RBG Asters and Goldenrods Workshop

Thursday and Friday, September 16 and 17; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at RBG Centre

Join us for an intensive two-day, hands-on workshop led by Dr. Jim Pringle and Natalie Iwanycki. This workshop provides participants with a solid foundation in aster and goldenrod identification. Over the two days, the unique botanical morphology and associated terminology specific to the aster and goldenrod groups is introduced and illustrated in both a classroom lab setting and during field visits to RBG’s nature sanctuaries and nearby natural areas. In addition to learning key recognition traits, ecological niches, habitat specificity, population ranges and distribution is covered for a variety of aster and goldenrod species in southern Ontario. Be prepared to go out in all weather conditions. Lunch provided. Bring along your hand lenses, field guides or botanical keys, and even your mystery specimens!

Dr. Jim Pringle, RBG’s plant taxonomist, has close to 50 years of experience in the field identifying asters and goldenrods, and Natalie Iwanycki, RBG’s field botanist and herbarium curator, has been identifying this tricky group for twelve years.

MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 7.
Call 905-527-1158, extension 270 for more registration information.

American Society of Plant Taxonomists

As part of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists' outreach efforts, the organization is now on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Society-of-Plant-Taxonomists/369127495877?ref=ts) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/amsocplanttaxon). Please become a Fan of ASPT on Facebook and encourage members of your local wildflower organizations to do the same!

Fabulous Fall Fungi

Oct 4-8, 2010
Discover the wonderful world of mushrooms and other fungi in this four-day workshop. All experience levels welcome. Hands-on identification, plus discussions on ecology, uses and etymology. Dates: Oct 4-8, 2010. Cost: $425 - covers four nights accommodation, all meals, tuition, and use of lab space & microscopes. Location: Queen’s University Biological Station. Details: www.queensu.ca/biology/qubs/events/workshops/fabulousfungi.html.
Instructor: Richard Aaron (natureteacher1@gmail.com).

BioBlitz Alert!

The Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County and the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds are putting on a BioBlitz (Volunteer-based biological inventory) August 13-14 on a 1000 acre private property near Pakenham. We will be documenting all forms of wildlife (plants and animals) on the property and submitting the information to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. We are currently looking for experts, nature enthusiasts and volunteers. All experience levels are welcome. If possible, please forward this invitation to your members as they may be interested in participating. Feel free to post my information on your website as well. Food, overnight camping, canoes, maps, etc. will be provided.

Two similar events are planned near Charleston Lake Provincial Park (between Brockville and Kingston) August 27-28 and September 10-11. I can forward information about these events as it becomes available if you would like. Anyone interested in coming out can contact me at the Lanark Stewardship Office (contact info below).

Meaghan McDonald
BioBlitz Intern
Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County/ Centre for Sustainable Watersheds
99 Christie Lake Rd.
Perth Ontario
T: (613) 267-4200 ext. 3194
Email: BioBlitzIntern@gmail.com