Every Name Tells a Story: An Introduction to Plant Identification

Mini-workshop/presentation by botanist, Peter Warner
Thursday, April 28, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$15. Pre-registration required: www.lagunafoundation.org

Plants and the landscapes they shape evoke indelible images and memories for human beings. Chlorophyll and cellulose and their evolved cohorts have woven the fibers of life into a stunning, miraculous fabric of biotic diversity. Plants offer their bodies for our living, providing sustenance from sun, soil, and water, often with grace and charm beyond the limits of language to appreciate. But we’re going to try anyway -- try to put our words to work making some sense of what we are so fortunate to behold (if not eat, as well!). In this presentation, botanist Peter Warner, will provide a brief foray into plant identification, highlighting Laguna-related wetland, riparian, and grassland plants. Together, we’ll investigate the science-based mechanics of classifying plants, including the essential foundation of communication: naming names, if not of each individual, at least pigeon-holing a few worthy representatives. We’ll take advantage of vocabulary and photography -- as well as “living” offerings from the plant world -- to assist us in our quest for insights and perspective. With an emphasis on the most prolific group of plants, the angiosperms, we’ll learn how to distinguish among locally common plant families, thus getting to know our colorful neighbors a bit better! Participants are encouraged to bring plant specimens for identification after the presentation.

Peter Warner has been involved in the study of plants and ecology for more than 40 years, coinciding with his westward migration from East Coast roots. While some evidence exists for his earlier interest in plant life, the fossil record is incomplete. During his Precambrian era working in urban forestry and landscaping in the Bay Area, he became absorbed in the study of wild plants in California and the American West, and eventually earned a B. S. and then an M. A. in Biology (Ecology), both from Sonoma State University. He has worked for national and state parks, and provided botanical and ecological consulting services to conservation organizations, public agencies, and private land managers. He has taught botanically-oriented classes and workshops, and organized hundreds of trips throughout California and beyond to explore ecological diversity. His work is primarily focused on learning and teaching about the critical importance of intact ecosystems and ecological processes to the long-term health of all life.

For more information, see www.lagunafoundation.org
Or contact Anita Smith, Public Education Manager, Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation

(707) 527-9277 x 110, anita@lagunafoundation.org