Note: This program has been canceled. Look forward to this program returning in winter of 2023-2024.
The tallgrass prairie is an iconic ecosystem in the American Midwest. In this engaging online course, explore the history of this particular type of grassland from the descent of glaciers over the Midwest millions of years ago, to the introduction of John Deere’s famous plow, to where we are today. Through online lessons, writing exercises, prompts to explore local prairies, and more, participants will examine different types of prairie, look at the plant and animal communities of the prairie, and discuss strategies specific to restoring prairies. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, naturalist, restoration volunteer, or natural areas professional, you will come away with a better understanding of prairies, and key insights into how to restore their beauty.
This program includes self-paced online components, a live online session, writing prompts and assignments, and invitations to visit natural areas close to you on your own schedule.
Instructor: Cindy Crosby
Continuing Education: This class fills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program. Learn more about N-ACT.
Age: 16 and older
W305
Cindy Crosby, author, steward, and naturalist
Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler, or contributor to more than 20 books, including The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction, co-author of Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit and author of Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural and Cultural History (Northwestern University Press, 2020). She is a prairie steward at the Schulenberg Prairie and Nachusa Grasslands, and she coordinates dragonfly monitoring programs at both sites. She earned a masters degree in natural resources at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She blogs, teaches natural history, and she trains naturalists in the Chicago region.
What to Know
A unique email address for each participant is required at registration.
Participants must participate in online discussion and submit assignments online to complete all parts of the course.
To access the online materials, you will log into TreeLearning, the Arboretum’s online learning portal. Instructions for accessing TreeLearning will be sent to registrants by email before the start date for the course.
Complete self-paced e-learning modules with reading material, short videos, interactive activities, and quizzes to check your understanding. Self-paced materials do not need to be completed in one sitting. You will have access to the online materials for 60 days after the course start date.
The course is held entirely online and is expected to take approximately four hours of reading and testing,, plus time spent visiting prairies and keeping a journal.
Live web conference will take place using Zoom. A link will be provided to all registrants by email. Registrants should click on the link to join the live online session at the scheduled date and time.
Program Schedule
This program has been canceled. Look forward to this program returning in winter 2023-2024.
