Nature lovers invited to attend WANE courses starting in March

Eagle Mountain City is set to continue its popular Wildlife and Nature Education (WANE) courses in 2025, offering residents an opportunity to learn more about the local environment and conservation efforts.

Led by City Wildlife Biologist Todd Black and various experts, the courses cover a range of topics focused on wildlife, open spaces and ecological stewardship.

“These are outreach classes where Eagle Mountain puts an emphasis on the outdoors, open space, and wildlife,” Black said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to have these classes available to the public.”

The first course of the year will focus on bees and the critical role native pollinators play in the local ecosystem. As a designated Monarch City USA, Eagle Mountain is actively promoting pollinator-friendly environments.

The course will not only educate attendees on the importance of bees but also provide guidance for those interested in starting their own beehives. Dr. Joe Wilson, from Utah State University Extension, and a bee expert who has authored multiple books on the subject, will lead the session and share insights into maintaining a healthy pollinator habitat.

Attendance at WANE courses typically ranges from 10 to 30 people per session, and the initiative has been well received by the community.

Black emphasized that the goal of the courses is to increase awareness and understanding of local wildlife. Past courses have covered a variety of subjects, with the astronomy class being one of the most popular offerings.

Beyond education, WANE also provides volunteer opportunities for residents. This year, Eagle Mountain is seeking volunteers to assist with planting milkweed, habitat restoration and other conservation efforts. These activities contribute to maintaining a thriving ecosystem and supporting the City’s ongoing environmental initiatives.

The Eagle Mountain Nature and Wildlife Alliance partners with the City to support these programs, bringing in experts from different fields to ensure the information shared is both credible and engaging.

“I really do think these classes are good,” Black noted. “We try to have experts from different fields come and talk about things. Personally, I think they’re very educational. It’s a perfect opportunity to do some volunteering.”

Residents interested in attending WANE courses or participating in volunteer efforts can find more information through Eagle Mountain City’s website and social media channels.