Boots, gloves, winter tree key. Check! Time to learn about woody plant ID from Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp, associate professor in botany at Towson University. This field experience challenges us to look beyond the leaves and focus on other features used to distinguish tree species. Let’s learn about bark texture, leaf buds, and leaf and bundle scars that vary from species to species. Peek into the pith of a twig to see how its chambers help us identify species. And look up to observe the canopy shape and branching patterns while we walk about Glen Arboretum. We will use a dichotomous winter tree key, learning the parts of the branch and their roles. If you’re wondering how a dichotomous key works, please see the first page posted in the photos section of this description. Printed keys will be available for use.
Our hike will end inside the Science Building at the botany lab. Stations will be available to practice identifying sample branches using the supplied key.
Our hike will be low-impact, on mostly flat ground, and with some uneven grass, slopes, and stairs. Glen Arboretum encompasses ten acres of green space on the Towson campus. Established in 1936, the arboretum is the largest and most vegetated green space on campus. A Southern Red Oak and an Umbrella Magnolia grow here, both registered for the Big Tree Program, sponsored by the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources. For other Big Tree specimens on campus, look here https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/86582d1d189f4b8faec8f60ebcea2cea.
Our field trip leader, Dr. Beauchamp, received her Ph.D. in plant biology from Arizona State University and her bachelor’s in biology, from the University of California, Irvine. Her research involves work as a plant community ecologist and looks at deer impacts and forest succession, ecology and impacts of invasive plant species, and restoration of riparian and wetland habitats.
- Children 10 and up are welcome.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, and a camera with accessories.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Members: $20
- Non Members: $25
- Children over 10: $10
Location
Towson University Glen Arboretum