Beginning in September, Coastal Carolina University's Lifelong Learning program will offer a series of noncredit courses on nature and the environment. Classes in gardening, coastal ecology, environmental issues and marine wildlife will be held throughout the fall semester at the Waccamaw Higher Education Center and the Myrtle Beach Higher Education Center. For more information call 349-4030. The following nature courses will be offered:

- "Swamps, Bays & Maritime Forests," taught by Julie Finlayson, will focus on the ecology of the coastal plain's marshes, beaches and forests. The class involves field trips via university van to various community sites. Lunch is provided. The course will meet Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from Sept. 16 to Oct. 14 at the Myrtle Beach Higher Education Center. The fee is $80.

- "Birding at Hobcaw," taught by Sun News birding columnist Gary Phillips, will take students on an early-morning trek into Hobcaw Barony to observe the fall migrations. Long pants and sleeves and bug spray are recommended. The course will meet at the Waccamaw Higher Education Center and will be offered Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 from 7 to 11 a.m. Each outing is $25.

- "Current Environmental Issues," taught by Dan Abel, will involve discussions on key local, regional, national and global environmental problems and solutions, including global climate changes,

overpopulation, resource over-consumption, habitat destruction and more. The course will meet Wednesdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m., from Oct. 12 to Nov. 16 at the Waccamaw Higher Education Center. The fee is $45.

- "Shells to Sharks: SC Marine Life," taught by Katy Blair and Season Klein, will discuss the life history, identification and conservation of local marine creatures, such as invertebrates, sea turtles, birds, sharks and dolphins. The course will meet Fridays, 9 to 10 a.m., from Oct. 14 to Nov. 18 at the Waccamaw Higher Education Center. The fee is $45.

- "Great Gardens of America," taught by Richard Hull, will feature a pictorial tour of selected public gardens from all areas of the U.S. and Canada with an emphasis on their history, plant selection and design. The course will meet Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m., from Nov. 15 to Dec. 13 at the Waccamaw Higher Education Center. The fee is $45.

The Waccamaw Higher Education Center is located at 160 Willbrook Blvd. off U.S. 17 in Litchfield next to the Hampton Inn. The Myrtle Beach Higher Education Center is in Myrtle Square Mall at 2501 N. Kings Hwy.