Winter Tree Identification Workshop

1263 Hwy 72 East,Huntsville AL 35811

11 February, 2023

Description

Presented in partnership with Feral Foraging Have you ever wanted to be able to identify the trees lining the trails of Land Trust preserves?  This course, led by Jesse Akozbek of Feral Foraging, will help you get closer to that goal, even though most trees within the winter forest are without their leaves!  Identifying trees in the wintertime is often thought of as one of the more difficult skills that a naturalist can learn. However, armed with the right details and knowledge, winter tree identification is actually an approachable skill to people of all experience levels. COURSE DESCRIPTION This workshop is aimed to provide you with the fundamental skills needed to identify trees without access to their leaves. It comprises a mix of class lectures and field study. The two main topics that will be covered in detail are tree bud and bark identification.  The class will mainly focus on general concepts that can be applied to any tree or woody plant that you come across in the woods. However, we will also be looking at some of the common trees that grow in North Alabama. Some of the common trees covered in the course: Maples – Acer spp; Hickories – Carya spp; Oaks – Quercus spp; Tulip Tree – Liriodendron tulipifera; Persimmon – Diospyros virginiana; Beech – Fagus grandifolia; Elderberry – Sambucus spp; Ashes – Fraxinus spp; Buckeye – Aesculus spp; Black Locust – Robinia pseudoacacia; Sassafras – Sassafras albidum; Black Cherry – Prunus serotina; Sweetgum – Liquidambar styraciflua; Elms – Ulmus spp; Redbud – Cercis canadensis; Sugarberry – Celtis laevigata DETAILS What to Bring/Wear: There will be several exercises that will require a notebook and pen. During field study we will be doing some light hiking with stops to observe different species in the wild. Please dress to stay warm during light activity in cold weather.  Additional supplies that are not required, but definitely recommended are: Loupe or Magnifying GlassTree Identification Field GuideKnife (or cutting tool)RulerCost: $60 for Non-members, $45 for Land Trust members If you’re not a member, join today! Course fees will help pay for instruction, snacks and drinks, and the pocket-sized booklet Winter Tree Finder: A Manual for Identifying Deciduous Trees in Winter, by May T. Watts and Tom Watts. When & Where: Saturday, February 11 from 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM - Location TBA (This will be an indoor facility.) Sunday, February 12 from 1-4 PM at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve (This portion of the workshop will take place outdoors. Access to restrooms will be available.)