Houston, Texas (February 18, 2016) – The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center presents a two-part class, Native Plant ID, on March 5 and March 12 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., to help boost your “plant IQ” when it comes to native plants found in the Houston area. Both classes will be held at the Arboretum.
In Part I, you will learn some of the basic characteristics to understand and identify native plants all around you. Led by plant expert Jed Alpaca, participants will find out: What type of pubescence is on that plant, hirsute or pilose? Which of your common backyard fruits is a hesperidium? Alpaca will go over leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits to help you recognize the common features.
In Part II, you will use the knowledge gained in the first course to explore the common plant families in the Houston area and characteristics that will help to identify them. (You do not have to take Part I to benefit from the second class.) Hands-on plant identification will give you confidence in using dichotomous keys to learn more about the plants in your neighborhood. (Dichotomous keys are used to identify a plant or animal in which each stage presents descriptions of two distinguishing characters, with a direction to another stage in the key, until the species is identified.)
Instructor Jed Alpaca has always been fascinated with plant identification and has a diverse background in various floras. Born in California and raised in Hawaii, he graduated from Brigham Young University and has his master’s degree from Texas State University. Alpaca has worked in various herbaria and has taught numerous plant identification courses over the years, instilling a sense of fun with his students.
Cost for each course is $25 for Houston Arboretum members and $45 for non-members. Spaces are limited, so sign up early. Go online to houstonarboretum.org to register.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is located at 4501 Woodway Dr. Consider joining the Houston Arboretum to enable us to provide nature education to children and adults and preserve wildlife habitats that serve as a home for native plants and animals. Supporting members ensure the continuation of the Houston Arboretum’s vital services and are entitled to many benefits, including discounts and free events. Individual memberships start at $35 ($30 for students and seniors), while couples can join for $55.
For information about how to join the Houston Arboretum or to sign-up for classes, visit houstonarboretum.org or call (713) 681-8433.
About
The mission of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is to provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and as a sanctuary for native plants and animals. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (HANC), one of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas, provides services to nearly 200,000 visitors annually. The Arboretum also provides nature education for more than 10,000 children annually. For more information about the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and levels of membership, visit houstonarboretum.org.