Living, the Wild Life

Picture of Bearded Dragon“Living, the Wild Life” is the second segment of the City's new environmental education series sponsored by Parks and Recreation, Bur-Mil Park, the NC Cooperative Extension Service, and Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. The mission is to offer a broad spectrum of environmental classes that provide participants with a better understanding of the world around us.

Class sizes are limited so make your reservations early by calling 336-373-3802 or by e-mail. Classes will be held at these five locations:

NC Cooperative Extension Service (NCCE), 3309 Burlington Rd.
Greensboro Arboretum Education Building, 401 Ashland Dr.
Bur-Mil Park Wildlife Education Center, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd.
Lake Higgins Watershed Park, 4235 Hamburg Mill Rd.
Hagan-Stone Park, 5920 Hagan-Stone Park Rd.

Snakes are Beautiful
A lot of people would never use the words “Snake” and “Beautiful” in the same sentence. People are ingrained with preconceived notions about snakes that are handed down through the generations. We tend to fear what we don’t understand. This class is hands-on and will reveal the true nature of one of the most misunderstood animals of all.
Bur-Mil Park – November 6, 6:30-7:30 pm
Lake Higgins Watershed Park – November 10, 1-2 PM
Hagan-Stone Park – November 21, 10 am to 12 noon

Poisonous or Not? – Busting the Snake and Spider Myths of NC
Have you ever been gardening and put your hands on a large hairy spider in a wood shed or brush pile? Is it a harmless wolf spider or a dangerous brown recluse? Were you raised to kill a snake on sight “just to be safe,” in case it is poisonous? Let us show you the truth about the snakes and spiders of NC. Learn the telltale signs that will help you identify a poisonous snake or spider vs. a harmless one. You will have the chance to see and handle some of the snakes that are most commonly (and unfairly) mistaken for dangerous ones. We will also cover what to do if you are bitten by a snake or spider.
Greensboro Arboretum – February 10, 6:30-7:30 pm
NC Cooperative Extension – February 12, 6:30-7:30 pm
Bur-Mil Park – February 15, 10 am - 12 noon

Wildlife Control in your Backyard We’ll teach you to identify the type of culprit responsible for the damage and the best method for handling each. Safety and legal issues regarding wildlife control will also be addressed.
Greensboro Arboretum – March 8, 6:30-7:30 pm
NC Cooperative Extension – March 12, 6:30-7:30 pm
Bur-Mil Park – March 15, 10 am - 12 noon 

Amphibian Amphitheater  We will cover the life cycles and habitats of many amphibian species. You will also learn about the role they play in nature and how they are threatened by many human activities.
Greensboro Arboretum – April 24, 6:30-7:30 pm
NC Cooperative Extension – April 27, 10 am - 12 noon
Bur-Mil Park – April 30, 6:30-7:30 pm

Birding in Summer We will talk about the types of foods available to birds in the summer, and plants you can place in your garden to attract a variety of birds. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn to use binoculars to better view birds from a distance.
Greensboro Arboretum – May 1, 6:30-7:30 pm
NC Cooperative Extension – May 3, 10 am - 12 noon
Bur-Mil Park – May 8, 6:30-7:30 pm