Members of the Lifelong Learning Institute at Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas are certainly into nature. They will be taking part in an assortment of nature programs this semester. Taken from their Fall 2005 course catalog, here’s what they have planned.

What Lies Beneath? The Geology of Prince William County (PWC)
This class will present and discuss aerial photos of PWC showing patterns of plant growth and how they relate to rock underneath.

Wildflowers from the Potomac to Bull Run
This class will explore the wonderful array of wildflowers that can be found in PWC.

Monarch Watch and Tagging
This class will explore the amazing monarch migration from PWC to wintering sites in Mexico.

Birds in the Wild and at the Feeder
Members will be identifying some of PWC’s year-round and migratory residents and discussing how best to provide for their needs.

Watchable Wildlife
This class will identify bears, coyotes and other wild animals, help us to understand why they are here and how to appreciate them.

Champion and Historic Trees of PWC
This class will identify champion and historic trees and discuss the county’s tree stewardship program.

Gaia: Theory and Science of a Living Planet
Presentation and discussion of the theory that all living matter on Earth can be regarded as constituting a living entity.