NC Arboretum: Summer Ecology Walk: Advanced Topics in Ecology

The third in a popular seasonal series of special topics in ecology continues a beloved Arboretum course. Naturalist Dan Lazar, who teaches the Ecology of the Blue Ridge course every fall, leads this walk and talk with Carlton Burke designed to point out signs of summer’s vibrancy. Participants will walk through roadside meadows filled with Goldenrod and asters and then head into the Arboretum Forest on easily accessible trails. We’ll consider the role of birds and other animals in seed dispersal, one of nature’s most important methods for renewing itself. Opportunities for learning in place are far from dormant in this or any season at the Arboretum!

Dan Lazar served for many years as the director of education at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, followed by several years as executive director of the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Dan has a degree in forest biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and has been an instructor in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program since 2005.

Carlton Burke is a naturalist and educator who operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists, an educational service which offers wildlife and nature educational programs throughout western North Carolina. He also was on the staff of the western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville for over 25 years as the Curator of Exhibits. Carlton co-hosts a weekly radio program NATURE NEWS and is also a NC state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator.