Adult Opportunities

Plants of the Prairie

In this two-part series, learn the identification skills to manage, restore, or enjoy prairie habitats.

Content Detail

Prairies in summer are at the peak of their bloom and color, with diverse wildflowers and grasses showing their distinctive beauty. In these guided outdoor walks with an expert at The Morton Arboretum, explore the prairie and the features of prairie plants during the peak of their midsummer beauty. Learn to identify characteristic native prairie plants that are important for prairie restoration during the growing season and practice your plant identification skills in the field.

This program meets outdoors and in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager, The Morton Arboretum

Continuing Education: This class fulfills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program. Learn more about N-ACT.

Age: 16 and older

Course number: W320

Instructor

Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager, The Morton Arboretum

Spencer Campbell is dedicated to inspiring people to develop a deeper connection with the natural world. His horticultural and natural areas management experience guides his work in The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic, a service to educate professionals and the public about how to select, care for, and protect plants. He leads classes, workshops, seminars, and public presentations about gardening techniques, ecological restoration, climate change, and wilderness conservation. His teaching philosophy is that true knowledge of the natural world is best acquired by immersing oneself in the company of the plants and the animals.

What to Know

This program meets indoors and 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 water, a snack, and materials for taking notes outdoors.

There is limited seating along the trail; a small folding chair or stool that is easy to carry for the duration of the program may be useful.

Program Schedule

This program includes the following two meeting dates and times.

Saturday, September 7, 9:30 a.m. to noon, meet at the Ginkgo Terrace, Visitor Center, East Side

Saturday, September 14, 9:30 a.m. to noon, meet at the Prairie Visitor Station (Parking Lot 25), West Side

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