Winter Tree ID

Learn to identify trees after they shed their leaves for the winter. Develop the skills to identify winter trees on your own using clues found in buds, fruits, leaf scars, bark, and branching patterns. 

Before your in-person class, get basic skills and terminology with a short, online lesson. Then spend your time at the Arboretum in the field with an expert, learning to ID trees on the grounds. Common Urban Trees will focus on common trees planted in urban settings, such as street ways and parks. Trees in Natural Areas will focus on trees found in the woodlands of northern Illinois. Sign up for one, or both! 

Winter Tree ID will benefit the natural resources employee or volunteer, the urban forester, as well as the casual tree enthusiast.

Notes: Each session includes an outdoor walk, so please dress for winter weather. Limit 18 

Requirements: 

• Must have access to the internet and provide a unique email address for each registrant at registration. 
• Must know how to use a web browser (ex: Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer) and how to send and receive email. 
• You will receive an email with log-in information at noon on the day the online materials become available. Complete the online materials before you arrive for the in-person session. 
• The online component is the same for each section. If you sign up for multiple sections, you only need to complete it once. 
• Plan to spend about 60 minutes completing the online material. Students will have access to the online materials for 60 days after the first day they access the course. 

Supplies: A hand lens will be useful; the Arboretum has some you may borrow. 

Recommended Text: Winter Tree Finder, by May T. Watts and Tom Watts, $4.95, available in The Arboretum Store. Copies available to borrow during class. 

Certificate information: Recommended class for N-ACT participants. 3.5 CPDH credits for educators are available.