Workshops

Workshop Registration Instructions

To register click “Add to Cart” on the desired workshop. From the cart you may change the quantity of spots reserved as well as “Continue Shopping” which will allow you to add other workshops. To pay through PayPal you do not need your own PayPal account, just a credit card. If you choose to pay by check (payable to “Aton Forest, Inc.”) please email or call us and send payment to:

Aton Forest // PO Box 509 // Norfolk, CT 06058

After registering, you will be directed to a confirmation page. If you required a receipt, please email us at contact@atonforest.org.

By registering for an Aton Forest workshop you are also added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Aton Forest 2019 Workshop Schedule

Connecticut Shrubs Identification Laboratory

January 24

with Bill Moorhead

Basic Botany and Plant Identification Series

May, July and September (TBA)

various leaders, co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society

Invasive Plants and Their Native Look-alikes

April 11

with Bill Moorhead, co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society

Vernal Pool and Amphibian Identification and Ecology

April 27

with Mike Aurelia and John Anderson

Birding By Ear

May 4 and May 11

with Fran Zygmont and Bob Barbieri

Birding and Botanizing

July 20

a Connecticut Botanical Society/Connecticut Ornithological Association field trip

Naturalistic Landscaping and Plant Identification
August 3
with John Anderson: a Weekend In Norfolk program

Secrets of Sedge Identification and Ecology

July 16-17

with Bill Moorhead, co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society

Naturalistic Landscaping Hands-on Workshop
(TBA)

with Larry Weaner and John Anderson

New Directions in the American Landscape:
Two-day Natural Design Field Workshop

TBA

co-sponsored with NDAL

Asters Demystified

October 3

with Bill Moorhead, co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society

Naturalistic Landscaping with Native Wildflower and Fern Identification
Saturday, August 3rd from 9 am to 12 pm

“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.

Studying natural and lightly managed vegetation can help us to understand how we can maintain an attractive landscape while working within ecologically sound principles. This workshop, led by John Anderson, will guide you through the process of naturalistic landscaping following the Egler/Kenfiled method. There will also be a significant amount of plant identification, for knowing what you have is the first step in the process.

The workshop is limited to the first 16 people who register. Please email or call in advance: contact@atonforest.org; 860-248-1053. This is a free-will donation event. Donations support Aton Forest's ongoing education programs.

Meet at Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk. This program is part of Weekend In Norfolk, August 2-4.
Plan on bringing sunscreen, insect repellant, and appropriate dress for the outdoors.

John Anderson is Executive Director of Aton Forest Inc., and the Aton Forest Fellow, continuing the research established by founder Frank Egler. John is an ecologist who studies vegetation science, leads land management and conservation projects, and gives educational programs on the art and science of naturalistic landscaping and related topics.

New Directions in the American Landscape

Two-Day Natural Design Field Workshop
September 4th and 5th

Aton Forest is partnering with NDAL to bring you a premier landscape program that includes a visit and talk to Aton forest. Check back here for more information.

NDAL was founded by Larry Weaner: visit their website at https://ndal.org/

Asters Demystified

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Led by Bill Moorhead, consulting botanist

9 am – 4 pm

We will cover the identification and ecology of most of the 32 southern New England species of asters (genera Aster, Doellingeria, Eurybia, Ionactis, Oclemena, and Symphyotrichum) and some of the hybrids. The workshop will begin with a lab session at Aton Forest, in which we will cover the basics of aster identification and the species we will not see in the field. We will then car-pool to several field sites in the vicinity of Aton Forest, where we will cover field identification of the species that occur in northwest Connecticut. The discussions of species ecology will include wetland indicator value of each species. This workshop will run, rain or shine. If the weather is too bad for field work, we will extend the lab session, using fresh and pressed collected material. Participants are encouraged to bring specimens. This workshop is suitable for both aster beginners and more experienced botanists to whom asters are a challenge. This workshop is co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society.

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

Tuition: $85 - we accept check by mail (PO Box 509, Norfolk, CT 06058) or card via PayPal (http://atonforest.org); coffee, tea and other beverages provided.

Workshops limited to 16 participants. Registration and payment required in advance.
Continuing Education Units will be available if requested at least a week in advance. Please contact Aton forest for more information.

BILL MOORHEAD is an independent consulting field botanist based in western Connecticut. He has specialized for over 30 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.

For more information contact the instructor at whmoorhead@optonline.net (860-543-1786) or Aton Forest at contact@atonforest.org (860) 542-5125

Note: If a session is canceled by us for any reason, tuition payments will be refunded in full, by mail or through PayPal. Tuition will not be refunded if a registered participant cancels less than 2 weeks before the workshop.

Floodplain Forest Plant Communities

Cancelled to this year

We intend to offer this workshop in 2020

Led by Bill Moorhead, consulting botanist

9 am – 5 pm

In this workshop you will learn the identification and habitat niches of plants found in Connecticut’s floodplain vegetation. The workshop will emphasize field identification of the important Federal wetland indicator plants encountered. There will also be portions of the workshop devoted to wetlands soils descriptions and identification. This workshop is co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society

Location: location to be announced.

To register check back here later.

Naturalistic Landscaping: A Hands-on Approach

To be rescheduled

This program has been cancelled for August 3. It will be rescheduled for a weekend in September. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Aton Forest Headquarters

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, led by Larry Weaner and John Anderson, will help you work with the land to develop an attractive and healthy landscape. Much of this landscaping theory and practice was derived from the work of plant ecologist Dr. Frank Egler, founder of Aton Forest. This is a hands-on program, where you will see the before and after of your own efforts. Be prepared for outdoor activities. Bring work clothes and boots, repellant, sunscreen, water, etc.

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk CT

Tuition: $55, morning coffee and tea, and a light lunch will be provided.

To Register: see below. Workshop is limited to 16 participants, pre-registration required.

Overnight accommodations (dormitory style; limited to 6 people) are available on a first come, first served basis: for more information, email us at contact@atonforest.org.

Secrets of Sedge Identification & Ecology

Tuesday and Wednesday
July 16th and 17th
Beginning at 8:30 AM

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” group, the sedges are actually a well-behaved taxonomic group with relatively little hybridization. The workshop will emphasize development of field identification skills. An evening lab session will be help in the evening of July 16th. We will begin at AF Hq and then carpool to various locations to see plants in their natural habitats. This workshop is co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society.
You will need: a magnifying hand lens, AKA jeweler's loupe, with at least 10X magnification; a notebook and writing implements in order to take notes in the field; proper boots for difficult and wet terrain; clothing, repellant, sunscreen, water, etc. for outdoor activities.

Location: Aton Forest headquarters. 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk CT

Tuition: $170 for both days. Overnight accommodations (dormitory style; limited to 6 people) are available on a first come, first served basis: for more information, email us at contact@atonforest.org.

BIRDING BY EAR - May 4th and 11th

Join expert birders Fran Zygmont and Bob Barbieri (two separate dates) for a birding adventure through Aton Forest

In these workshops you will learn to distinguish a variety of both breeding and migrant bird species by song and call. Though the programs focus on birding by ear, spring is a good time to see birds as well, before trees and shrubs fully leaf-out. Visual characteristics and behavior useful in identification will also be discussed. A number of habitat types will be visited (old field, shrubland, mature forest, forested wetland, hayfield, and a beaver pond) so as to observe as many birds as possible. Typically we hear over 30 species during these workshops.

Meet at Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk CT
What to bring: most trails are easy, but we may go off trail sometimes. Bring sturdy footwear and clothing for the occasional difficult terrain, wet and brushy areas; hats and sunscreen; protection from ticks, mosquitoes and maybe blackflies or deerflies; water; personal first aid needs (EpiPens, inhalers, etc.); binoculars, pencil and notepad.

Dates:
Saturday, May 4th with Fran Zygmont
Saturday, May 11th with Bob Barbieri

Times: 8:00 am to 10:30 am

Location: AF Hq, 270 North Colebrook Rd, Norfolk CT

To Register: to reserve your place (the programs are limited to 16 participants each day; you may sign up for one or both dates), see below. Or go to Workshops on the the Aton Forest website, www.atonforest.org. $15 per person per day to register. Choose one day for each person attending (you may sign up for both days). You will be contacted to confirm your registration.

Chose the day you wish to attend:

Vernal Pool and Amphibian

Identification and Ecology

Saturday April 27th

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Aton Forest Headquarters

270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk, CT

This workshop will give participants the knowledge to identify our local amphibians as adults, larvae, and eggs in the field and in the classroom. Identification of these animals will be based on physical characteristics as well as by calls. Instruction on how to locate and identify vernal pools and collect data for inventories and monitoring will also be covered. There will be classroom instruction and time in the field to study vernal pools.

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

Tuition: $25
SIGNUP FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS PAST

For more information/change of date due to weather, please go to our website at www.atonforest.org or visit us on Facebook (search Aton Forest).

You may also contact us at (860)248-1053 or contact@atonforest.org.

MIKE AURELIA is a member of the Aton Forest, Inc. board of directors and past President and is a Certified Wetlands Scientist. He has worked with wetland ecosystems for decades including time as Director of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency for the town of Greenwich, CT.

JOHN ANDERSON is executive director of Aton Forest, Inc. and the Aton Forest Research Fellow. He is a naturalist who has monitored vernal pools and amphibians around Norfolk and Colebrook for many years and studies the plants, animals and ecology in and around Aton Forest.

Distinguishing Invasive Plants and Native Look-a-likes in Late Winter and Early Spring
A workshop led by Bill Moorhead

April 11, 2019 from 9 am to 3 pm

Come learn to identify invasive plants in the field in leaf-off condition! Late winter/early spring is prime season to touch up on your skills and get a jump on these pesky plants. This time of year is ideal for certain methods of management, but identification can be tricky. With the help of consulting field botanist Bill Moorhead you will learn to identify invasive plants (emphasis on woody species) in both terrestrial and wetland ecosystems, and distinguish them from those native plants with which they may be confused. Emphasis is on identification, but the workshop includes discussions of management and control methods and strategies for various species. This workshop is co-sponsored with the Connecticut Botanical Society.

For more information contact the instructor at whmoorhead@optonline.net (860-543-1786) or Aton Forest at contact@atonforest.org (860) 542-5125

Connecticut Winter Shrub Identification Laboratory

Thursday, January 24, 2019

[SNOW DATE: Thursday, January 31]

A workshop led by Bill Moorhead

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

This pithy indoor workshop covers the basics of winter identification of woody plants and specifics of identification of a large portion of the ~293 shrub species that occur outside cultivation in Connecticut.

After a brief lecture, we will learn identification characters through hands-on examination of fresh pressed specimens and review of images.

We will cover the most commonly encountered species, important non-native species (including recognized and suspected invasives), important wetland indicator species, critical habitat indicator and other uncommon and rare species.

Participants should bring, at minimum, their lunch (there is a microwave and refrigerator available) and a notebook and writing implements. Dissecting scopes and illuminators are provided, but if you have your own favorite equipment, feel free to bring it. You should bring your own 10X or stronger loupe or hand lens.

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

Tuition: $85 - we accept check by mail (PO Box 509, Norfolk CT 06058) or credit card via PayPal (see button below or go to our website: www.atonforest.org)
SIGNUP FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS PAST

Coffee, tea and other beverages will be available.

Workshops limited to 15 participants. Registration and payment required in advance.

For more information/registration please contact instructor at whmoorhead@optonline.net (860-543-1786) or Aton Forest at contact@atonforest.org (860) 542-5125

BILL MOORHEAD is an independent consulting field botanist based in western Connecticut. He has specialized for over 30 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.

ATON FOREST

2018 Workshop Schedule

Wildflowers and Their Pollinators
July 14th – 9 am to 11 pm
September 8th - 11 am to 2 pm
with John Anderson at AF Headquarters
email or call for more information (see below)

Birding By Ear
June 16th
Breeding Bird Survey: 4:45 to 7:45 am
Workshop: 8 to 10 am
with Fran Zygmont and Bob Barbieri

Inscrutable Graminoids
June 26th – 9 am to 3 pm
with Bill Moorhead

Breeding Birds
June 30th – 7 to 10 am
with Kateri Kasek

Naturalistic Landscaping
August 4th - 9 am to 2 pm
with Larry Weaner and John Anderson

Coastal Wetlands Plants
August 16th – 9 am to 3 pm
with Bill Moorhead

Goldenrods Demystified
October 1st – 9 am to 3 pm
with Bill Moorhead at AF Headquarters

Wild Mushroom Foray and Feast
October TBA
email or call for more information

Visit our FaceBook page for additional notices
For more information you can also email: contact@atonforest.org or call: office 860-542-5125 or cell 860-248-1053
AF headquarters is located at 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk

THE BREEDING BIRDS OF ATON FOREST

Saturday, June 30, 2018 - 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk CT

This program is free and open to the public (no advance sign-up required)
THIS WORKSHOP HAS PAST

A presentation about the birds that reproduce at Aton Forest. Kateri Kosek has conducted breeding bird surveys at Aton Forest for two years and she will discuss her observations. We will start with a bird walk at 8 am around AF Headquarters and then continue with the presentation and discussion inside over coffee and pastries. If there is time and desire we may conclude with another short walk to listen to the birds.

Come earlier if you want to bird around the property.

Contact John Anderson for more information: contact@atonforest.org
or (860) 248-1053 cell

NATURALISTIC LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP

Saturday, August 4th, 2018

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, led by Larry Weaner and John Anderson, will help you work with the land to develop an attractive and healthy landscape. For decades, your leaders have been managing, studying and thinking about how cultural and natural landscapes function. The concepts presented will give you a deeper understanding of the nature in your backyard and the practices that will allow you to work with natural processes, rather than fight them.

Location: Aton Forest HQ, 270 N. Colebrook Rd, Norfolk, CT

Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tuition: $35 – Light Lunch and Refreshments Provided
SIGNUP FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS PAST

BIRDING BY EAR

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Survey 4:45 - 7:45 am

Workshop 8 - 10 am

with Fran Zygmont and Bob Barbieri

SIGNUP FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS PAST
Join us and the other early birds to conduct one of our breeding bird survey lines, part of the scientific research done at Aton Forest. We will start the survey at 5 am, so we will need to leave AF Hq. (270 N. Colebrook Rd., Norfolk) at 4:45 am to get to the first point by 5. Our protocol is to stop at 10 points, identify and record all birds heard and seen during a 5 minute interval and then walk to the next point. Typically a line takes two and a half hours to complete. These lines can be difficult to hike in some sections and are often wet, sometimes steep and you may need to climb over fallen trees; so be forewarned! Please arrive at AF Hq. before 4:45 am so we can get to the first point on time.

Then from 8 to 10 am we are offering one of our regular workshops later this year in the middle of the breeding season. With trees and shrubs in full leaf, sometimes the only ways to identify birds are by their songs and calls. Typically we hear over 30 species during these workshops.

Learn from the experts! Visual characteristics and behavior useful in identification will also be discussed.

Meet at Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk CT

What to bring: sturdy footwear and clothing for difficult terrain, wet and brushy areas; hats and sunscreen; protection from ticks, mosquitoes and maybe blackflies or deerflies; water; personal first aid needs (EpiPens, inhalers, etc.); binoculars.

Please RSVP: workshop limited to 15 participants; this is a free program

To reserve your place email Aton Forest: contact@atonforest.org
or call (860) 248-1053; you will be contacted to confirm your registration.

Goldenrods demystified

Monday, October 1, 2018

An Aton Forest workshop led by Bill Moorhead

We will cover the identification and ecology the 28 southern New England species of goldenrods (genera Solidago, Oligoneuron, and Euthamia). The workshop will begin with a lab session at Aton Forest, in which we will cover the basics of goldenrod identification and the species we will not see in the field. We will then car-pool to several field sites in the vicinity of Aton Forest, where we will cover field identification of the species that occur in northwest Connecticut. The discussions of species ecology will include wetland indicator value of each species. This workshop will run, rain or shine. If the weather is too bad for field work, we will extend the lab session, using fresh and pressed collected material. Participants are encouraged to bring specimens. This workshop is suitable for both goldenrod beginners and more experienced botanists to whom goldenrods are a challenge.

Each participant should bring: a good quality hand lens with at least 10X magnification; fine-pointed forceps that can be carried in the field; hip waders or knee-high rubber boots, or shoes that can get wet; his/her choice of insect repellant, sun protection; field notebook; collecting bags; plant press and camera, if desired.

Lunch is not provided -- participants need to bring their own brown bag lunches and choice of drink.

BILL MOORHEAD is an independent consulting field botanist based in western Connecticut. He has specialized for 29 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.

Location: Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk CT

Date: Monday, October 1, 2018

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (NOTE: the workshop will begin promptly at 9:00 AM, so please try to arrive earlier)

Tuition: $85 - we accept check by mail (Aton Forest, Inc., PO Box 509, Norfolk, CT 06058) or card via PayPal (see below)
SIGNUP FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS PAST

This workshop is limited to 15 participants. Registration and payment required in advance. Each participant must register seperately. If the workshop is cancelled by us for any reason, any advanced payments will refunded in full or may be used to attend another workshop or may considered a donation to Aton Forest. If a participant cancells without at least one weeks notice prior to the workshop date or does not attend the workshop, any advanced payment will be forfit and may considered a donation to Aton Forest.