3160 - Nature's Indispensable Supporting Cast
Course Description
There was a time when most of us were impressed mainly by the size, majesty, and power found in the natural world—the girth of a giant oak tree, the height of a bald cypress, the power of a bald eagle, the immensity of a tundra swan, the weight of largemouth bass, or the size and fragility of swallowtail butterflies. Many of us soon learned, however, that for every large, beautiful living thing in nature, there are myriad “lesser” living things that make its existence possible.
In this unique course by North Carolina naturalist, Tom Earnhardt, participants will be introduced to the “supporting cast” found in forests, fields, and rivers. Without these countless lesser, unappreciated living things—insects, fungi, amphibians, and 1,000 messy plants—the natural world as we know it would not exist. With a keen eye, stunning photographs, and a life of observation and storytelling in North Carolina and around the world, Tom Earnhardt will introduce you to the diverse, and often dazzling, “supporting cast” found in the natural world. Join us for this informative and interactive course!
Course Outline
Tom Earnhardt, J.D., is a graduate of Davidson College and UNC School of Law. Tom was one of the first attorneys to work for the state of North Carolina in the "new arena” of Environmental Law beginning in 1971. Tom worked to protect the New River in northwestern North Carolina and to purchase much of the land that is now part of Cape Lookout National Seashore. For more than two decades he was a Professor of Law—teaching Corporations, Property, and of course, Environmental Law.
Tom is probably best known for his work over the past 18 years writing and producing almost 100 episodes of the statewide North Carolina Public Television series, Exploring North Carolina. Over the years this important series has dealt with many of the most significant natural resource issues facing North Carolina, including multiple episodes dealing with climate change and sea level rise.
While teaching and later producing the television series, Earnhardt received numerous awards and served on a variety of conservation boards including The Nature Conservancy (NC), Audubon North Carolina, Trout Unlimited (national), and the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Tom has also served as president of the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation (UNC-CH) and of the Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. He also chaired the Governor’s Advisory Commission for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Notes
This course takes place in-person at the Friday Conference Center and consists of one session, Tuesday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. The fee is $25.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation must be received in writing at least one week before the start of classes. Participants will be issued a refund, less a $10 administrative fee. Contact Student Services, at stuserv@unc.edu for more information.
Participant substitutions are welcome. If you cannot attend, please contact Student Services with the name of the individual who will take your place.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, or need further information or assistance, please contact Laura Respess at lrespess@email.unc.edu.