Topic: Plant Identification Workshop Focusing on Grass Species

When: Wednesday, May 1 2019 from 2:00 - 4:30 PM

Where: REI Bloomington, 750 American Blvd. W, Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 884-4315

The Forum will be held in the REI Conference Room

Cost: Free for Current Members of the Wetland Professionals Association

$30 for Nonmembers and $10 for students (both include a 1-year WPA membership)

Agenda: 2:00-2:30 Registration, Cookies, Coffee, and Conversation

2:30-4:00 Presentation

4:00-4:30 Q&A and Discussion

Forum Topic:

This forum will focus on Minnesota grasses with an emphasis on species of wetlands. It will start with an overview of the grass plant and characteristics useful for species identification. The discussion will continue with a look at grass species that are important components of wetland communities and useful in determining wetland types. Finally some grass species with look-alikes and useful characteristics for distinguishing them will be presented. The format will be a presentation followed by examining pressed specimens. Participants should bring a hand lens if available.

Speaker:

Rhett Johnson – DNR Prairie Specialist

Rhett Johnson has worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for three years where his duties include prairie management, developing easements on private lands, prescribed fire, ecological evaluation, and teaching people about plants. His career has included working for a private ecological consulting firm, The Nature Conservancy, and the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Rhett also worked for eight years as an independent botanist on projects all over the country. Rhett has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in biology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

WDCP Credits: 2 Direct

PWS Credits: 2 hours