Course Fee - $30.00

For the fourth year George Owen is presenting his most popular ICL course this spring. This time it's two hours 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for seven weeks on Wednesdays, open to a wide audience beginning April 1 for adults ranging from newcomers to our area who love the outdoors to those seeking to broaden their Southern Appalachians outdoor and/or hiking knowledge. Beginners to experts in outdoor knowledge are welcome. George has spent over a half-century creating and leading outdoor adventure in this area, ranging from northern Georgia to the Smokies and beyond. Everything from Southern Appalachian animals to weather and much information about hiking trails and far more will be presented. Many free handouts come to all in the class, and several hours will feature guest experts from our area on related outdoor subjects. One such presenter will be an expert on photographing mountain wildflowers, perfect for spring. Those so desiring are also invited to join George and bring your own snacks and drinks to class in the lounge adjoining the classroom after class. Afterwards, several of George's friends will lead short, easy hikes each Wednesday afternoon (weather permitting) in the area for those wishing a little post-lunch trek.

Instructor George Owen has served as president of three Southern Appalachian area hiking clubs and has laid out and supervised construction of over 125 miles of new and relocated trails on the Chattahoochee National Forest. He has also served various other positions in these hiking clubs. He grew up hunting, fishing, and exploring the wilds of his native central Florida from childhood. While in college he ran the nature lore program of one of Florida's largest youth camps. He married and moved to Georgia with his wife Sandy, where they became parents of two sons and grandparents to four grandchildren. After a career with several jobs in northern Georgia, beginning with management positions in the hospital field, George in early retirement was a guide for an American company for ten years in the Swiss Alps. Limited now by health concerns, he still keeps up involvement with trail clubs and the outdoors.

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