Winter Tree Identification

Do familiar trees suddenly become strangers once they lose their leaves?

In winter, the forest looks completely different—but the clues are still there. You just have to know how to look.

In this hands-on workshop, we’ll practice identifying trees the old-fashioned way—using our senses (not our phones!), along with traditional tree keys and field guides. You’ll learn how to notice the details that set each species apart: bark texture, branching patterns, buds, scent, habitat, and more.

We’ll begin with some indoor instruction and guided practice before heading outdoors where we’ll work together to “key out” some common local trees in their winter form. By the end, you’ll have practical tools—and the confidence—to identify trees even when they’re bare.

Who will enjoy this workshop? If you love solving puzzles, enjoy a bit of detective work (with a dash of educated guesswork), or simply want to truly learn how to tell one tree from another without looking it up every time—this workshop is for you! Open to adults and youth ages 14 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.