HumTrack 2025: Hummingbird Movement and Migration Monitoring

The summer of 2025 was an extremely exciting time to be studying the area’s humming birds. We deployed novel technology to track hummingbirds on their breeding home ranges, as well as along their migration routes. We will discuss the technology used and share some preliminary results (in-press) from the study.

• 1.50 contact hours
• 2 sections available

Massacre Rocks: 3 Volcanic Episodes in 6 million Years

Massacre Rocks is unique in that it contains volcanic rocks with different compositions, from three different vent areas. These include huge eruptions of a welded tuff of the Snake River Plain, the local Massacre Volcanic Center, and the Cedar Ridge basalt, which forms the cap rock, which was eroded to huge boulders by the Lake Bonneville Flood. And the area was on the Oregon Train and site of conflicts with Shoshoni warriors.

• 1.50 contact hours
• 2 sections available

The Plants of Cherry Springs Nature Area

Geoff Hogander, Member of the Sawabi Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society, will do a slide presentation about the plants that we will see at Cherry Springs Nature Preserve on May 17th. It will be an overview of some plants, their names, families and descriptions. If you can’t do the walk on Saturday, then it will provide you a hands-on preview of the plants.

• 1.50 contact hours
• 2 sections available

Life and Times of an Idaho Hemp Grower

During the lecture, students will learn about hemp history and the recent changes in laws/policies surrounding the cultivation of this plant. We will discuss stigma associated with the cultivation, processing and use of this plant; as well as how hemp products are made from raw materials. The instructor is a Tribally licensed grower of hemp flowers from the Fort Hall Reservation, so this will include a discussion about the differences in laws between the Tribes and the State of Idaho.

• 1.50 contact hours
• 2 sections available

iPhone 2: Intermediate Learning

This course picks up where the previous course left off (iPhone 1: An Introduction). It covers more advanced iPhone features with a promise not to get too technical. Even if you missed the first course, there is still plenty to learn in this course which is designed for those familiar with Apple iPhones, who want to take their knowledge to the next level.

• 1.50 contact hours
• 2 sections available

Apple Smart Watch: An Incredible Device

The Apple Smart Watch is a device with incredible capabilities which many of us have yet to unlock. This course focuses on the most important features available to you, without getting too technical. We will begin by setting up your watch properly and customizing it to your needs for safety, fitness, and convenience. Please bring your fully charged Apple Watch and iPhone with you to class.

Capturing Idaho Heritage, The Story of the Ray J. Davis Herbarium

We’ll learn about the Ray J. Davis Herbarium and the importance of the Idaho Museum of Natural History’s mission to preserve the natural history of Idaho. Location: Idaho Museum of Natural History, museum classroom, 698 E. Dillon St. – Parking in the General lot with the NKA parking permit or in the marked Museum parking spaces. Class Limit: 40 Class Fee: None for the class. There will be a $3.00 charge if you wish to tour the Museum’s current display in the main gallery. How and when to pay: Pay the cashier at the Museum entrance

Fungi: Basic Biology and Introduction to Mushroom Identification

This course will cover the fundamentals of fungal biology at the cellular and organismal levels, their role in human, plant and animal diseases, environmental and biotechnology uses. The basics of mushroom identification will be covered in the second session. This introduction to the kingdom of fungi will provide the basis to understand and appreciate mycology from a scientific and practical foraging perspective.

How to Grow Native Plants Using the Winter Sowing Method

Would you like to enhance your outdoor space with vibrant native plants in your flower bed or patio container? This class will cover how to grow your own native plants from seed. “Winter sowing” is an easy, affordable technique that produces hardy seedlings which can be planted outside. We will provide a container, potting soil, and a selection of native seeds to plant, giving you a hands-on experience.