Two Experts to Talk About Plants of the Appalachian Mountains

From the Very Small to the Very Tall and 400 Million Years In Between

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Staunton Horticulture

STAUNTON, VA (02/24/2011)(readMedia)-- The Staunton Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a unique opportunity to learn about the Plants of the Appalachian Mountains. Joe Murray, Assistant Professor of Biology at BRCC and Matt Sensabaugh, The City of Staunton Horticulturist will present "From the Very Tall to the Very Small: Trees and Lichen of the Appalachian Mountains". This class is much more than a nature hike, as Staunton Parks and Recreation continues to encourage healthy active living in Staunton.

Joe Murray writes, "Although separated by 400 million years of evolution, we are bringing trees and lichen back together to tell an incredible story about the connection between these plants in the Appalachian Mountains.
Your instructors will not only show you how to identify trees and lichen commonly found in the national parks in our area, but they will explain why these plants live where they live along with interesting uses and folklore. You can also learn about opportunities to become a "citizen scientist" and participate in ongoing studies in the Shenandoah National Park."

Joe Murray will focus on lichen and other enlightening practical information. Lichen study provides a foolproof means of assessing air quality through the generations. Matt Sensabaugh will cover simple plant id using a dichotomous key for tree identification. Both instructors will discuss interesting folklore associated with the plants of the Appalachian Mountains. The class will be held on March 5 and March 19th at Montgomery Hall Park from 1-2pm. The cost of the two sessions is $15 and a few openings still remain. Participants should dress for spending part of the meeting time outdoors doing hands-on learning.

Dress for spending part of the meeting time outdoors doing active hands-on learning!

March 5 and March 19 from 1-pm @ Montgomery Hall Park Cost:$15

Instructors:

Matthew Greensburg, Horticulturist, City of Staunton

Joseph Murray, Assistant Professor of Biology, Blue Ridge Community College

For more registration information please call 332-3945.

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