Grass, Sedge, and Rush Identification for Western WA Puget Lowland Habitats
This 2-day class emphasizes field character identification of the most common freshwater, estuarine wetland, and associated upland buffer species found in the Puget lowland region of Washington State. It is oriented towards the needs of shoreline planners, delineators and those involved with Ordinary High Water Mark determinations, and restoration.
The format is a lecture/laboratory setup. Each class begins with a short lecture covering the terminology and salient morphological characteristics needed for a taxonomic identification of the species of choice, field characteristics, some ecological aspects of the species’ common habitat, commonly associated species, distribution, potential use for restoration purposes, and any special ecological requirements. Lecture materials include drawings, slides, and dried plant material. Ample dried material will be available for everyone to practice their keying skills.
**This is not a field class because peak flowering occurs in July and August when the Coastal Training Program is not in session. The instructor has an extensive collection of grass, sedge, and rush photographs and has collected a large variety of specimens which she will use in the class.
Required text: Cooke. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon. Available through University Books Store, Audubon Books Store and Amazon.com.
Recommended text: Hitchcock, c. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press.
Available from Amazon, University Bookstores, Local Libraries.
Please also bring a plant dissecting kit (at least a pair of forceps and a dissecting needle).
Lunch is provided.
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