Nature

CLASS 950 – SEA TURTLES IN JEOPARDY - CLASS CANCELLED

All sea turtle species are either threatened or endangered, and thus in danger of becoming extinct. KAREN CLARK will lead a game show style presentation covering species of turtles that visit North Carolina, some of the threats they face, and conservation efforts to help protect them. Karen has worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission on the Outer Banks for 12 years and serves as Scientific Advisor for the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST). Friday, Feb 9

CLASS 951 – NATIVE PLANTS ON THE OUTER BANKS

Landscape Architect JIM CONNERS will offer a presentation on the use of native plants in our local environment, including examples of plants considered native to our area, pros and cons of using them, where they can be obtained, and which natives do best in each of the different micro-zones, stretching from sound-side to oceanfront. Jim has worked in site planning, parks and recreation design, landscape architectural design and consulting for over 30 years, 23 of them on the Outer Banks. Thursday, Feb 15

CLASS 952 – INTRODUCTION TO BONSAI

The Japanese practice of bonsai dates back more than 1,000 years. Surprisingly, there is a bonsai nursery right in our area! SANDY SANDERS owns Sanders Farms and is President of the Albemarle Bonsai Society. In this class, she will present the history and evolution of the art of bonsai in the United States, as well as demonstrate the process to create bonsai. Tuesday, Feb 27

CLASS 953 – JOURNEY FROM MINE TO FACETED GEM – Two Successive Evenings

That gorgeous stone in your ring looked quite different before someone like GREG RUSSELL worked magic on it. The owner of Gems by Gregory, he has been evaluating and cutting gemstones for 41 years, after training at the Gemological Institute of America. You’ll be fascinated to learn how gems make the
transformation from rough and nondescript to stones that are as beautiful and sparkly as their wearer. There will be special focus on how gems are cut and faceted. Class size is limited to 20 students. Monday and Tuesday, Feb 26 and 27

CLASS 954 – BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON: TIPS FOR MOON WATCHING

Our Moon has been an object of fascination since the beginning of time. Join RHANA PARIS to learn more about our nearest planetary neighbor through fun facts, participatory activities, and stories. Rhana always teaches a fun, lively, and informative class! She has been a naturalist for many years and is presently an educator at the NC Aquarium. She especially loves showing people the magic of the night sky! If weather permits, the class will go outside for a look at the young moon, so please bring your binoculars if you have them. Tuesday, Feb 20

CLASS 955 – KOKEDAMA: JAPANESE MOSS BALL - CLASS FILLED

Have you ever heard of Kokedama? It’s a Japanese form of garden art that may sound complicated, but is actually easy and fun. Instead of placing a plant in the ground or a container, its roots are surrounded with soil, sphagnum moss, and string. Dare County Master Gardeners MARY KEITH LILLY and CHRIS STADTHER will be joined by at least two others to lead this class. Be ready to get a little dirty and have a lot of fun – wear gardening clothes and bring your work gloves! There is a $10 additional fee to cover materials and the class is limited to 10 students. Class will start at 6:30 PM. Monday, Feb 12

CLASS 956 – INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING
If you’ve ever considered beekeeping as a hobby, you won’t want to miss this opportunity! DENISE DEACON is president of the Outer Banks Beekeepers Guild and, with over six years of experience, has Journeyman Beekeeper Certification. Denise gives a fascinating presentation about honey bees and the numerous benefits humans derive from them. You’ll be amazed by what remarkable creatures they are! The class includes an overview of honey bee basics and an introduction to different hive styles and beekeeping equipment. Tuesday, Jan 30

CLASS 957 – FLOWER ARRANGING

There’s nothing like a beautiful vase of flowers to brighten up a room – and your mood! But the best some of us can do is put a dandelion in a jelly jar. In this class you will be instructed by a true master in the basics of easy fresh flower arrangements, including selection of containers, flowers and foliage; the basics of form, color, and texture; and the mechanics of containers and supporting materials. LILIAS MORRISON, star member of the Flower Guild at All Saints, has a great eye, lots of talent and experience, and a gift for teaching others. Course size is limited to 12 with an additional fee of $5. Thursday, Feb 15

CLASS 958  - CLASS FILLED  and CLASS 959 – SURF FISHING 101 and SURF FISHING 202

Anyone living on the Outer Banks knows this to be a surf fishing Mecca – and it’s lots of fun! Here’s the chance for people of all levels, from beginner to experienced, to learn something new. STU BALDWIN, Past President of the OBX Anglers Club, will share his know-how learned over 40 years, with more than 30 years in competitive surf fishing. There are two classes to choose from. 958 Surf Fishing 101 is made easy for the family and will cover equipment, knot tying, bait and equipment choices, and how to read a
beach. 959 Surf Fishing 202 is for the experienced angler and will cover advanced techniques in fishing for Reds, Specs, and Flounder plus equipment, rigging and bait choices. For 958 (101), class size is limited to 14; for 959 (202), the limit is 12. Class 958 - Tuesday, Feb 6; Class 959 - Tuesday, Feb 27.