Coastal Carolina University's Division of Extended Learning and Public Services will conduct a series of ecology programs during May and June. Admission is $15 per program. Participants are responsible for admission fees and lunch.

The programs, which include lectures and field trips, will be led by naturalist Julie Finlayson.

The lectures will prepare participants for the field trips. Participation in both the lecture and trip is required. All lectures will be held in room 228 of the H. Dale Williams Center for Extended Learning.

The program schedule is as follows:

- Rivers and Swamps

Lecture: Monday, May 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Trip: Tuesday, May 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit Four Hole Swamp, a virgin cypress swamp located in Beidler Forest near Summerville, S.C.

- Beaches and Salt Marshes

Lecture: Monday, May 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Trip: Tuesday, May 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn how life exists in these unique and difficult environments. Travel to Waites Island to see these environments first hand.

- Transformed Rice Plantations

Lecture: Monday, June 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Trip: Tuesday, June 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover how these coastal swamps were transformed into rice plantations and how they have evolved since the demise of the rice culture. Explore rice plantations along the Santee River.

- Carolina Bays

Lecture: Monday, June 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Trip: Tuesday, June 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about a unique habitat known only to the coastal plains of North and South Carolina. Examine carnivorous plants found only in this area.

For more information or to register, call 349-2665 or visit www.coastal.edu/learn on the Internet.