May 24 - Spring Wildflower Identification & Ecology

led by John Anderson

Come learn to identify our local spring wildflowers!  Primarily focusing on spring ephemerals, we will explore the fields and woodlands of Aton Forest in search of these beautiful plants.  This workshop will take place entirely in the field so please bring any outdoor necessities.  Additionally, bringing a 10X magnification hand lens is recommended.

JOHN ANDERSON is the Executive Director of Aton Forest and has worked with plants in the region for over 20 years.  He has a vast knowledge of the species within the preserve as well as a strong connection with the land and history of Aton Forest.

**This workshop precedes a session of Leslie Watkin's nature journal workshop series at Aton Forest.  Please click here for more information.

Continuing Education Units Available:
CT DEEP - Forest Practitioner - 1.0 credits
NOFA - Accredited Organic Land Care Proffesional - 3.0 credits

Location: Aton Forest (270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT)
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2014
Time: noon – 3:00PM
Cost: $25, refreshments provided

May 10 - Birding By Ear

led by Bob Barbieri

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.

BOB BARBIERI is an expert local birder and has previous led birding workshops and assisted in Aton Forest Breeding Bird Surveys.

Continuing Education Units Available:

CT DEEP - Forest Practitioner - 1.0 credits

Location: Aton Forest (270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT)
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2014
Time: 9:00AM – noon
Cost: $25, refreshments provided

April 11 - Invasive Plant Identification

Distinguishing Invasive Plants and Native Look-A-Likes in Late Winter and Early Spring

led by Bill Moorhead

Come learn to identify woody invasive plants in the field!  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 management but identification can be tricky.  With the help of consulting field botanist Bill Moorhead you will learn to identify invasive woody plants in both terrestrial and wetland ecosystems, and distinguish them from those native plants with which they may be confused.

A brief introductory classroom session will be followed by visits to a number of field sites.  In the event of weather too severe for field work, the workshop may be changed into a lab/classroom session using fresh collected specimens.

Bring a hand lens if you have one, as well as a notebook and pencil.
Please dress appropriately for weather.

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.

Continuing Education Units Available:
CT NOFA - Accredited Organic Land Care Professional - 4 credits
CT DEEP - Forest Practitioner - 2.5 credits

Location: Aton Forest (270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT)
Date: Friday, April 11, 2014
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $95, lunch and refreshments provided

For this course to run we must have a minimum number of participants registered by 3/20. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO REGISTER BEFOREHAND. If the workshop is cancelled, all participants already registered will promptly be refunded IN FULL.

April 5 - Vernal Pool Identification and Ecology

led by Mike Aurelia

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.

The workshop will consist of an introductory classroom session followed by a trip into the field to observe some vernal pools at Aton Forest. This workshop is designed for people who are interested in amphibians and vernal pool protection, especially those interested in conducting inventories and monitoring vernal pools.

Bring a hand lens if you have one, as well as a notebook and pencil.
Please dress appropriately for weather.

MIKE AURELIA has been the President of Aton Forest since 2007 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.

Continuing Education Units Available:
CT NOFA - Accredited Organic Land Care Professional - 4 credits
CT DEEP - Forest Practitioner - 1.5 credits

Location: Aton Forest (270 North Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT)
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2014 (Rain Date 4/26)
Time: 12:30PM – 4:30PM
Cost: $25, refreshments provided