Ferns and Allies Identification Workshop
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July 26-27, 2012
Are you interested in learning how to identify ferns, horsetails, lycopods, and other pteridophytes in southern Ontario? Join us for an intensive two-day, hands-on workshop led by Dr. Jim Pringle and Natalie Iwanycki.
Over the two days, participants will learn about the unique life cycles of ferns, and the unique botanical morphology and terminology specific to ferns and their allies.
The workshop will include both classroom work and field visits to nearby natural areas to study ferns & their allies. Participants will gain valuable field recognition skills and will have the opportunity to practice keying out fresh samples and herbarium specimens in the classroom. In addition to learning key recognition traits for pteridophytes, ecological niches and habitat specificity will also be covered for species from southern Ontario. See Agenda for details.
Be prepared to go out in all weather conditions. Please bring a lunch. Bring along your hand lenses, field guides or botanical keys, and even your mystery pteridophytes!
Our instructors
Dr. Jim Pringle, RBG’s plant taxonomist, has close to 50 years of experience in the field identifying ferns and in developing keys, and Natalie Iwanycki, RBG’s field botanist & herbarium curator, has been working with ferns in the field for over twelve years. Two additional teaching assistants will also be available to enhance both the individual and group learning experience.
Fern & Allies Identification Workshop Agenda (subject to change)
Day 1 (RBG Centre)
- Introduction to the life cycles of ferns and allies
- Introduction to fern morphology, anatomy and specific terminology
- Review of fern taxonomy and nomenclature
- Review of representative families and genera
- Exercise 1: Family Sort
- A closer look at Lycodpods (Lycopodiales)
- A closer look at Horsetails (Equisetales)
- A closer look at Ferns (Ophioglossales, Osmundales, Polypodiales)
- Review of references for identifying ferns and their allies
- Using Dichotomous keys
- Exercise 2: Dichotomous keys
Day 2 (RBG Centre & Field Outings)
- A closer look at Ferns
- Field trip to identify ferns and allies in field (the bulk of the day will be spent outdoors)
- Identify ‘mystery’ specimens using traditional keys and/or interactive keys
- Tour RBG Herbarium
Members: $250, Non-members: $275, Students call 905-527-1158 ext. 270 to verify student status and receive student pricing. Lunch not included.
Registration deadline: July 6
