Environmental Education Series -- Rockingham Community College
Multi-story Forest Crops
In this class you will learn how to make your forest work for you. Both long term and short-term cash crops can be grown within the varying ecosystems within the forest. Class will explore a variety of forest farming crops and techniques ranging from the forest floor to the canopy; niche crops to silvopasture to timber and much more will be discussed. Students will develop a basic understanding of a variety of economic opportunities, how to assess a forest for potential, and realistic options to utilize their forest land. Class will consist of both lecture and forest time. Be prepared for weather and insects.
Instructor: Warren Cost: $70
Course Code Section Days Date Time Location
SEF-7199-01 48874 T 7/7-7/21 5:30PM-8:30PM BLC-108
SEF-7199-01 48876 S 8/15 9AM-4PM BLC-108
Wild Mushroom Certification
Students who successfully complete this two-day class will be eligible for a 5-year permit enabling them to forage and sell wild mushrooms at farmer’s markets, to restaurants, and in other venues. The mushroom foraging permit meets the criteria required by the health department in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This course is new to the area and will be taught by local favorite Stesha Warren, authorized DHEC, GADPH & NCDPH Mushroom Hunting Instructor. Students will receive a study guide and slides 2 weeks ahead of the class. For more information on Wild Mushroom Certification in North Carolina,
Instructor: Warren Cost: $250
Course Code Section Days Date Time Location
SEF-7190-01 48446 SSu 4/25-4/26 9AM-5PM BLC-108
Mushroom Inoculation (Farming)
In this hands-on class students will learn various methods of mushroom inoculation & production including logs, totems, and mulching options. Students will learn species specific methods including substrate preferences. Students will have the opportunity to have hands-on experience with inoculation, and will be able to take home a small inoculated piece of wood.
Instructor: Warren Cost: $30
Course Code Section Days Date Time Location
SEF-7196-01 48868 S 4/11 1PM-4PM BLC-108
SEF-7196-01 48869 S 9/26 1PM-4PM BLC-108
Spring/Summer Foraging
Each foraging monthly session will focus on at least five different wild plant species that are currently ready for harvest as the season progresses and changes. A combination of class lecture and field identification/collection will provide an in-depth look at the selected species, potential look-a-likes, and preparation for consumption. Students will discuss laws, responsible harvesting, and personal safety guidelines for wild-crafting food and medicine for personal use.
Participants will also be provided recipes for each wild plant species to take home and try first hand. Students should dress appropriately for fieldwork and bring bug spray.
Instructor: Warren Cost: $30
Course Code Section Days Date Time Location
SEF-7170-01 48447 S 3/21 9AM-1PM BLC-108
SEF-7170-02 48448 S 4/18 9AM-1PM BLC-108
SEF-7170-01 48449 S 5/16 9AM-1PM BLC-108
SEF-7170-02 48450 S 6/20 9AM-1PM BLC-108
SEF-7198-01 48882 S 7/18 9AM-1PM BLC-108
SEF-7198-01 48883 S 8/29 9AM-1 PM BLC-106
Tree Identification
Develop a deeper appreciation for the forest landscape through tree identification. This class is 50% lecture, 50% outdoor field identification. Plan for weather and insects.
Instructor: Warren Cost: $30
Course Code Section Days Date Time Location
SEF-7197-01 48877 W 6/24 5:30PM-8:30PM BLC-108
Sustainable Trail Management, Assessment, Permitting, and Contracting
During this two-day intermediate trail training session, participants will learn about the comprehensive management of natural surface trails. Students will discuss trail assessment, trail facilities, signage, maintenance schedules, wet weather trail closure, and other current issues. Classroom teaching and experiential learning will be combined to help students understand critical trail assessment. Participants will begin by discussing how trail condition, maintenance, and safety can affect the “trail experience”, and they will conduct a desktop trail system review. Students will also learn how the interpretation of assessment results may vary depending on user group and trail difficulty. The session will cover potential permitting requirements and trail contracting for natural surface sustainable trail projects based on assessment results.
Participants will gain field experience assessing existing trails and proposed reroutes on the Rockingham Community College trail system. Fieldwork will also include a site visit to a local trail system to evaluate sustainable trail management topics.
Instructor: Destination by Design Cost: $70
Course Code Section Days Date Time Location
ENV-7014-01 48289 WTh 3/25-3/26 12:30PM-5PM BLC-108