Leafless Tree ID Introductory Class

Join Master Gardeners for this introductory class on methods of identifying trees in winter.

Do you enjoy winter woods but find yourself stumped when the leaves are gone? Join Master Gardeners Carrie Blair and Bob Mertens for an introductory class on April 8th to learn how to read the "hidden" language of trees—identifying species through bark textures, branch patterns, buds, leaf scars, and seeds.

This indoor class will be held in the Learning Lab at the NC State Cooperative Extension office at 106 E. Morgan St., Brevard.

Meet Your Instructors

This program offers a rare opportunity to learn from two highly distinguished figures in the botanical community:

Carrie Blair: A seasoned educator who has led hundreds of plant identification hikes, Carrie brings a wealth of leadership and field experience. She is a Master Gardener (NC and VA) and a VA Master Naturalist. Her extensive resume includes serving as Past President of the Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society and as a docent for the State Arboretum of Virginia. She is an active member of several conservation organizations, including the NC Native Plant Society, MountainTrue, Conserving Carolina, and the Pisgah Conservancy. Carrie will provide helpful handouts and offer a selection of tree identification books for purchase.

Bob Mertens: Bringing over 50 years of horticultural passion, Bob is a retired professional from the UF/IFAS Extension in Sarasota County, Florida. His deep expertise covers environmental horticulture, palms, and landscape maintenance. Since relocating to Brevard in 2017, Bob has become an integral part of the local gardening community, serving as a Transylvania County Extension Master Gardener alongside his wife, Leslie.

Capacity: Participation is limited to 12 people (ages 16 and up) to ensure an intimate learning environment.