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Adult Opportunities

Native Plant ID (in person)

Enrich your understanding of our local natural areas by learning to identify the most common native plants.

Content Detail

Knowing the names of the common plants you see on your walks, bike rides, or volunteer days can deepen your connection with the natural world. In this class, you will learn what to look for when identifying a plant, and then spend time walking the grounds of The Morton Arboretum with an expert, learning the names and identifying characteristics of common native plants.

This class is great for the beginner or for any naturalist looking to brush up on native plant ID.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructors: Katrina Lewin, Spencer Campbell

Health and Safety: Program participants must abide by the Arboretum’s health and safety guidelines. Guidelines are subject to change, so please check back frequently.

Age: 16 and older

N233

Instructors

Katrina Lewin, plant records coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

Katrina Lewin has a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois and has been a horticulturist at The Morton Arboretum since 2004.  She enjoys teaching pruning and plant identification classes and is a frequent speaker at local garden clubs.

Spencer Campbell, program coordinator, collections volunteers, The Morton Arboretum

Spencer Campbell has over a decade of experience in ecological restoration and environmental education. He is a self-professed “plant geek” who is eager to share his knowledge of the native flora and fauna of the Midwest. His classes cover a range of topics about natural resource management, while also creating a space for participants in his classes to explore their own relationship with the natural world.  As the collections volunteer program coordinator at The Morton Arboretum, his current focus is providing opportunities for the public to participate in land stewardship and equipping them with the skills to lead natural resource management projects in their own communities.

What to Know

This program meets outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and plan to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.

Please bring a hat and water bottle and wear sun and insect protection.

A hand lens and your favorite field guide will be useful (some will be available to borrow).

Program Schedule

Section A: Saturday, June 17, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Prairie Visitor Station

Section B: Monday, June 19, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center

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