TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (February 10, 2012) –

The TCC Wakulla Center’s new semester of ecotourism classes start Monday, February 20. Students will have an opportunity to share their passion for ecology and love of nature with others by getting a Green Guide Certification from TCC. Offered in a combination of a traditional classroom setting and hands-on field trips, the Green Guide Certification program creates an atmosphere that increases environmental awareness and a nature-centered network.

The ecotourism program provides students with hands on experiences through nature-based classes and field-trips throughout Big Bend’s rural areas. The spring semester also offers two new classes and an additional field trip that were introduced last year: North Florida Trees, on February 28, teaches students how to recognize common trees, plants and vines in the Big Bend area; Weather and Tides in Nature, on March 14, teaches students about weather patterns, cloud formation and the reasons behind tides and currents; and a Nature Photography field trip, on March 24, teaches students techniques for obtaining eye-catching photographs of landscapes, waterscapes and wildlife in nature.

Classes may be taken separately or as part of the certification program and will be held at the TCC Wakulla Center in Crawfordville from 6 to 9 p.m. Featured weekend field trips to a variety of local natural areas, including the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Leon Sinks and Fort San Marcos will also be offered.

“We attract many different kinds of students— entrepreneurs looking for the resources and knowledge to start their own natured-based businesses, those who are looking for work in a nature-based field, those who are working in a nature-based field and want to enhance their knowledge and those who take the classes for personal enrichment.” said Bonnie Holub, director of The TCC Wakulla Center.

Those interested in becoming certified green guides may take the entire 90-hour program for $320. Individual ecotourism courses are $20 each and field trips are $40. For more information on TCC’s ecotourism classes and The TCC Wakulla Center, call (850) 922-6290 or visit workforce.tcc.fl.edu/Wakulla.