Register Now for the Carolina Backyard Naturalist Program

An online course providing a foundation for understanding the biodiversity and ecology of North Carolina.

Purpose and Description

Increasing urbanization, habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, water pollution, and other factors threaten the function and viability of ecosystems across North Carolina. Improving residents’ understanding of their natural environment is critical to its protection and enhancement.North Carolina Cooperative Extension, in conjunction with other government agencies and universities, presents a 14-week, online webinar series open to anyone interested in learning about the biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation efforts in North Carolina.

Goals and Objectives of the Program

Enhance environmental literacy among participants through theoretical and applied approaches.
Increase participant knowledge of essential ecological and biological processes and their impacts on human and environmental health.
Participants will have a better understanding of ecosystem connectivity and balance.
Connect participants with local resources and volunteer opportunities in order to engage in local, regional, and statewide activism.

Target Audience

All that have an interest in learning about and conserving the biodiversity of North Carolina are welcome.

Webinar Schedule

Click on the topic title of the class for more information.

All webinars are held 6–8 p.m. on the given date.

Webinar	Date (2021)
Introduction to the Backyard Naturalist Program Sam Marshall & Matt Jones, N.C. Cooperative Extension - Haywood & Chatham County Centers The Climate of North Carolina Corey Davis, NC Climate Office	Sep. 15
From the Ground Up: Understanding Your Soil and How to Build a Healthy Underground Ecosystem Dr. Jeana Myers, N.C. Cooperative Extension - Wake County Center	Sep. 22
Botany: Plant Systematics, Anatomy, and Physiology Matt Jones, N.C. Cooperative Extension - Chatham County Center	Sep. 29
Mycology Dr. John Walker, Appalachian State University	Oct. 6
An Introduction to Ecology and Ecosystem Concepts Dr. Ashley Troth, N.C. Cooperative Extension - Durham County Center	Oct. 13
Coastal Ecology Amy Mead, N.C. Cooperative Extension - Brunswick County Center	Oct. 20
Introduction to Entomology Dr. Matt Bertone, NC State University	Oct. 27
Plant Communities of North Carolina Dr. Robert K. Peet, UNC Chapel Hill	Nov. 3
Insect Ecology and Plant-Insect Interactions Sam Marshall, N.C. Cooperative Extension - Haywood County Center	Nov. 10
Mammals of NC Becky Skiba, NC Wildlife Resources Commission	Nov. 17
All Things Birds: The Basics of Their Biology, Identification, Conservation, and Migration Research John Gerwin, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences	Dec. 1
Climate Change: What’s Happening and Why it Matters for NC Nature Dr. Walt Robinson, NC State University	Dec. 8
Invasive Species Dr. Zachary Long, UNC Wilmington	Dec. 15

Registration

After registering, an email with a Zoom link and password will be sent prior to each week's lecture.

For families, households, or groups, one registrant may register multiple participants at once. If more than one person is watching at a single location, input their names so that we can more accurately document participation. If more than five are watching from one registration, email Matt Jones with the demographic information of the participants.