A Botanical Perspective with Carol Goodwillie: Native Seeds
Winter can be a quiet time in the plant world, but it’s always a good time to learn about plants! In this four-part series, join botany professor Carol Goodwillie to discover the wonders of seeds, leaves, pinecones, branches, bark, and more, all under the lens of our native species. Each workshop will give participants the opportunity to take a close look at the remarkable features of Maine native plants, all while gathering some botanical knowledge along the way. Join us for a 4-part winter workshop series.
Saturday December 12: Native Seeds
What came first, the plant or the seed? Seeds are the encased potential of many native species, from wildflowers to shrubs to trees. In the first workshop of our Botanical Perspective series, discover how seeds develop, disperse, and germinate. We’ll observe dried and germinated seeds to learn their secrets and powers. Find out how seeds know when to germinate and which way to grow, how seeds are different between species, the mutually beneficial relationship between seeds and wildlife, and much more! Join this class as a standalone event, or use this workshop to prepare for our 11 am session: our Native Plants Seed-Sowing Workshop!
Saturdays, 9-10:30 am
$25 member/$30 nonmember
Program will take place in the Ann & Jim Hancock Native Plants Education Center
Other sessions
Saturday January 2: Deciduous Trees
Although the leaves of our broad-leaved trees have long since dropped from their branches, Mother Nature’s phenology won’t stop us from taking a close look at them. For our second workshop in the Botanical Perspective series, get some hands-on exploration of pressed leaf specimens to discover the form, function, and beauty of these important structures. First, we’ll take a look at how leaves work and what they do, and then we’ll look at the characteristics that make each genus and species unique. Use this new botanical knowledge to identify the trees in your backyard!
Saturday February 6: Evergreen Trees
In a winter landscape, evergreen trees dominate the scene. In the third workshop of our Botanical Perspective series, we will learn about the intriguing and unique evolutionary path that these conifers have taken. We’ll identify the traits that define evergreen trees as a group, explore samples of the leaves, twigs, and pinecones of familiar native species, and learn some identification tips and tricks along the way! This new botanical knowledge will make a perfect complement to any winter stroll.
Saturday February 27: Twigs and Bark
Because deciduous leaves are not present in winter, twigs and branches are a very helpful tool to identify our native woody species. For the fourth and final workshop in the Botanical Perspective series, we will look at the structure and function of these woody parts of trees. Observe up close the key features that support the nutrient cycling and massive size of these plants, and learn how to identify some familiar species without the presence of leaves.
Saturdays, 9-10:30 am
$25 member/$30 nonmember
Program will take place in the Ann & Jim Hancock Native Plants Education Center
Maine Audubon strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for all members of the community. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please email events@maineaudubon.org. Maine Audubon can best meet the needs of requests submitted at least seven days before the event start date.
