(Botanical Surveys, Continued from page )

lists of essential literature sources, agency guidelines, and more. The course will be useful to anyone who might prepare or review botanical surveys, including students, consultants, planners, and policy advocates.

 

Scott White, Consulting Botanist

 

$110 ($125 nonmember) Limit: 15 participants. Code: 061BOT102

 

Saturday, February 11, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Southern California Winter Plant Identification For Field Biologists

While spring and summer are the showiest seasons for flowers in Southern California, winter also offers many opportunities to observe plant species in bloom.  Many manzanitas, currents and gooseberries, mustards, early blooming wildflowers, shrubs, and trees are found flowering at this time of year. Participants will gain experience in plant identification techniques ranging from knowing which reference book to use, to keying in technical floras. The class session will include hands-on experience with fresh material. The class will also include a presentation overview of plants often encountered in the valleys, hills, and mountains of Southern California at this time of year.  Participants are encouraged to bring in mystery plants for identification. A short afternoon field trip will have participants practicing their winter botany skills in the field.

 

Fred Roberts and Michelle Balk, Consulting Field Botanists

 

$84 ($105 nonmember) Limit: 15 participants. Code: 061BOT103

 

Saturday, March 11 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (class) Sunday, March 12 7:00 am – 5:00 pm (field study)

Rare Plant Identification and Survey Techniques for Southern California

Once again the field season draws near, and botanists searching for sensitive plant species will soon scatter over the diverse landscapes of Southern California. Are you new to rare plants? A bit rusty on your identification skills?  Simply interested in rare plants typically found in the spring? The instructors will share their experiences and knowledge from a combined 28 years of rare plant survey experience.  Identification tips for sensitive plant species easily confused by biologists will be discussed, as will basic rare plant survey techniques and record keeping.  A slide show will introduce participants to the wide variety of rare plants and habitats one might expect to find on the coastal slopes of Southern California during the spring.  A field trip to local sites will provide an opportunity to observe selected sensitive plant species in their native habitats.

 

Fred Roberts and Michelle Balk, Consulting Field Botanists

 

$155 ($185 nonmember) Limit 15 participants. Code: 061BOT105

 

Classes at The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Contact the Desert Institute to request a course brochure (760) 367-5535 / Fax (760) 367-5583, Email: desertinstitute@zippnet.net

 

Saturday & Sunday, February 18-19        Native American Basket Weaving

Saturday & Sunday, February 25-26       Native American Basket Weaving Advanced

Friday  & Saturday, February 24-25        Map & Compass Basic Skills

Sunday, February 26                Map & Compass Advanced Skills

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, March 3-5      Rocks & Minerals of Joshua Tree National Park

Saturday, March 11                 Scats, Tracks & Animal Facts

Sunday, March 12                  Explore Eagle Cliff Hills & Mine Hike

Saturday, March 18                 Desert Night Sky

Sunday, March 19                  Wildflower Wanderings

Saturday & Sunday, March 25-26         Flora of Joshua Tree National Park

Saturday, April 1                   Drawing the Desert

Sunday, April 2                    Watercolor Painting in the Park

Friday & Saturday, April 7 & 8           Photographing Joshua Tree Up close and Personal

Sunday, April 9                    Basic Desert Survival

Friday & Saturday, April 21-22           Butterflies of the Desert

Sunday, April 23                   Hiking for Health and Wellness

Sunday, April 23                   Plein Air Poetry

Sunday, April 30                   Creating Yard Magic with Native Desert Plants

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 5-7       Birds of Joshua Tree National Park

Saturday & Sunday, May 13-14          Edible Plants of the Desert