Boston Flora

Tag: Tree Identification

  • Saturdays, December 6 & December 13, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm – Introduction to Winter Tree Identification

    The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University will hold a two session class in the Hunnewell Building on December 6 and 13 from 9 – 12:30 with arborist Kyle Stephens, an Introduction to Winter Tree Identification. Learn the basic information necessary to identify deciduous trees during their dormant season. Looking at specific character combinations, you will determine the genus and species of several types of trees in the Boston area. Class begins indoors with a discussion of basic classification techniques and continues outside to the Arboretum grounds to examine a variety of trees. This class is recommended for the beginner-to-intermediate tree observer. Dress in layers for both classroom and outdoor learning. A hand lens may be helpful, but is not necessary.  $75 for Arboretum members, $100 for nonmembers.  Register online at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?DayPlanner=62&DayPlannerDate=12/6/2014. (Kyle is in the tree below, photo courtesy of Arnold Arboretum.)

  • Saturday, June 1, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Identifying the 25 Most Common Trees in Boston

    In just a few hours on Saturday, June 1, you can learn to identify 90 percent of the trees growing in Boston, both native and nonnative. Beginning at 9 am in the classroom in the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum, you will briefly review the characteristics of the 25 most common trees and learn the botanical terminology necessary to describe them. You will then walk the grounds of the Arboretum to look at mature specimens of these trees. The class will be given by Kyle Port, Manager of Plant Records at the Arnold Arboretum. Fee $45 Arboretum member, $60 nonmember. Register on line at www.my.arboretum.harvard.edu.

    http://www.growitlanddesigns.com/images/Trees/redbud3.jpg

  • Saturday, November 3, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Late Fall Tree ID with Forester Helen Johnson

    On Saturday, November 3, from 1 – 4, take your tree identification skills to the next level with Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Service Forester Helen Johnson. Characteristics like bark, branching patterns, buds, overall tree shape, and habitat will be used to aid in identification. We will also talk about impacts on the forest from insects, diseases, and invasive plants. Depending on participant interest, conversations may wander through forest ecology, wildlife habitat, climate change, land use history, logging, and sustainable forest management. No previous tree identification skills are required for this free field walk. As a DCR Service Forester, Ms. Johnson provides free advice and technical assistance to forest landowners, enforces logging regulations, and administers the current use tax programs (e.g. Chapter 61). She has an M.S. in Forestry and a B.A. in Social Thought & Political Economy, both from the University of Massachusetts. For location, directions and to register, call 1-800-859-2960.

  • Sundays, May 15, 22, June 5, 12, 19, and 26, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – ID and Use of Trees for the Urban Landscape

    Learn to identify trees and consider their appropriate uses in the designed landscape in this six session course on Sundays, May 15 – June 26 (excluding Memorial Day weekend) at the Arnold Arboretum.  Using themes such as trees that provide native habitats or those appropriate for plantings along city streets to structure this class, landscape architect Emily Hamilton will use classroom presentations in the Hunnewell Building and tours through the Arboretum to familiarize you with the many trees appropriate for a variety of growing conditions and desired effects.  Fee $145 for Arboretum members, $175 for non-members.  Sign up at www.my.arboretum.harvard.edu.

  • Saturday, December 11, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Introduction to Forest Measurement Tools

    Participants in Introduction to Forest Measurement Tools at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, to be held Saturday, December 11, from 10 – 2, will be introduced to various tools such as diameter tapes, calipers, Biltmore sticks, laser measuring devices, clinometers, angle gauges, and other tools used to measure trees and other features in the forest environment. Following classroom discussion, participants will practice using various measurement tools.

    Bring a lunch and water, and dress in layers for both classroom and outdoor learning. Bring any of the following to class if you have them: a hand lens, winter tree identification field guide, compass, and/or any forest measurement tools.

    Sponsored by Arnold Arboretum and N.E. Wildflower Society, this program takes place at the New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods. $44 member, $52 nonmember. Phone 617-384-5277 to register.

  • Saturdays, February 27 and March 6, 9 am – 12:25 pm – Introduction to Winter Tree Identification

    You have a second chance to take this two session program with Kyle Stevens, if you missed the November dates.  The Arnold Arboretum is sponsoring a two session class on Saturday mornings, February 27 and March 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m., with Arborist Kyle Stephens.  This class will provide an overview of the information necessary to identify deciduous trees during their dormant season. Looking at specific character combinations, participants will learn to determine the genus and species of several types of trees in the Boston area. The group will begin indoors with a discussion of basic classification techniques and then go outside to the Arboretum grounds to explore maples, oaks, lindens, buckeyes, hickories, hornbeams and as many other trees as time will allow. This class is recommended for the beginner-to-intermediate tree observer. The first class meets at the Dana Greenhouse Classroom. The second class meets at the Hunnewell Building. Dress warmly for spending the morning outdoors. A hand lens may be helpful, but is not necessary. Fee $65 Arboretum member, $75 nonmember.  To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

  • Saturday, February 6, 10 am – 2:30 pm – Winter Tree Observations: Deciduous Trees

    You may already have taken Carol Govan’s evergreen tree identification class – now move on to deciduous trees.  On Saturday, February 6, from 10 – 2:30, Carol will present a workshop at the Wellesley College Botanic Garden in this program co-sponsored by the Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture and the Arnold Arboretum.  Winter is a great time to identify trees based on their overall structure and twig and bud characteristics. Close observation can also reveal clues to the adaptive strategies of various tree species. You will begin indoors at the Wellesley College Greenhouse Visitor Center, carefully looking at twigs and other tree parts, discovering family and genus similarities, and examining indicators of the growth cycles of deciduous trees. After lunch Carol will lead you through the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens to identify trees, observing both large- and small-scale details. Bring a lunch and hand lens and dress for cold weather. (Snow date: February 13)
    Fee $50 WCFH or Arnold Arboretum member, $65 nonmember.  To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

    http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/5500733/2/istockphoto_5500733-oak-tree-winter-silhouette.jpg

  • Saturday, November 21 & Saturday, December 5, 9 – 12:30 – Introduction to Winter Tree Identification

    The Arnold Arboretum is sponsoring a two session class on Saturday mornings, November 21 and December 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m., with Arborist Kyle Stephens.  This class will provide an overview of the information necessary to identify deciduous trees during their dormant season. Looking at specific character combinations, participants will learn to determine the genus and species of several types of trees in the Boston area. The group will begin indoors with a discussion of basic classification techniques and then go outside to the Arboretum grounds to explore maples, oaks, lindens, buckeyes, hickories, hornbeams and as many other trees as time will allow. This class is recommended for the beginner-to-intermediate tree observer. The first class meets at the Dana Greenhouse Classroom. The second class meets at the Hunnewell Building. Dress warmly for spending the morning outdoors. A hand lens may be helpful, but is not necessary. Fee $65 Arboretum member, $75 nonmember.  To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

    winter tree by Madeleine_.

  • Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Framework Trees of New England

    Trees are the dominant plant type of New England, with forests covering most of the land area.  Instructor Karen Sebastian addresses identification and natural history of individual species as well as forest ecology. Since understanding today’s forests requires familiarity with their history, she will review the changing landscape from the Ice Age through European settlement. Students learn to identify native New England trees and their habitats, to recognize different aged stands (pioneer, second growth, and other growth) and become familiar with forest communities of the northeastern temperate region.

    You will consider the natural conditions and human disturbance factors that produce the different forest associations. Weekend field trips take you to a variety of forest types off-site. Bring a bag lunch and water.

    Location:
    Garden in the Woods
    Framingham , MA

    Sponsor: New England Wildflower Society and Arnold Arboretum
    Time(s): Tues. Oct. 6,13, 20, 27 from 7-9 p.m.; Sat. Oct 17, noon-4 p.m.; Sat. Oct. 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
    Cost: $176 (Member) / $204 (Non-Member); pre-registration is necessary
    Phone: 508-877-7630, ext. 3303
    Email: registrar@newenglandWILD.org
    http://www.newfs.org/learn/adult/by-month/oct/