In this two-day intensive workshop, learn the names and ecology of the wildflowers, sedges, rushes, and other plants that inhabit the wetlands in the upper Midwest. Explore the beauty and diversity of wetland plants, and discover how to identify them, where to find them, and what plants they are commonly associated with. You’ll learn their specific life cycles and gain a deeper appreciation of the role and importance of plants in a functioning wetland ecosystem.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Paul Marcum, associate scientist, botany, Wetland Science Program, Illinois Natural History Survey
Continuing education: This class fulfills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Age: 16 and older
Course number: W319
Instructor
Paul Marcum, associate scientist, botany, Wetland Science Program, Illinois Natural History Survey
Paul Marcum is a botanist and plant ecologist with a passion for plants. He has nearly 30 years of experience conducting natural community, floristic inventory, and rare plant surveys throughout the United States. Professionally he has worked at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois, for the last 23 years. As a botanist at INHS, he co-coordinates activities for the Wetland Science Program, which conducts environmental surveys for Illinois Department of Transportation projects. He frequently leads tours and presents identification workshops around Illinois. During his career he has authored or co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts as well as more than 600 technical reports. Currently, he is finishing work on a book covering oval sedges of Illinois and surrounding states (with co-authors Michael Murphy and Greg Spyreas).
What to Know
This program will take place mostly outdoors. Please check the forecast and dress for the weather.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that can get muddy, and plan to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.
Long pants are recommended. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a lightweight long-sleeved layer may come in handy.
Bring a hand lens if you have one, materials for taking notes, and your favorite field guide. A limited number of hand lenses will be available to use.
Please bring a sack lunch and water.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Continuing Education
This class fulfills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Program Schedule
This program meets the following two times.
Thursday, July 30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
