Plants and Animals

Plants and Animals

Bats of Arkansas

Instructor: Ken Forman
Bats play a surprisingly large role in the ecosystem of the Ozark Plateau as essential pollinators. But sometimes people view them as “creepy” or “scary.” As with many things, the more we learn about something the less fear we may experience. These mammals are unique in that they can fly and definitely worth your time to learn more about. Please join us to learn some interesting details about Arkansas’ most diverse group of mammals -- their lives, activities, and why they are also some of the most endangered species found in the Natural State. 

Ken is an educator with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He works at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center in Yellville, Arkansas. 

Day of the week: Tuesday
Date: November 21  
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE!

Caring for House Plants

Instructor: Cami Farmer
Have you ever wondered why your houseplants look sad? What does it mean when their leaves turn yellow? Plant expert Cami Farmer will help you understand what your house plants need to thrive! Learn how to choose the best plants for your home and how to pot them correctly so they have space to grow. She will show you how to take cuttings for propagation and how to get rid of pesky pests. 

When she isn’t playing with plants, Cami Farmer works as a tutor at North Arkansas College. She is a firm believer that money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy plants and that’s pretty much the same! 

Day of the week: Thursday
Date:  November 2
Time:  6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $35

Create Your Own Herbal First Aid Kit

Instructor: Wendy Fargo
In this course, you will investigate pain relieving herbs and learn how to use them on various types of injuries. Master Herbalist Wendy Fargo will teach you how to incorporate these herbs into oral and topical applications, including fomentations (infused warm compresses). You will develop your own herbal first aid kit that will be beneficial to your family and even your pets. You will learn how to process herbs to create sprays, ointments, creams, tinctures and teas.  There will be plenty of hands-on experiences. Takeaways from this class will be many and satisfying as you put together your kit. A $25 supply fee will be paid to the instructor at the first class and will include the instructor’s textbook for the class. 

Wendy taught school for many years before training to be a Master Herbalist. She lives on a ranch outside Alpena where she grows herbs, develops herbal formulas, and offers classes and workshops. Wendy discovered that the true desire of her heart was to help others realize that we have been provided with everything we need to live healthy, strong, vital lives. You can learn more about Wendy’s story at crookedhouseherbals.com.  

Day of the week: Mondays
Dates: October 2 – 30 (5 sessions) 
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 ($25 supply fee will be paid to instructor at first class)

Gaining Victory Naturally

Instructor: Wendy Fargo
If you or someone you know suffers from diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, or cholesterol and blood pressure issues, this course can provide you with alternative ways to gain victory over such conditions. Examine the true causes of these afflictions and how the body works to overcome and remedy them.  Learn how to apply a combination of dietary and herbal processes to address many of the most common health concerns in America today. This course uses a holistic approach to fighting disease and includes hands-on opportunities making your own herbal tea blends customized to your health needs. The instructor has written a textbook that will help participants gain knowledge of the therapeutic properties of many herbs and how they can aid in healing common health issues. 

Wendy taught school for many years before training to be a Master Herbalist. She lives on a ranch outside Alpena where she grows herbs, develops herbal formulas, and offers classes and workshops. Wendy discovered that the true desire of her heart was to help others realize that we have been provided with everything we need to live healthy, strong, vital lives. 

Day of the week: Tuesdays
Dates: October 3 – 31 (5 sessions)
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 ($25 supply fee should be paid to  instructor at first class)

Herbal Remedies for Natural Healing

Instructor Jamon Henderson
Have you ever wondered about the medicinal uses of plants? Make your own herbal remedies and naturally therapeutic products with Certified Advanced Master Herbalist Jamon Henderson. Learn to identify plants with medicinal properties by foraging locally. Discover how to process herbs into various forms such as teas, salves, creams, and infused oils. This informative class will allow you to make your own natural remedies and products to take home with you.
 
Jamon is a Certified Advanced Master Herbalist with over 15 years of experience as a medicine maker. He lives in Missouri and first became interested in plant medicine for survival camping. Now he focuses on making herbal medications and sharing his knowledge with community groups. Jamon previously taught a non-credit course at Northark on using essential oils to improve memory. 

Day of the week: Thursdays
Dates: September 7 – October 5 (5 sessions) 
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $90 (all supplies are included; students may want to bring a notebook and pencil)

Snakes of Arkansas

Instructor: Matt Gideon
Snakes are seemingly very polarizing. If someone hears the word snake, they are either likely to run towards it or get as far away from it as possible. Regardless of your position on the creatures, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are as much predators as they are prey. They are indicators that you are in a healthy ecosystem. Join us as we learn about the native snakes of Arkansas and the value that they bring. 

Matt is an educator with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He works at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center in Yellville, Arkansas. He will be bringing snakes to this special wildlife program – come out and meet the snakes!

Day of the week: Tuesday
Date: September 26
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE!

Wings Over Arkansas

Instructor: Matt Gideon
There are over 400 bird species that have been documented in Arkansas. Wings Over Arkansas is a reward-based program to encourage people to find as many bird species as possible in the state. We will learn about the birds of Arkansas, tools that can be used to bird in the field, how to document your sightings, and how to start working towards these rewards.  

Matt is an educator with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He works at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center in Yellville, Arkansas.

Day of the week: Tuesday
Date: October 24
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE!

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