A UNLV Continuing Education gift card goes beyond the traditional to memorable to celebrate mothers Stumped over what to give Mom for her special day? Think outside the paper-wrapped box with UNLV Continuing Education! The Summer 2013 Continuing Education Catalog is full of courses perfect for giving and sharing. Classes are available to suit just about any interest and budget. Does Mom, like many Las Vegans, lament that her green thumb has withered in the scorching desert heat? Master gardener and plant consultant Amy Zeldenrust will lead a series of four Friday afternoon seminars in May and June, teaching participants how to make herbs, vegetables, potted plants, and landscapes thrive in our climate. Perhaps Mom is the artistic type. Summer arts and crafts classes begin in late May; most run for four to six weeks in the evenings or on the weekend. Acrylic painting, drawing, mixed-media collage, photography, and watercolor are all popular choices. If Mom’s creative interests are a bit more unconventional, she may enjoy stone carving or even woodworking; both of these courses are led by local women who have found their creative inspiration in natural materials. Lied Library Special Collections is also offering hands-on classes in both paper making and paper marbling. Is Mom adventurous or a nature lover? UNLV Biologist Bruce Lund will lead day excursions to Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on May 25, and Desert National Wildlife Refuge on June 15. Sign up with Mom and explore southern Nevada’s diverse ecosystems. At Ash Meadows over 50 springs and seeps create enchanting marshlands, streams, and ash/mesquite groves in the middle of the Mojave Desert alkali flats. Lund will point out native bird, butterfly, dragonfly, and wildflowers during a two to three mile trail walk. Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest refuge in the lower 48 states. It was set aside in 1936 to preserve the habitat of the desert bighorn sheep, Nevada’s state animal. Time will be split between the walking trails near the Corn Creek wetlands and a drive up and over the Sheep Mountains to look for wildlife. Complete course descriptions, class dates and times, fees, and online registration for these classes are available at continuingeducation.unlv.edu. Registrations are also accepted by telephone at 702-895-3394 or in person at UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Avenue.