Workshop 3 – Native Plants, Animals and Us
(This is a walkabout, rain or shine; maximum 15 per session)
Very often when one begins to appreciate botany and the role of plants in the natural world, we tend to focus on putting names on things. This naming process helps us have common reference points, but it is only the beginning of trying to comprehend how the whole system works. In this workshop, we will be taking a short walk with the goal of getting beyond plant identification. We’ll try and achieve a better understanding of how native plants are used by the animals of the forest and humans. In addition, we’ll look for clues to learn more about how we all adapt to the local climate.
Kevin Harding has a bachelors degree from Boston College and a Masters Degree from Fitchburg State. He taught American History and Psychology for 33 years at Concord-Carlisle High School in Concord, MA. His outdoor education came in the form of many hours in the woods as a birder and the completion of several tracting courses. After leaving his teaching career behind, he worked for six years as the educational director for the Greater Lovell Land Trust in Maine leading a team of docents in nature study, guided walks and evening presentations. Since moving to Sedona nine years ago as a winter resident, he has volunteered for the National Forest Service, Keep Sedona Beautiful and Northern Arizona Audubon.