Plant Identification Basics October 6, 10-12pm

Location: Crystal River Preserve State Park

Local Extension specialist James Stevenson will examine the basics of plant identification, from using simple keys to identifying critical characteristics that will help any would-be botanist in the field. An emphasis will be placed on flowering plants. Registration is required and all materials will be provided. Recommended for adults. Email citrusnps@gmail.com to reserve your space. Limited seating is available. Open to the public.

James Stevenson is an Extension Specialist with the University of Florida IFAS Extension Services in Pinellas County. He works out of the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. James teaches classes on a variety of natural resource conservation topics, including: plant identification, botany, entomology, ecology and particular groups of native plants such as ferns, wetland wildflowers and epiphytes. Exploring the natural world has been James’ passion since he was a child growing up in Clearwater. After graduating from Clearwater High, James went on to get his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Ecology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. From there he found himself working in botanical gardens around the world; from North Carolina to England, Germany, Israel and Spain. Before returning to Florida in 2006, James had spent a decade in the UK, working on his advanced degree at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and as the Assistant Curator at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. James doesn’t really understand gardening in Florida, so he now grows orchids and watches birds.

 

Published on  August 6th, 2018