The Clearing is an adult “folk school” founded in 1935 by renowned landscape architect, Jens Jensen. Classes in the arts, humanities, and natural sciences range from one and two-day non-resident workshops, to weeklong resident classes.

Spring Birds of Northern Woods & Waters, May 15-21 is a weeklong class conducted by Nancy Stevenson and Vince Heig. From the catalog description: “Experience a week of springtime in the field, when birds are in full voice and colorful plumage, and the great northward migration quickens the heart. Savor the rich diversity of Door County's bird life as you explore a wide variety of habitats, from woodland to lakeshore, cattail marsh to farm field, and boreal forest to limestone bluff. Early morning walks emphasize the beauty and function of song. Evening programs may include discussions of daily sightings, topics of special interest, a night sounds walk and informal talks around the fire.”

Nancy Stevenson is a naturalist and bird bander. She is the former director of children’s programs and summer naturalist at Jordan Park Nature Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Nancy conducts workshops and teaches Elderhostel classes in birding and nature study. Vince Heig is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where he taught zoology and ornithology. Nancy and Vince have team-taught this popular class at The Clearing for many years.

Bird Photography, May 22-26 is a weeklong class conducted by Jim Miller and Dick Pouchert. From the catalog description: “This class is for the experienced SLR photographer (film or digital), with little or no experience photographing birds, who wants to explore the creative and challenging world of bird photography. It's also for experienced bird photographers who want to improve their technique.

You will spend ample time in the early mornings and late afternoons photographing songbirds in the woods, shorebirds along lakes and other birds wherever they happen to be found. (Spring, by the way, is the perfect time of year to photograph migrant warblers.) This field work will be supplemented by classroom instruction later in the morning and in the afternoon. During this time, Jim and Dick will cover equipment, exposure, focus, sharpness, composition, creativity and field techniques. They will also spend time evaluating your photographs.”

Jim Miller lives in Madison, Wisconsin. He is an architect who, since retiring, has combined his interest in birds, art and travel to become an award-winning wildlife artist and accomplished photographer. He has photographed more than 700 species of birds in Africa, Central America, South America, Asia and The United States. For the last six years, Jim has photographed spring birds in Door County.

Dick Pouchert is a Wisconsin native, but lives in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was the owner of a Trane Company franchise until he retired in 1998. Dick is an avid birder and got into serious bird photography under Jim Miller's tutelage. Dick and Jim met at The Clearing in the Spring Birds class.

For more information or to request a class catalog, contact The Clearing toll free at 877-854-3225 or visit the web site at http://www.theclearing.org/.

I found out about these classes via the Des Plaines Camera Club, and thought CAS members would like to know about them – George Sawyn.