Intro to Nature is a four-week, field-based course that explores desert trails, native plants, and local wildlife while supporting physical wellbeing through light to moderate hiking. Students learn foundational trail skills, practice guided meditation, and use spirit-animal symbolism as a reflective tool for understanding intuition and personal connection to the land. Each session combines ecological learning with mindful movement, helping students build awareness, confidence, and a deeper relationship with the high-desert environment. Students will need to purchase a journal and Pocket guide to Spirit Animals: Understanding Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides by Dr. Steven Farmer. It's also recommended students download the free plant identifier app Picture This.
Depending on expected temperatures, the classes may meet earlier than 8:30. The instructor will communicate each class meeting time. Classes will meet at designated park locations.
Division of Lifelong Learning