Many people can identify trees by their leaves, but what about when those leaves have fallen or are out of reach? Tree bark is available year-round.
Michael Wojtech, author of Bark, will deepen your ability to notice details and your perception of trees. The class will teach a system for noticing the beautiful variety of bark characteristics and for using these traits to identify tree species in any season. You will also discover the function and ecological role of bark. Why do some species have smooth bark, while on others it is thick and broken? Why does bark peel?
Between sessions, participants will be assigned to read a few sections and asked to choose a tree near their home to study and photograph. We will share our observations with the group during session 2.
- Two-part workshop, via Zoom, with individual study
- April 8, 7 to 9:00 pm
- April 15, 7 to 9:00 pm
Required text: Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast can be ordered from Michael (a signed copy) at: https://knowyourtrees.com or from your local bookstore.
About Michael Wojtech: As a freelance naturalist, writer, photographer, illustrator, and educator, Michael strives to share the science and beauty of natural history in an accessible and compelling fashion through presentations, participatory activities, and outdoor exploration. He writes and teaches about the structure, growth processes, and ecology of trees—including their bark, buds, leaves, roots, and wood—for audiences at all levels of experience, and explores how knowing the natural history of the places we live and love fosters connection and the feeling of home.
Michael earned his master’s degree in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England in Keene, NH. He is the author of Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast and co-author of Drawing Leaves and Trees: Observing and Sketching the Natural World.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.