Botany & Conservation Courses |
This course, formerly known as “Basic Botany,” provides an introduction to general plant anatomy and physiology. Students are introduced to the plant kingdom through slides and live materials. Microscopes allow for detailed observation of roots, stems, and leaves, and their component tissues. Examination of flowers, fruits, and seeds reveals the details of pollination, fertilization, dispersal, and germination, emphasizing the relationship between plant form and function. Information on a recommended text will be sent upon registration. Thursdays, September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 6:30–9 p.m. Bentley College, Waltham, MA Course Code: BOT1000 Instructor: Nancy Eyster-Smith Fee: $176M/$208NM Limit: 16 Credit: Core–FB or HD Designed for those who have either taken a previous course or are familiar with basic graminoid families and terminology, we will look at grasses, sedges, and rushes that can be best identified in the fall. Part of the day will include visits to a variety of habitats, looking at key features in the field. We will bring specimens back to the classroom for closer examination. Participants should bring a hand lens and lunch. Friday, September 21, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT3617 Instructor: Frances Clark Fee: $72M/$84NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates For many years, asters have been among the most challenging of native plants to identify in the field, for both professionals and amateurs. There are several aster genera and many species in New England, including hybrids. Traditional field guides have proven to be inadequate for identifying asters, in part because they lack sufficient detail, and their nomenclature has not been updated to reflect recent research. This workshop will focus on identifying 15–20 of the most common species—the ones most often found in the wild. A field trip will follow a two-hour lab. Bring hand lens, bag lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes. Cosponsored with the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Saturday, September 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven, CT Course Code: BOT3014 Leader: Arieh Tal Fee: $50M/$60NM Limit: 16 Credit: Elective–all certificates The study of botany encompasses plant cells and tissues, anatomy and morphology, reproduction, nutrition, growth and development, plant diversity, evolution, classification, and nomenclature. This course, offering both lecture and laboratory time, introduces botany to new students or serves as a refresher course, and is equivalent to “Plant Form and Function.” Required text: Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon. Cosponsored with Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Tuesdays, September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Harvard University Herbarium, Cambridge, MA Course Code: BOT1010 Instructor: K. N. Gandhi Fee: $180M/$215NM Limit: 16 Credit: Core–FB or HD
LICHEN IDENTIFICATION EVENINGS Those with some previous lichen identification experience and alumni of lichen courses at Garden in the Woods are welcome to participate in evening lichen identification sessions in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Identification keys for New England lichens, chemicals for spot tests, an ultraviolet lamp, and microscopes will be provided for the sessions. Participants are asked to bring in a few lichens to identify and to share with the group. Please preregister for each session. Wednesday, Sep 26, 7–9 p.m. BOT3620 Wednesday, Oct 24, 7–9 p.m. BOT3621 Wednesday, Nov 28, 7–9 p.m. BOT3622 Tuesday, Jan 29, 7–9 p.m. BOT3623 Thursday, Feb 28, 7–9 p.m. BOT3624 Wednesday, Mar 26, 7–9 p.m. BOT3625 Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Instructor: Elizabeth Kneiper Fee: $20M/$24NM per session Limit: 10 Credit: Elective–FB or Adv. FB
FERNS OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY This class will focus on the rich and diverse fern species of the Connecticut Valley of Massachusetts. The evening class will present an overview of our local ferns—identification, ecology, and life history—with an illustrated talk and specimens to examine. On Saturday we will visit several sites in Hampshire and Franklin Counties to view species in a variety of habitats. The instructor will share tips and tricks for field identification of the species in our area. Our goal will be to become familiar with 30 species. Bring a hand lens both days, and a bag lunch on Saturday, and be prepared for walking on uneven, wet terrain and slippery rocks. Cosponsored with Hitchcock Center for the Environment. Thursday, September 27, 7–9 p.m., and Saturday, September 29, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Amherst, MA Course Code: BOT3430 Instructor: Ted Watt Fee: $90M/$108NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates FRAMEWORK TREES OF NEW ENGLAND Trees are the dominant plant type of New England, with forests covering most of the land area. This survey course will address identification and natural history of individual species, as well as forest ecology. Since understanding today’s forests requires familiarity with their history, we will review the changing landscape from the Ice Age through European settlement. Students will learn to identify native New England trees and their habitats, recognize different aged stands—pioneer, second growth, and other growth—and become familiar with the forest communities of the northeastern temperate region, considering the natural conditions and human disturbance factors that produce the different forest associations. Field trips will take us to a variety of forest types. Sections are cosponsored with The Fells, White Memorial Conservation Center, and Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Choose one of three sections. Tuesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 7–9 p.m., and Saturdays, October 13, 12 noon–4 p.m., October 20, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT3200 Instructor: Karen Sebastian Fee: $176M/$204NM Limit: 16 Credit: Core–FB
Tuesday and Friday, October 9 and 12, 1–5 p.m., and Saturday, October 13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Fells, Newbury, NH Course Code: BOT3202 Instructor: Rick Van de Poll Fee: $176M/$204NM Limit: 16 Credit: Core–FB
Saturdays, October 13, 20, 27, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT; Sessions Woods, Burlington, CT; and Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven, CT Course Code: BOT3205 Instructor: Bryan Connolly Fee: $176M/$204NM Limit: 16 Credit: Core–FB INTRODUCTION TO NEW ENGLAND BRYOPHYTES Mosses and liverworts are fascinating, diverse, and hardy little plants. This daylong class will include an overview of common New England bryophyte families and their characteristics, the bryophyte life cycle, terminology, ecology, and an introduction to using identification keys. We’ll explore the Montshire Museum’s outdoor areas to identify many species in their natural settings, and then return to the classroom to review the species we have found. Bring a 10x or greater hand lens. An extensive handout will be provided. Friday, October 5, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT Course Code: BOT3450 Instructor: Mary Lincoln Fee: $77M/$91NM Limit: 12 Credit: Elective–all certificates Leaf morphology is the study of the external features of leaves. Leaves are so varied that botanists have invented an entire vocabulary to describe their shapes, tips, bases, stalks, edges, surfaces, etc. A familiarity with leaf characteristics and terms is essential for navigating plant keys, and actually helps you better observe leaves. It’s even more fun to apply this vocabulary to the wonderful autumn leaves we have all around us, so bring a few of your favorite leaves for this hands-on workshop. Using dissecting microscopes and hand lenses, we’ll compare our observations with descriptions in various field guides and flora. Recommended text: Plant Identification Terminology by James and Melinda Harris. Cosponsored with Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Saturdays, October 13, 27, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT1027 Instructor: Carol Govan Fee: $66M/$78NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF INVASIVE PLANTS Invasive exotic plants pose one of the greatest threats to the native flora of New England. Found in virtually every habitat type in the region and in urban areas, they vigorously compete with our native plants for moisture, light, nutrients, and space, and they often seriously disrupt managed landscapes. Join invasive plant expert Christopher Mattrick for a workshop on identifying and controlling some of our worst invasive exotic plants. Chris will conduct a field identification session on portions of the Montshire Museum’s property and a nearby site. Then he will demonstrate some of the most effective control techniques for each species encountered. Extensive handouts on control methods and identification are included. Cosponsored with Montshire Museum of Science. Sunday, October 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT Course Code: BOT5107 Instructor: Christopher Mattrick Fee: $55M/$65NM Limit: 20 Credit: Elective–all certificates THE GOOSEFOOTS: CHENOPODIUM AND DYSPHANIA WORKSHOP The genera Chenopodium and Dysphania (formerly grouped in one genus, Chenopodium) represent technically challenging genera of the Amaranthaceae. Because of the relatively small reproductive features of these species and the specialized terminology involved, many students have avoided tackling this interesting group of plants. Though some are familiar weedy species, there are many natives occurring in diverse plant communities, including coastal beach systems, cliffs and talus slopes, and woodlands overlying high pH bedrock. Chenopodium contains several globally and regionally rare species in New England. This half-day workshop will focus on learning to use contemporary identification keys. Lecture, presentations using color digital images, and guided keying of pressed specimens from throughout New England will allow students to gain familiarity with the diversity of this genus. Cosponsored with Delta Institute of Natural History. Choose one of two sections. Sunday, October 28, 12 noon–4 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT2911 Instructor: Arthur Haines Fee: $48M/$56NM Limit: 16 Credit: Elective–FB; Core–Adv. FB
Sunday, January 20, 12 noon–4 p.m. Delta Institute of Natural History, Bowdoin, ME Course Code: BOT2912 Instructor: Arthur Haines Fee: $48M/$56NM Limit: 16 Credit: Elective–FB; Core–Adv. FB SAMPLING THE CONIFERS: PART 1—PINACEAE Can you tell a spruce from a fir, or a cedar from a hemlock? Do all evergreens look like pines to you? In this class, which takes place in the Arnold Arboretum’s world-class conifer collection, you can learn the characteristics of the pine family (Pinaceae). By the end of class you should be able to recognize the differences and similarities in hemlock, spruce, fir, larch, cedar, and pine. Bring a clipboard, pen, and paper for taking notes and dress for the outdoors. Cosponsored with Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Sunday, November 4, 1–4 p.m. Dana Greenhouses, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA Course Code: BOT3252 Instructor: Dennis Collins Fee: $35M/$40NM Limit: 20 Credit: Elective–all certificates New England rock walls support assemblages of yellow-green, gray, and brown encrusting, leafy, and upright lichens. Lichens are a nutritive association between a fungal and algal component, and each association forms a structurally and biochemically unique lichen thallus. In this class, we will examine features used to distinguish species and practice using “spot tests” to confirm lichen chemistry. Identification exercises use Patricia and James Hinds’ The Simplified Field Key to Maine Macrolichens (copies will be available at the first class). By the end of the course, participants should be able to distinguish 15 common rock wall lichens. Bring a 10x lens and a lunch for the local field trip. Tuesdays, November 6, 13, 6:30–9 p.m., and Sunday, November 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT3604 Instructor: Elizabeth Kneiper Fee: $110M/$130NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates SAMPLING THE CONIFERS: PART 2—CUPRESSACEAE This field session will familiarize you with some of the conifer families and the identifying characteristics of the most commonly seen species in the family Cupressaceae, which includes juniper, arborvitae, cypress, and falsecypress, and in some of the smaller families (Taxaceae, Sciadopityaceae). Studying plants in the Arnold Arboretum’s conifer collection will enable you to see the different species up close and to compare their growth habits, needle presentation, cones, and bark. Bring a clipboard, pen and paper for taking notes, and dress for the outdoors. Cosponsored with Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Sunday, December 2, 1–4 p.m. Dana Greenhouses, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA Course Code: BOT3253 Instructor: Dennis Collins Fee: $35M/$40NM Limit: 20 Credit: Elective–all certificates This second of five Plant Systematics modules will begin to examine tracheophyte families starting with free-sporing plants (i.e., ferns and fern allies), and ending with three major groups of seed plants: non-flowering seed plants (i.e., conifers); magnoliids (i.e., primitive dicots); and monocots. A lecture will use text and images to describe critical characters for family-level identification and for representative genera in New England. The course will focus on modern taxonomy and family arrangements, as set forth by Judd et al. (Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach). Cosponsored with Delta Institute of Natural History. Choose one of two sections. Sunday, November 4, 1–4 p.m. Delta Institute of Natural History, Bowdoin, ME Course Code: BOT2231 Instructor: Arthur Haines Fee: $40M/$48NM Limit: 18 Credit: Elective–all certificates; Core–Adv. FB
Wednesday, February 27, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT2230 Instructor: Arthur Haines Fee: $40M/$48NM Limit: 18 Credit: Elective–all certificates; UNDERSTANDING BOTANICAL AND HORTICULTURAL NAMES During this workshop on plant nomenclature, students will have the opportunity to sort out the confusion associated with plant names. We will discuss common names, binomial scientific names, and the history of nomenclature since Linnaeus. We will review the current rules of nomenclature, and see why and how plant names sometimes change. We will then look at a variety of plant names and try to deduce whether they give clues to the plant’s characteristics. Attention will also be given to the names of species and hybrids in cultivation and the meaning of cultivar names. This course is equivalent to “Introduction to Plant Systematics”—module one of the five-part series in plant systematics. Cosponsored with Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Saturday, November 17, 1–4 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT2205 Instructor: Judith Sumner Fee: $40M/$48NM Limit: 18 Credit: Elective–all certificates; Core–Adv. FB IDENTIFYING HERBACEOUS PLANTS IN THE LATE FALL In late fall, when most perennial plants have finished their season of growth, it is still possible to identify them by closely examining their dried leaves, stems, and persistent fruits and seeds. Join Frances Clark for a classroom- and field-based opportunity to learn some of the weeds and native herbaceous species growing in disturbed habitats, fields, and woodland edges. While learning identification features, we’ll also examine their seed dispersal mechanisms. This course is valuable for those who are doing fall or winter plant inventories, as well as anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to learn which plants can be identified at this time. Saturday, December 1, 1–4 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT3319 Instructor: Frances Clark Fee: $36M/$42NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates The leaves are nearly gone from most of our shrubs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to recognize them. We will focus on a number of macro-characteristics such as branching patterns, growth habits, bark, persistent fruit, galls, and habitats to help us identify more than 20 of our native New England shrubs in winter. We’ll also spend some time discussing the natural history of the shrubs we see. The program begins with a classroom session and then we’ll go into the field. We’ll be looking for such species as witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and, of course, winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). Bring lunch and a hand lens. Cosponsored with Delta Institute of Natural History. Choose one of two sections. Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT3312 Instructor: Roland “Boot” Boutwell Fee: $48M/$56NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates
Sunday, February 3, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Delta Institute of Natural History, Bowdoin, ME Course Code: BOT3322 Instructor: Roland “Boot” Boutwell Fee: $48M/$56NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates This third of five Plant Systematics modules will examine tracheophyte families referred to as the tricolpates (i.e., the majority of dicot plants). Discussion will include primitive tricolpates (e.g., Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae, Amaranthaceae) and eurosids (e.g., Rosaceae, Betulaceae, Brassicaceae). The lecture will use text and images that describe both critical characters for family-level identification and representative genera in New England. Cosponsored with Delta Institute of Natural History. Sunday, December 9, 1–4 p.m. Delta Institute of Natural History, Bowdoin, ME Course Code: BOT2236 Instructor: Arthur Haines Fee: $40M/$48NM Limit: 18 Credit: Elective–all certificates; Core–Adv. FB As the “staff of life,” bread has its origins in both Old World and New World culinary and agricultural traditions. In this daylong course, we will investigate the science and history of bread baking, beginning with European and Native American grains and the culturing of wild yeasts originally used as leavening agents. We will examine the ethnobotany of grains and the properties of their flours, as well as the reactions of fermentation and their effect on bread doughs. Looking at some historical cookbooks and household “receipt books,” we’ll learn how early bread mixtures were compounded, and we’ll experiment with some actual baking projects. This is an excellent hands-on learning opportunity for those interested in botanical knowledge of grain plants, as well as for passionate bakers who want to enhance their knowledge. Cosponsored with Cambridge Center for Adult Education. Saturday, January 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT7012 Instructor: Judith Sumner Fee: $72M/$84NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates
This course includes classroom lectures on the taxonomic characteristics of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous and evergreen plants in winter, including hands-on identification of twig and plant specimens. Learn the significance of macro- and micro-characteristics, including growth habit, bud morphology, phyllotaxy, leaf and bundle scars, floral patterns, and fruits. Acquire experience with an extensive array of classroom specimens and field identification of woody plants. Gain confidence using a key to identify unknown specimens, whether you are a beginning or experienced botanist. The program provides lecture notes, a copy of Harlow’s Fruit Key and Twig Key, and twig samples to take home. Bring a hand lens and bag lunch. Cosponsored with Hitchcock Center for the Environment. Choose one of two sections. Saturday, January 19, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Amherst, MA Course Code: BOT3316 Instructor: William Kuriger Fee: $75M/$85NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates
Saturday, January 26, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT3317 Instructor: William Kuriger Fee: $75M/$85NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates INTRO TO PLANT SYSTEMATICS (MODULE 1) Plant systematics is the science of plant diversity and of the relationships among different kinds of plants. This course is for students beginning their study as well as for those with prior knowledge of taxonomy. We will discuss the phylogenetic method, the characteristics used to decipher true evolutionary relationships, basic nomenclature, and an overview of vascular plant relationships. Required textbook is Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach by Judd, Campbell, Kellogg, and Stevens. Wednesday, January 23, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT2225 Instructor: Arthur Haines Fee: $40M/$48NM Limit: 18 Credit: Elective–all certificates; Core–Adv. FB Naturalists are increasingly concerned with the degradation of natural ecosystems and losses in biodiversity. How can we be more effective in promoting preservation of critical habitats and assist with the stewardship of protected lands? This course provides a background in the principles of conservation biology so you can become a more effective conservation advocate. Topics include identification and prioritization of targets for preservation; mechanisms available to preserve land; management/stewardship; and special problems, including invasive species and loss of pollinators. A series of article reprints and handouts will be provided along with recommendations for further reading. Wednesdays, January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 7–9 p.m. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA Course Code: BOT5100 Instructor: Frances Clark Fee: $120M/$140NM Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates
Do you have a sugar maple or two in your yard? Do you love maple syrup? If so, then join us to learn how to make your own delicious syrup. We’ll cover everything—tree identification, equipment, tapping, weather, boiling, finishing, and storing—that you need to get started on this sweet project. Cosponsored with Massachusetts Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Nature Center. Saturday, February 2, 12:30–4 p.m. Drumlin Farm Nature Center, Lincoln, MA Course Code: BOT7013 Instructors: Roger Backman and Tia Pinney Fee: $28M/$35NM Winter is a great time to identify trees based on their overall structure and twig and bud characteristics. Close observation also reveals clues to the adaptive strategies of various tree species. We will begin indoors by examining twigs and other tree parts, discovering family and genus similarities, and indicators of stages of growth that occur too high in the tree to easily observe. After lunch we will tour Wellesley College’s Botanic Gardens to identify trees, observing both large- and small-scale details. Bring a lunch and hand lens and dress for cold weather. Cosponsored with Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture. Register for one or both sections. Evergreen Trees Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Wellesley College Botanic Garden Visitor Center, Wellesley, MA Course Code: BOT3206 Instructor: Carol Govan Fee: $45M/$55NM Limit: 16 Credit: Elective–all certificates
Saturday, February 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Wellesley College Botanic Garden Visitor Center, Wellesley, MA Course Code: BOT3207 Instructor: Carol Govan Fee: $45M/$55NM Limit: 16 Credit: Elective–all certificates |
CERTIFICATE IN NATIVE PLANT STUDIESThe New England Wild Flower Society’s Certificate in Native Plant Studies offers committed students a comprehensive series of programs in the identification, cultivation, ecology, and conservation of Northeastern plants. With an emphasis on participatory learning, courses provide a supportive and challenging learning atmosphere. While there are no exams, there are opportunities for self-assessment and students can proceed through the program at their own pace. Participants can gain a greater appreciation and understanding of native plant habitats, common and rare species, conservation issues, and uses of native plants in horticulture and design. We hope that certified students will participate in on-going public and private efforts to preserve and restore native New England flora. We offer four opportunities for concentrated study:
To enroll in a certificate program, please complete the CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION FORM (PDF format). For more information about the Society's Certificate in Native Plant Studies Program, please call the Registrar at 508-877-7630, ext. 3303 for a brochure. |
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