Upcoming Workshops for 2014

Please click the image to see a sampling of

Aton Forest Workshops and Events for 2014:

October 5 - Wild Mushrooms

Learn to identify and differentiate safe and unsafe mushrooms and the proper conservation etiquette when collecting them.  We are likely to see numerous species that appear in early autumn.  This workshop will include some classroom instruction and much field work, followed by a wild mushroom tasting.  Please dress appropriately for conditions.

ANDREW JANJIGIAN is an associate editor for Cook’s Illustrated magazine, chef, organic chemist, and mycologist.

NOTE: This is the second of two workshops on the topic of wild mushrooms (both lead by Andrew).  We are offering it on two separate dates for participant convenience.  Please register for the day that works best for you.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) are offered for this course:
NOFA Accredited Organic Landscape Professionals - 4.0
CT Pesticide Applicators - 4.0 (PA)

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Saturday October 5, 2013

Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Tuition: $30

September 25 & October 2 - Late-Season Grasses

Field Identification of Late-Season Grasses (Poaceae)
lead by Bill Moorhead

This workshop focuses on identification and ecology of grasses (family Poaceae) that are detectable and identifiable in the field in late summer and early fall.  The emphasis will be on the “warm-season” grasses, but we will also cover a number of other important grass species that are commonly encountered and are identifiable at this time of year.  We will cover the basic features of grasses that distinguish them from other grass-like plants, the terminology used in identification manuals to describe and distinguish grass species, the characteristics of major groups, distinguishing warm-season from cool-season grasses, distinguishing invasive and other non-native species from native species, endangered grass species, wetland indicator values and other ecological affinities of various species.

The workshop is broken into two days: 

o   The first day that is largely devoted to introductory lecture and lab.

o   The second day that is entirely devoted to field identification of grasses in several representative habitats in the region (to which we will travel via car pool).

Participants may register for one or both days.  Grasses are a difficult group, and it is recommended that serious students who do not consider themselves advanced students register for both days.  If you do not consider yourself an advanced student of grasses and can only attend one session, we recommend the first rather than the second day, as we will not be able to cover the basics again on the second day.  People who prefer to, or are only able to, register for only one day of the workshop are welcome, but first preference for space will be given to people registering for both days, so there is the possibility that one-day-only registrants may be “bumped’ out of the workshop by people registering for both days, even if they are registering later than the one-day-registrants.  NOTE: The second day of the workshop is conditional upon interest, i.e. if too few participants choose to register for the second day, it may be cancelled.

Please contact instructor Bill Moorhead, at whmoorhead@optonline.net or 860-567-4920, if you have any questions about the level and content of the workshop (particularly as they relate to decisions about taking only one day versus both days of the workshop).

Each participant should bring: a good quality hand lens with at least 10X magnification; fine-pointed forceps that can be carried in the field; a centimeter/millimeter ruler; hip or chest waders; his/her choice of insect repellant, sun protection, etc. The waders are not absolutely essential, but participants should in any case be prepared be in thigh-deep water/muck some of the time. A waterproof field notebook and collecting bags are highly recommended.

Taxonomy will follow The New Engand Wildflower Societiy’s GoBotany web-site and Arthur Haines'  Flora Novae Angliae.

BILL MOORHEAD is an independent consulting field botanist based in western Connecticut.  He has specialized for 25 years in the search for populations of rare plants and their habitats, and the study of plant communities and the factors determining their species composition and distribution.  He leads plant and plant community walks and “eco-tours”, and teaches plant identification workshops in difficult plant groups, such as sedges, grasses, asters and goldenrods, as well as invasive species and their native look-a-likes.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) are offered for this course:
NOFA Accredited Organic Landscape Professionals - 4.0
CT Forest Practitioner - 5.0
CT Pesticide Applicator - 7.0 (3A,6)

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Wednesday September 25 & October 2, 2013

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuition: $95 (per day), lunches and refreshments provided

Select Day(s)

Day 1 $95.00 USD Day 2 $95.00 USD Days 1 & 2 $190.00 USD

September 21 - Invasive Plants Identification

Lead by John Anderson

In this workshop you will learn to identify invasive plants in late summer and early fall when leaf and fruit characteristics are most important. We will cover herbaceous and woody plants in both terrestrial and wetland habitats, as well as learn to recognize the native plants with which they may be confused. It is expected that most of the day will be spent in the field. There will be a brief introduction to botany and invasive plants and a portion of the program will include information on invasive plant control. In the event of weather too severe for field work, the workshop may be changed into a lab/classroom session using fresh collected specimens.

Each participant should bring: a good quality hand lens with at least 10X magnification; a field notebook (preferably waterproof) and writing/sketching implement[s], sun protection and water while in the field; appropriate footwear for both mud and hiking up to 1 mile over moderate terrain, sometimes off-trail; clothing and insect repellent that allows you to stand around for 5-10 minutes in various conditions in sufficient comfort to concentrate on listening and taking notes.

JOHN ANDERSON is the Executive Director of Aton Forest. Starting in 1981, he worked alongside the eminent ecologist Dr. Frank E. Egler on vegetation science and conservation projects.  He has studied the plants and animals of Northwestern Connecticut for over three decades and has given talks and guided walks on a variety of biological and conservation topics.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) are offered for this course:
CT Forest Practitioner - 2.0
CT Pesticide Applicator - 6.0 (PA,1A,3A,3B,6,10)

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Saturday September 21, 2013

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tuition: $30, light lunch and refreshments provided

September 14 - Wild Mushrooms

Learn to identify and differentiate safe and unsafe mushrooms and the proper conservation etiquette when collecting them.  We are likely to see numerous species that appear in early autumn.  This workshop will include some classroom instruction and much field work, followed by a wild mushroom tasting.  Please dress appropriately for conditions.

ANDREW JANJIGIAN is an associate editor for Cook’s Illustrated magazine, chef, organic chemist, and mycologist.

NOTE: This is the first of two workshops on the topic of wild mushrooms (both lead by Andrew).  We are offering it on two separate dates for participant convenience.  Please register for the day that works best for you.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) are offered for this course:
NOFA Accredited Organic Landscape Professionals - 4.0
CT Pesticide Applicators - 4.o (PA)

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Saturday September 14, 2013

Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Tuition: $30

September 7 - Fall Wildflowers

Come learn about our local late summer/early fall wildflowers with naturalist John Anderson.  Primarily focusing on Asters and Goldenrods, we will explore the fields and woodlands of Aton Forest in search of these beautiful plants.  The workshop will be entirely in the field and focus on the identification, ecology, and natural history of these special flowers. Bringing a 10X magnification hand lens is recommended.  Workshop will be followed by a light lunch.

JOHN ANDERSON is the Executive Director of Aton Forest and has worked with plants in the region for over 30 years.  He has vast knowledge of the species within the preserve as well as a strong connection with the land and history of Aton Forest.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) are offered for this course:
NOFA Accredited Organic Landscape Professionals - 4.o
CT Pesticide Applicators - 4.o (PA/3A)

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Saturday September 7, 2013

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Tuition: $10, light lunch & refreshments provided

August 1 - Naturalistic Landscaping

“Naturalistic Landscaping appeals to the kind of person who likes wild nature, modified just a bit… He is willing to tip the scales of nature with one finger, not spend his life trying to grow plants in anti-ecological unnaturalness.”

           -Warren G. Kenfield, 1966. The Wild Gardener in the Wild Landscape.

Many gardeners and land managers find themselves constantly fighting Nature to maintain the aesthetic appeal they desire. Another approach is to work with naturally occurring events and plants to achieve a landscape that is sensually, intellectually and emotionally satisfying. This workshop continues that discussion and demonstration of ecologically-based naturalistic landscaping and its benefits. There will be information presented for both those familiar with this form of wild landscaping and those new to it. With an understanding of natural processes you will learn how to work with the land to develop an attractive and healthy landscape. With weather permitting, most of the time will be spent walking the woods and fields of Aton Forest observing managed and natural habitats. There will also be time to talk about participants’ land management issues.

LARRY WEANER has been creating native landscapes since 1977. He founded award winning Larry Weaner Landscape Associates in 1982 and has gained a national reputation for combining ecological restoration with the traditions of garden design. He is an active guest lecturer and instructor for horticultural and environmental organizations throughout the United States.

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Thursday August 1, 2013

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tuition: $30

Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for CT Forest Practitioners (2.0) and CT Pesticide Applicators (5.0)

July 10 & 11 - Sedge Identification

This plant identification workshop focuses on field identification, ecology, and indicator value of genus Carex, i.e. the “sedges”, the most diverse genus of vascular plants in Connecticut.  Considered by many a “cryptic” (i.e., hard-to-identify) group, the sedges are actually a well-behaved taxonomic group with relatively little hybridization. The majority of sedges are in fact identifiable in the field with no more than 10X magnification, and many Carex species have high value as indicators of hydrologic regime, fertility regime, and natural community types of special biodiversity significance. The workshop will emphasize development of field identification skills, as opposed to collection and keying out of specimens in the lab.  If/when weather is severe, we will work inside with collected specimens. For the information of those who have attended our earlier Carex workshops, we will cover several of the same habitats and most of the same species as in previous years, but we also visit some new sites and habitats, and will cover some species not covered in previous years. Also, there will be new, improved editions of the class handouts available.

In addition to the field sessions there will be an optional lab session offered on July 10^th after a dinner break.

Each participant should bring: a good quality hand lens with at least 10X magnification; fine-pointed forceps that can be carried in the field; a centimeter/millimeter ruler; hip or chest waders; his/her choice of insect repellent, sun protection, etc. The waders are not absolutely essential, but participants should in any case be prepared be in thigh-deep water/muck some of the time. A waterproof field notebook and collecting bags are highly recommended.

Taxonomy will follow Arthur Haines' Flora Novae Angliae.

BILL MOORHEAD is an independent consulting field botanist based in western Connecticut.  He has specialized for 20 years in the search for populations of rare plants and their habitats, and the study of plant communities and the factors determining their species composition and distribution.  He leads plant and plant community walks and canoe-trip “eco-tours”, and teaches plant identification workshops in difficult plant groups, such as sedges, grasses, asters and goldenrods, as well as invasive species and their native look-a-likes.

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Wednesday July, 10 – Thursday July, 11 2013

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuition: $150 - we accept check by mail (PO Box 509 Norfolk, CT 06058) or card via PayPal, lunch and refreshments provided.

• 5 CEU's are available for CT Forest Practitioners
• 4 Credits are available for Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals
• 1 Renewal Point is available for the Society of Wetland Scientists' Professional Certification Program

Workshop limited to 15 participants, registration and payment required in advance.

For more information/registration please contact us at (860)542-5125 or contact@atonforest.org

Note: If a session is canceled by us for any reason, tuition payments will be refunded in full, by mail.  If a registered participant cancels, tuition may or may not be refunded, at our discretion, depending upon the final class size.

Reserve a space now!  Pay and secure a spot instantly with PayPal:

Quantity

1 $150.00 USD 2 $300.00 USD 3 $450.00 USD 4 $600.00 USD

June 29 - Trees, Bark & Field Illustration

The traits typically used to describe trees—leaves, twigs, and buds—are often hard to see or, in the case of leaves, absent more than half the year. Join Michael for an exploration of bark, which is always visible, in any season. You will learn about and practice using a system for identifying species by their bark, and begin to discover why such a variety of bark characteristics exist. Michael will also lead a series of field drawing exercises that will help you recognize different bark traits. Our goal will be to enhance our sense of perception and record our observations for further reference once we leave the field (with less emphasis on producing a finished drawing).

MICHAEL WOJTECH is a writer, educator, photographer, and illustrator, who strives to share the science and beauty of natural history in an accessible and compelling fashion.  One of his latest projects is the book Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast.

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Saturday June 29, 2013

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Tuition: $30 - we accept check by mail (PO Box 509 Norfolk, CT 06058) or card via PayPal, light lunch and refreshments provided.

Workshop limited to 15 participants, registration and payment required in advance.

For more information/registration please contact us at (860)542-5125 or contact@atonforest.org

Note: If a session is canceled by us for any reason, tuition payments will be refunded in full, by mail.  If a registered participant cancels, tuition may or may not be refunded, at our discretion, depending upon the final class size.

Reserve a space now!  Pay and secure a spot instantly with PayPal:

June 21 - Ferns & Fern Allies of New England

THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED ITS CAPACITY.  PLEASE MAKE SURE TO LOOK AT OUR OTHER WORKSHOP OFFERINGS.

Botanist John Burns will be teaching a class about the non-flowering plant species of New England: ferns, clubmoss, and horsetails.  In the morning we will review the distinctive features of each of these groups used in identification and learn how their life cycles are different from seed producing flowering plants.

The audience can expect to see fabulous slides of ferns, clubmosses, and horsetails as well as some fresh and pressed specimens collected during the previous field season.  This will prepare us for our afternoon foray into Aton Forest’s fields and woodlands where we’ll be able to find numerous species and more clearly see the settings in which they grow.

JOHN BURNS works for the New England Wildflower Society as the Administrative Coordinator for the Plant Conservation Volunteer Program.  He has traveled as far as southern Brazil to study ferns and has done fieldwork throughout the northeast.

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date: Friday June 21, 2013

Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Tuition: $30 - we accept check by mail or card via PayPal, light lunch and refreshments provided.

Workshop limited to 15 participants, registration and payment required in advance.

For more information/registration please contact us at (860)542-5125 or contact@atonforest.org

Note: If a session is canceled by us for any reason, tuition payments will be refunded in full, by mail.  If a registered participant cancels, tuition may or may not be refunded, at our discretion, depending upon the final class size.

May 18 - Birding By Ear

Come learn to recognize bird calls and identify species by their song.  Expert birder Bob Barbieri will lead the workshop through Aton Forest's fields and woodlands in search of the many birds residing in and passing through the preserve.  Workshop will be followed by a light lunch.  Dress appropriately for weather.

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters - 270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058

Date:  Saturday May 18, 2013

Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Suggested Donation: $10

Workshop limited to 15 participants, pre-registration required.

For more information please contact us at (860)542-5125 or contact@atonforest.org

INVASIVE PLANT WORKSHOP CANCELLED

I’m sorry to inform you that the workshop on invasive plants identification and their native look-alikes has been cancelled.

We hope to hold a similar workshop with Bill Moorhead on invasive and native plants later this year but with leaf-on. And, of course, for those who want the later winter/early spring identification, we will try to host this workshop again in 2014.

If you have any further questions please call me at Aton Forest, 860-542-5125 (leave a message) or reply to this email.

Thanks for your interest in the Aton Forest workshop program.

John Anderson, Executive Director

Invasive Plants Workshop led by Bill Moorhead, March 28

“Distinguishing Invasive Plants and Native Look-a-likes in Late Winter and Early Spring.” An Aton Forest workshop led by Bill Moorhead

 

Thursday, March 28, 2013, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk, CT 06058

 

This workshop focuses on field identification of woody wetlands and terrestrial invasive plants in late winter/early spring, prime season for pulling invasives but a difficult time to identify many plants using guides and manuals, as many are somewhere between dormant and leaf-on state.  The workshop is designed for people who are already interested in and/or involved in hands-on invasive plant control in wetlands, fields and forests, including land managers associated with land trusts, professionals looking to brush up on their skills, and private land owners managing their properties as natural areas.

 

Enrollment is limited to 15 participants per session. Tuition is $80.00. Those who register after March 25^th, the tuition is $95.00. Please make checks out to “Aton Forest, Inc.” and mail to Aton Forest, Inc., PO Box 509, Norfolk, CT 06058.

 

Instructor: Bill Moorhead, Consulting Field Botanist, email: whmoorhead (at) optonline.net.

For more information contact Aton Forest, 860-542-5125, email: contact (at) atonforest.org.

 

Bill Moorhead is an independent consulting field botanist based in western Connecticut.  He has specialized for 20 years in the search for populations of rare plants and their habitats, and the study of plant communities and the factors determining their species composition and distribution.  He has worked in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.  Highlights of his work include the rediscovery of 26 plants species resumed extirpated in CT, and the discovery of over 600 new populations of rare plants.  He leads plant and plant community walks and canoe-trip “eco-tours”, and teaches plant identification workshops in difficult plant groups, such as sedges, grasses, asters and goldenrods, as well as invasive species and their native look-a-likes.