Discover strategies for creating and maintaining a beautiful, functional landscape tailored to Flagstaff's unique environment. This course is designed for homeowners, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about enhancing their outdoor spaces. Topics covered will include:

• Micro-Climates: Learn how to identify and work with Flagstaff's diverse micro-climates, from sunny high-desert zones to shaded forested areas, ensuring your plants thrive in the right conditions.
• Sprinkler Systems: learn about installation and maintenance of different irrigation systems.
• Tree and Shrub Care: Gain knowledge of the best plants for different areas, as well as pruning and maintaining to promote healthy growth.
• Pest Management: Learn strategies for integrated pest management, including prevention and management of pests and diseases, and strategies for living near wildlife.
• Seasonal Maintenance: Learn how to manage the unique challenges of Flagstaff’s climate, including snow, monsoons, and drought conditions, and develop strategies for a firewise landscape.

Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing an existing yard, by the end of the course, you’ll have the tools and know-how to transform your outdoor space.

Instructor Dan DeVere has been a Certified Golf Course Superintendent since 1994, with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Arizona. He’s also a Certified Viticulturist through Yavapai College, and has been a Coconino County Master Gardener since 2014. As a resident of Flagstaff for over 30 years, Dan has managed the maintenance and care of some of the region's premier golf courses, including Continental Country Club, Aspen Valley Golf Club, and most recently, Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club.

In addition to his work in golf course management, Dan has contributed his expertise to Morning Dew Landscaping, A&A Tree Service, and Wagon Wheel Winery. He is also a licensed applicator with the Arizona Department of Pest Management.

Dan’s training and expertise emphasize sustainable landscape design and maintenance, with a focus on blending nonnative areas harmoniously with the local environment. He is committed to minimizing the use of pesticides and synthetic compounds, striving to create landscapes that are both functional and environmentally responsible.

Class meets six times: Thursday, March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24.

Do you like to get out into the backcountry and explore? Are you prepared to handle an injury while out on a hike? This is a hands-on course on how to prepare for, and manage, an injury in the backcountry. You'll feel more confident knowing you are prepared and you'll maximize your fun. This is a non-certification class that serves as an introduction for those that want some basic information about first aid in the outdoors. We will provide recommendations and resources for more advanced training to participants interested in the next level. 

Topics will include: trip preparation; first aid kit essentials; lacerations; musculoskeletal; spinal/head; bites and stings; illness; evacuation considerations; environmental challenges; communication/logistics; Search and Rescue and other medical first responders.

Instructor Shawn Nittmann has been with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit since 2013 where he is a member of the board of directors, an operations leader, and a navigation and survival instructor. He has completed over 200 Search and Rescue missions in Coconino County. He has also been a part-time Biology Instructor and Community Education Instructor at CCC for many years.

Some instruction will take place outside. This class meets the following days/times:

• Friday, March 21, 1 to 5:15 p.m.
• Saturday, March 22, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.