Adult Workshops Offer Learning Opportunities in the Dunes

Purple-LoosestrifeFor years, school children have enjoyed the opportunity to benefit from the unique, multi-day programs offered by Indiana's Dunes Learning Center. Now adults can learn "outside the box" with a year's worth of hands-on workshops in and around Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Led by science, geology and education experts, each workshop features opportunities to experience nature first hand - from identifying plants to banding owls.

"Adults have as much, if not more, fun than kids in these programs," says Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Education Programs Manager, Kim Swift. "Teachers and parents, in particular, take away great tools for making stewardship and science engaging."

The series kicks off on Saturday, September 29 with the first of five "Dunes Ecology" workshops. In "Focus on Invasive Plants," participants will learn how to collect and record invasive species data on national websites, receive information on service learning opportunities and spend time identifying and removing unwanted plant pests.

Presented by Dunes Learning Center, Great Lakes Research & Education Center and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, all workshops are appropriate (and fun!) for any adult interested in science, conservation, nature or the unique ecosystem at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. In addition, Illinois and Indiana teachers can receive professional development credits for their participation.

Registration and detailed information can be found on Dunes Learning Center's website at www.duneslearningcenter.org.