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 used to identify trees. By learning to use other parts of the tree for identification, participants 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 in-person 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.
Instructor: Kim Shearer, curator of collections and manager of new plant development, The Morton Arboretum
Continuing education: This class fulfills a plant identification requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Age: 18 and older
Course number: N100
Instructor
Kim Shearer, curator of collections and manager of new plant development, 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 has 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 also 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 Materials
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.
Access begins at noon on your session’s start date, and lasts for 60 days.
Complete self-paced activities, such as e-learning modules, reading material, short videos, interactive activities, and quizzes to check your understanding. The self-paced activities do not need to be completed in one sitting. Your instructor will not be online with you.
Complete the online component before the in-person session. It should take about 60 minutes.
In-Person Session
The in-person session will be held outdoors. Plan to stand for long periods and walk on uneven ground.
Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk more than a mile and spend extended time outdoors.
Wear sturdy shoes appropriate for winter conditions.
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 fulfills a plant identification requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program.
Program Schedule
This program includes self-paced online components and an in-person session.
Section A
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, noon: Access self-paced online components.
Friday, December 6, 2024, noon to 4:00 p.m.: Attend on-site field session.
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
Section B
Friday, December 6, 2024, noon: Access self-paced online components.
Saturday, December 14, 2024, noon to 4:00 p.m.: Attend on-site field session.
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
