Can you identify woody plant species during winter leaf-off? Maybe you need a refresher!

This one-day, in-person training will focus on the identification of woody wetland and upland plant species based upon winter appearance (leaf-off). Instruction will be through introductory classroom lecture, in-depth field instruction, and indoor practice and review with collected specimens. The field portion of the class will examine woody plants in a variety of wetland habitats near the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center at the Waterloo State Recreation Area. Participants will be responsible for lunch and lodging, if needed. Several lodging options are available in Chelsea, MI. This is a winter field course, and participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, base layers, gloves, waterproof knee-high winter boots, etc.). All class attendees are encouraged to bring a hand lens (10x), Rite-In-The-Rain notebook, pencil, and plant identification books. Other helpful tools include binoculars, pocket-knife, camera, zip-lock bags, and/or clipboard.

EVENT DATE: November 10, 2022 (Registration Required – https://miwetlands.org/product/winter-woody-plant-identification/)

EVENT TIME: 9 AM – 4 PM

LOCATION: Field – Various trails near the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center at the Waterloo State Recreation Area / Classroom – Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118

PARKING: A Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry/parking in the Waterloo State Recreation Area. Please purchase in advance of the training.

REGISTRATION FEE: $100 (for Michigan Wetlands Association Members) / $125 (for non-members)

INSTRUCTORS: Martha Holzheuer and Bryana J. Guevara

MDNR Vehicle Recreation Passport:
You must display a valid Recreation Passport on your vehicle when entering or parking in any Michigan state park or recreation area, including the Waterloo Recreation Area. If you purchased your Recreation Passport at the time of license plate registration renewal, your license plate tab will have two tiny, “P”s. If you purchased your passport at a different time, you would have received a sticker that must be properly affixed to the lower passenger-side windshield.