Field Botany 2025 Begins

What to expect:

Dive into the exciting world of plants with our 2025 Field Botany course! Join us weekly on Wednesdays for a total of 6 sessions where you’ll learn about plants’ ecological relationships and improve your native plant identification knowledge. Get an up-close look at plant parts, and develop the ability to identify up to 50 plants in three different habitats.

Whether you’re a professional botanist, student, arborist, ecologist, or native plant enthusiast, this course is for you! You’ll explore basic botanical taxonomy and ecology through engaging classroom sessions, where we’ll uncover Michigan’s diverse natural vegetation and essential ecological principles.

During the four hands-on field sessions, you will develop skills in using plant family characteristics and dichotomous keys to identify plants. Learn common and scientific names and the ecological relationships of 40 to 50 plants in three main habitats including wetlands, forests, and prairie-like clearings.

Join us and ignite your passion for Michigan’s natural world!

Course Topics:

July 30: Basic Botanical Terminology (In-person Session, Bird Sanctuary)- Learn about plant classification and ecology. Get hands-on experience as we study plant parts, terminology, and species identification. Gain useful skills for the field.

Aug. 6: See the Forest For The Trees (Field Trip, Kellogg Forest)- Explore common species in different forests, including oak-hickory and beech-maple forests. Discuss the impact of land management on forest communities.

Aug. 13: Wetland Plants of the Midwest (Field Trip, PCCI)- Hike in a local area to see wetlands and learn about the plants that thrive in wet conditions.

Aug. 20: The History and distribution of Michigan’s Native Plant Communities (Classroom session, Bird Sanctuary)- Discover what Michigan’s landscape looked like in the past. Study soils, landforms, and water sources to understand Michigan’s native plants.

Aug. 27: Prairies and Savannas of Michigan (Field Trip, Chipman Preserve)- Explore fields and identify wildflowers and grasses that grow in sunny areas. Compare rare prairie and savanna habitats to common old fields.

Sept. 3: Aquatic Plants (Field Trip, KBS Lux Arbor)- Learn about underwater forests and identify aquatic plants in Michigan lakes. Discover why these plants are vital for lake ecosystem health.

Event information:

• Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Dates: July 30 ; August 6, 13, 20, 27 ; September 3
• Audience: Adults
• Cost: $165 for Members;  $185 for Non-members
• Registration is now open and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 28, 2025.  Register Here
• Class Size: 25 students, so don’t delay.

Materials Provided: Handouts, selected identification keys, field tools, handles, technical references, and class resource folder.

Cancellation Information
If the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary cancels a program due to weather or other reasons, you will receive a full refund. You can also get a full refund if you cancel before the registration deadline. No refunds are available on the day of the event or after it. We will not hold your spot without payment. You can transfer your registration at any time.

For more information contact birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or call (269) 671-2510.

Master Gardener Program Credits: This class has been approved for master gardener credits. Students receive one credit for every hour spent in class or field section.
Michigan Conservation Stewards Program: This class qualifies for advanced training recertification requirements.  
MSU Extension Michigan Master Naturalist: This class qualifies for advanced training recertification requirements.