As we explore North Carolina’s natural habitats, most often we turn to the things we see around us to inspire us and to help explain the world before us: a babbling brook, a beautifully peaceful forest, or a bird’s nest with new hatchlings. It is all too easy to forget that the things we can’t see have real impact. Environmental microbiology is the study of microbes in the environment and their actions are responsible for numerous aspects of life on Earth. In this two-part class we will talk about different types of natural habitats in North Carolina where microbes play important roles in cycling carbon and nutrients throughout ecosystems in order to maintain balance and keep those systems healthy. We will focus on the base of food webs, aerobic vs anaerobic habitats, and even touch on the differences in microbial activities in saltwater vs freshwater habitats.
ONSITE | Two Sessions: Thursdays, September 8 & 15, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Pre-registration required for participation in an Adult Education class.
Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.