These West of the Pecos-focused classes will provide insights into biology, geology, wildlife and range management, endangered species, plants, insects, birds, aquifers, water supply, drought cycles, ranching history, Native American archaeology, and many other interconnected aspects of the natural history of West Texas.

Graduates of the program become more knowledgeable on these and other topics, and will be well prepared to serve as citizen scientists and volunteers at state parks, state wildlife areas, and other natural history centers around West Texas.

The program is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Class sessions and scientific field trips will be taught by local experts on the Chihuahuan Desert, many from Sul Ross State University. Class meetings planned at this time are Sept. 11 at Davis Mountains State Park; Sept. 25-26 at Balmorhea State Park; Oct. 8-10 at Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy; Oct. 22- 24 at Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area; and Nov. 12-14 at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

For more information, contact Denis Foley at 303-916-3736 and leave a message with contact info.

Applications are currently being accepted until Aug. 1.