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About this class: The goals of the class are to explain qualities that plants share with other living things, as well as characteristics that set them apart, and to become acquainted with the range of different organisms that make up the plant kingdom.

Be on the lookout: Once you have registered, we will email you with pre-course work and any other materials needed for this class.

Materials to bring! Notebook, pencils, snacks, water, and a lunch. This class will be both in and out of doors, please wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.

Registration Policy: 

As with all CNP classes, class size is limited. To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held. If the class is cancelled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund.

Instructors: Richard Clements, PhD & Mary Priestley

Dr. Clements is a Professor at Chattanooga State Community College and is the lead instructor for Environmental Science courses. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Tennessee Technological University, a M.S. in Plant Taxonomy from the University of Tennessee, and a Ph.D. in Plant Ecology from the University of Kentucky. In 2016, Dr. Clements was awarded Tennessee Science Teachers Association (TSTA) Science Educator of the Year for Higher Education for leadership roles in promoting science and outstanding contributions to science education that positively impact the community. He was also awarded the Harry C. Yeatman Environmental Education Award from the Friends of South Cumberland State Park in 2022.

Mary Priestley is a Sewanee Herbarium Associate and a nature journaler. She is editor and illustrator of the Friends of the Herbarium's newsletter, The Sewanee Plant Press. Active in the Tennessee Native Plant Society, she has served as the society's president and assisted in writing and editing the TNPS field guide, Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley, and the Southern Appalachians. She teaches classes for the Tennessee Naturalist Program and leads wildflower walks and nature journaling workshops, including for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies.