Nature U Series
Upcoming Workshops
Basics of Botany & Plant Identification
April 7 - May 12, 2026
Course Price: $179
This classroom based course will provide a foundational study of Plants, including the different types, their parts and the terminology used to describe them, their life cycles, and how to identify them using field guides, botanical keys, and apps. Students will have a foundational understanding of Plants and how to identify them to help prepare them for the return of Spring and Plant growth in Southern Appalachia and beyond.
About the Instructor
Adam Bigelow is a horticulturist and botanist who lives in Cullowhee, NC, and has been studying the plants and wildflowers of Southern Appalachia for over 20 years. Adam operates Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions, an eco-tour business leading guided plant walks in WNC. He is the author of The Joyful Botanist column for the Smoky Mountain News. An avid organic gardener, he is the founder of the Cullowhee Community Garden. Adam is a member of the planning committee for the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, among the largest and oldest Native Plant conferences in the country and has attended the conference for many years. Adam lives in Cullowhee at 3,600 ft surrounded by Native Plants and Wildflowers with his cats Hazel Alder, Silky Willow, and Cat Briar.
Supports, Modifications, and/or Accommodations for Participants
All participants are welcome. For questions regarding access and accommodations, please contact ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Continuing Education and Summer Programs at learn@wcu.edu or by phone at 828.227.7397.