Field Botany: Basics of Plant Identification

*** Covid safety information: if in-persion indoor classes are not recommended at the time of class, the first portion of class will be held over Zoom. The outdoor portion (second half) of class will be outdoors in-person with masks and distancing required.

Learn the basics of plant identification with DC-based herbalist botanist, and forager Holly Poole-Kavana. This class will be taught in two sections: the morning will consist of an indoor presentation (virtual or in-person depending on current CDC recommendations) of the basic concepts of botany and the plant characteristics used in field identification, illustrated with close-up photographs. The afternoon will be spent outdoors observing real-life examples of the concepts from the morning presentation, learning to recognize common plant families, and practicing ID with a key.

Some information about edibility and medicinal properties will be covered in this class, but the focus will be on accurate identification in the field. No information given is intended as individual medical or nutrition advice.

Participants are encouraged to bring a magnifying glass or loupe and a copy of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide, if available (copies will also be available to borrow).

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled with the option for a refund.