Early autumn is a beautiful time to study wetland habitats! Cool mornings keep the insects down, fall bird migration is happening, and beaver, otter, muskrat and mink are busy preparing for winter. Wetland habitats are some of the richest environs in our area. Diversity is the key word here, with wetland plants, sedges, and riparian trees and shrubs, as well as wildlife in a stunning variety of species.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, Brian Baxter, one of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness’ outdoor education specialists, will lead a class on riparian habitats and the things that live there. The class will begin with a classroom session at the Heron Community Center at 9 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Mountain) and then transition to the field for an afternoon of onsite learning.

Bring along your cameras, binoculars and tracking guidebooks as the class will also scope out birds of prey, waterfowl, terrestrial mammals, aquatic mammals and their tracks in the mud! The class will also be on the lookout for amphibians and reptiles.

To sign up for this class, visit www.scotchmanpeaks.org/event/wetland-wanderings-with-brian-baxter/