Date: February 19, 2022

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve

Speaker: Ron Lance, Biologist, Author, and Land Manager with the North American Land Trust

Learn how leafless twigs can be used to identify deciduous woody plants in winter. Participants will receive a detailed introduction to the characters and terminology used to describe twigs and bark, as well as practice using a dichotomous key. Samples of twigs will be provided, and participants are urged to bring a hand lens to observe minute details.  For those that are interested, the indoor portion of this program will be followed by a walk on the Preserve grounds, giving participants practice in tree identification. Walking a cumulative distance of 1/2 mile, or less, should be expected.

Ron Lance is stationed at Big Ridge, near Glenville, NC. He has served previous posts in natural history interpretation, education, forestry, and horticulture for over 38 years.  He has authored or co-authored 15 publications and contributed to publications dealing with native woody plants of the Southeastern U.S., including “Woody Plants of the Southeastern U.S, a Winter Guide” by the Univ. of Georgia Press.  He has served on the Board of the International Oak Society since 1997, including posts as President, Secretary, Journal Editor and Conference Chair.

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to make this an enjoyable and educational experience for participants, space is limited to 50 and pre-registration is required. Participants must show their vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event, with a photo ID, and all must wear a mask when indoors. Please arrive before 10:30 to allow time for check-in.  *This program is subject to change if things worsen with the pandemic.

*Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).  Thank you.