Develop the skills to identify winter trees using clues found in buds, fruits, leaf scars, bark, and branching patterns. Leaves are one of the first characteristics taught when identifying trees, but by learning to use other parts of the tree for identification, you can develop the skill to identify trees even in winter when leaves are gone.
The class begins with a self-paced online lesson, where you will learn the foundational skills and terminology related to identifying deciduous trees. Then come to The Morton Arboretum for the field session, when you will develop and hone your tree ID skills with the guidance of your instructor. As you walk the grounds of the Arboretum, you will work with other participants to practice identifying trees using the skills you learned online.
This program includes self-paced online components and an in-person session at The Morton Arboretum.
Instructor: Kim Shearer, director of collections and curator, The Morton Arboretum
Continuing education: This class fills a plant identification requirement for N-ACT participants. Learn more about the N-ACT program.
Age: 18 and older
Course number: N100
Instructor
Kim Shearer, director of collections and curator, The Morton Arboretum
Kim Shearer is curator of collections and the manager of new plant development for The Morton Arboretum’s Daniel P. Haerther Charitable Trust New Plant Development Program. She came to the Arboretum after completing her master’s degree in horticulture with a focus in plant breeding and genetics at Oregon State University. Her experience and education have been primarily focused on the propagation, development, and evaluation of tree and shrub species from around the world. In addition to overseeing the Arboretum’s collection, she manages the New Plant Development lab, engages audiences around the country to promote trees and shrubs through the Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program, and works closely with academics and the nursery industry in the evaluation of tree and shrub selections.
What to Know
This program includes an online component you will complete on your own, and a scheduled in-person field session at The Morton Arboretum.
Online Components
Please provide a unique email address for each registrant at registration.
Registrants will receive an email with instructions on how to access TreeLearning, the Arboretum’s online learning portal about one week before class. Access lasts for 60 days.
Complete the online components before the in-person session. It should take about 60 minutes. The self-paced activities do not need to be completed in one sitting. Your instructor will not be online with you.
In-Person Session
The in-person session will be held mostly outdoors at The Morton Arboretum. Plan to stand for long periods and walk on uneven ground. Please dress for the weather during the in-person session, with long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy footwear.
Bring water, a snack, and materials for taking notes in the field.
Recommended: Bring a copy of the Winter Tree Finder, by May T. Watts and Tom Watts, available in The Arboretum Store or from your favorite online retailers.
Continuing Education
This class fills a plant identification requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Program Schedule
Section C
This program includes a self-paced module online and an in-person session.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, noon: Online materials become available.
TreeLearning
Friday, January 30, 2026, noon to 4:00 p.m.: Meets in person.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Section D
This program includes a self-paced module online and an in-person session.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, noon: Online materials become available.
TreeLearning
Saturday, February 7, 2026, noon to 4:00 p.m.: Meets in person.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
