Winter Botany

Identification of deciduous trees and shrubs in the summertime is a piece of cake for most naturalists, avid gardeners, environmental professionals, or outdoor enthusiasts. But what happens in the wintertime when leaves, flowers, and fruits are no longer at our disposal? Woody plants are every bit as recognizable in winter as they are in summer. This course reveals all of the characteristics that woody plants leave behind during the winter months. Learn how to use this information to identify woody plants to the species level. The Winter Botany curriculum focuses on use of dichotomous keys and familiarizing attendees with the technical terminology surrounding identification of plants in winter. Lecture, lab, and field practicum.

Instructor: Dr. Douglas A. DeBerry, Research Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at the College of William and Mary, and contributing author on the Flora of Virginia.   NOTE: all sessions involve outside activity, so dress for hiking and the weather.