING 2011COURSE

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North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve