Photo by Michael Stewart.

Tree identification without the assistance of leaves is a hugely rewarding process. Though many imagine winter identification to be more difficult than during the growing season, in fact, we find far more consistency among twig and bud characteristics of the same tree species than we do for leaves. More than just winter identification alone, this course will train you to look beyond eye-catching leaves in order to learn more about using less-appreciated aspects of the entire tree for identification—a skill that will serve you year-round. In this blended course, instruction and practice will hone your naturalist’s eye for observing nature and take your identification skills to the next level. Students will first meet over Zoom for a detailed overview of identification practices, and then meet for a subsequent session outdoors in the Garden to observe and practice.

This course is an elective for the Certificate in Horticulture and not required. It is open to all, including to those enrolled in the Certificate in Horticulture program. For more information, please visit the Certificate in Horticulture webpage.