Boots, gloves, winter tree key. Check! Time to learn about woody plant ID from Professor Vanessa Beauchamp from 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 learn to use a dichotomous winter tree key.
If you are new to using a dichotomous key, check out the key we will be using for our hike in the photos. Printed copies will be available for use during the hike.
Our hike will be low-impact, on mostly flat ground, and with some uneven grass, slopes, and stairs. Glen Arboretum encompasses 10 acres of green space. 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.
Please keep Feb 3 available as a snow date in case of inclement weather.
Remember
- Appropriate for ages 10 and up.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers with non-cotton clothing work best. A warm hat, hand or toe warmers, or a hot drink may give you that extra boost of warmth.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking boots or sneakers with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, and for your camera, an extra battery, extra memory card, and lens-cleaning cloth.
- Bring binoculars and a magnifying glass, loupe, or a hand lens.
- Bring your guidebooks.
- No pets, please.
The exact meeting space will be provided when registration and payment are complete.
Cancellation Policy: NHSM Field Experiences – Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the field experience will receive a refund (minus a 5% processing fee). Cancellations made within the week of the event will not receive a refund but can be transferred to a friend.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Location
Towson University Glen Arboretum
