WHAT: According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, more than 45 million Americans identify birding as one of their favorite pastimes. In fact, wildlife watching has witnessed an eight percent increase in popularity over the past six years. In response to this growing interest, Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Corporate & Continuing Education department will offer a new four-week course – Birding in North Carolina – to the local community next month.

This summer, Instructor Karen Kobley, a master volunteer and trained eagle handler with the Carolina Raptor Center, will teach you how to identify native bird species by song and physical attributes, where to look for birds in the Southeast and how to transform your backyard into a bird haven. The class also includes a free “behind the scenes” tour of the Carolina Raptor Center as well.

If you’re an amateur bird enthusiast, interested in learning more about bird identification, migratory patterns, wildlife and man-made habitats, than CPCC’s new class is the right fit for you!

WHEN: June 6 – 24; 2 – 4 p.m. (Saturdays only)

WHERE: Overcash Center, CPCC Central Campus, 1201 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, N.C.

CONTACT: The course costs $55; please bring a bird reference guide and a pair of binoculars to class. This is a limited enrollment course, so sign up early! To register, please call 704.330.4223.

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering close to 300 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

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This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news.