Workforce Development & Community Education

Visit us online at www.sunywcc.edu/wdce | 31 LIFELONG LEARNING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION A Partnership between Westchester Community College And Westmoreland Sanctuary Westmoreland Sanctuary is a nature center and wildlife preserve located in Mt. Kisco, serving the Westchester community and beyond. Founded almost 60 years ago, its ever-expanding tracts of land now consist of 640 acres of year-round beauty and 7.5 miles of the finest hiking trails in Westchester. It is a place where wild bird and animal life flourish; a place where native flowers, shrubs, plants and trees are cherished, protected and preserved. Come, enjoy and reconnect with nature, and maybe even yourself. The health of our environment and natural world depends on a committed generation of today to pass the torch of appreciation, understanding, and respect of the natural world to future generations. Central to Westmoreland Sanctuary’s mission is offering environmental education and conservation programs to all. While touching the lives of 12,000 young students each year with certified environmental programming, the Westmoreland staff also conducts programs for adults that are both wide and varied. To learn more, please visit: www.WestmorelandSanctuary.org. Bird Banding A unique learning activity! Participate as staff use mist nets and other techniques to safely capture wild birds, then assist as they identify each bird, record its age and sex, and carefully place a numbered band on the bird before it is released. Allows participants to see what scientists do to study birds. Please dress for the weather. CE-SCI 2035, 1 Sat., Oct. 26, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, $25. S Ricker. #87896 Winter Tree Identification Learn how to identify trees without leaves using habitat, bark, branching, and more. We will join the instructor for a hike on trails to practice identifying techniques. The benefits of each species will be explored, and the pros and cons of different field guides will be discussed. Please dress for the outdoors; binoculars are helpful, but not required. CE-SCI 2043, 1 Sat., Nov. 9, 2:00-4:00 pm, $25. S Ricker. #87897 Pond Ecology Come to Westmoreland and see the rich biodiversity found in small bodies of water around the state. Learn about how aquatic invertebrates are used as indicators to judge the health of a pond ecosystem. Discover the dangers posed by invasive species and find out what you can do to help stop their spread. CE-SCI 2046, 1 Sun., Sept. 22, 2:00-4:00 pm, $25. C Martin. #87898 All 3 classes above are held onsite at Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco Westchester Community College and Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center CERTIFICATION IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE All courses are held at Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center, located at 1271 Hanover Street in Yorktown Heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org For people interested in organic food and sustainability, Hilltop Hanover Farm’s non-credit Sustainable Agriculture certification program is designed for, but not limited to, the aspiring farmer, community gardener, homesteader, backyard gardener, and educator. The program covers topics ranging from soil health and organic growing methods, to small-scale livestock and garden planning. Advanced Gardening Learn advanced gardening topics ranging from leaf growth and structure to organic fertilizers. Course highlights include plant observation, propagation, seed saving, germination, pollination and microclimates. Upon completion, you will understand basic plant biology and be able to apply that knowledge to gardening techniques for a healthier garden. Pre-requisites: Intro to Organic Growing (only required for certificate pursuing students). CE-GRDN 2106, 4 Sat., Sept. 7-28, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, Onsite-Barn F, $300. #87860 The course above is held at Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center, 1271 Hanover Street,Yorktown Heights