FAIRHOPE, Ala. — A five-week course on “Preserving Fairhope’s Environment” starting Oct. 19 will focus on stormwater problems facing the city and possible solutions, said Ron Heveran, one of the program’s organizers.

“Baldwin County has grown at a tremendous rate, which has put a strain on our rivers, creeks and Mobile Bay itself,” said Heveran, a member of the Fairhope Enviromental Advisory Board that is sponsoring the course through the Eastern Shore Institute for Lifelong Learning. “In November 2010, our citizens will have the opportunity to vote on the formation of a countywide organization dedicated to solving the many stormwater issues facing the county. Unless we begin to solve these problems, our beautiful environment is threatened.”

Jim Horner, FEAB chairman, will lead the class on stormwater issues and explain the nature of the threats, Heveran said.

“He will explain how this (protection) effort began and tell what next steps will lead to final solutions to these issues,” said Heveran, who is also a member of the city’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee. He will lead one class discussion about the city’s ongoing strategic planning efforts and existing Comprehensive Plan. “Other board members will describe steps that homeowners can take to be friendly to the environment and reduce the negative effects of our rapid population growth.”

Staff from Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will lead one class discussion and, on the final day, provide a two-hour pontoon boat environmental tour of Weeks Bay and Fish River, he said.

The course will help area residents learn “what the city must address if we wish to continue to enjoy the many advantages of this beautiful area,” Heveran said.

The course consists of five consecutive weekly two-hour classes, from 1-3 p.m., starting Monday, Oct. 19 through Monday, Nov. 16, and will be held at the Fairhope Public Library in the Giddens Auditorium. Call Heveran at 928-9916 to enroll in the class, which costs $45. Space is still available, but enrollment will be limited.