Golden Hills worked with Dr. Tom Rosburg of Drake University and Chris Benda with Southern Illinois University to host online classes in early 2021 about identification of native plant species. We also worked with Dr. Rosburg on classes in 2022, and are planning more for 2023. We will also have a class with Dr. Cynthia Lane.
Recordings and other resources from previous classes are below.
Recordings and other resources from previous classes are below.
2023 Classes
We are currently planning additional classes for early 2023. Descriptions are listed below. Register separately for each class at the links below.
• January 26 - Introduction to Plant Terminology: The Secret to Identification with Dr. Cynthia Lane
• February 2 - Lactuca & Prenanthes (Wild Lettuces) ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• February 16 - Native Orchid ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg **Note date change from original posting**
• February 23 - Fire Ecology with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• March 2 - Native Fern ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• March 9 – Persicaria (smartweeds) ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• March 30 - Native Seedling ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg **Note date change from original posting**
All sessions are Thursdays at 7pm and will last about an hour.
Each class is $10 and pre-registration is required.
Registrants will receive the Zoom link on the day of the event.
Please note that classes are recorded and posted online afterwards. The class fee is for the live event with Q&A, and registration includes the class handout/slides.
• January 26 - Introduction to Plant Terminology: The Secret to Identification with Dr. Cynthia Lane
• February 2 - Lactuca & Prenanthes (Wild Lettuces) ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• February 16 - Native Orchid ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg **Note date change from original posting**
• February 23 - Fire Ecology with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• March 2 - Native Fern ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• March 9 – Persicaria (smartweeds) ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg
• March 30 - Native Seedling ID with Dr. Tom Rosburg **Note date change from original posting**
All sessions are Thursdays at 7pm and will last about an hour.
Each class is $10 and pre-registration is required.
Registrants will receive the Zoom link on the day of the event.
Please note that classes are recorded and posted online afterwards. The class fee is for the live event with Q&A, and registration includes the class handout/slides.
Introduction to Plant Terminology: The Secret to Identification
with Dr. Cynthia Lane
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, January 26
7:00-8:00pm CST
Take your plant identification skills to the next level by diving into the technical terms used in botanical keys and descriptions. The course will offer an overview of flowering plant morphology including: floral structures, inflorescence types, leaf arrangements and types, and other common structures. Dr. Cynthia Lane, Consulting Botanist and Ecologist, will teach this session.
Recommended reference: Plant Identification Terminology, an Illustrated Glossary, James Harris and Melinda Harris. 2nd Edition. Spring Lake Publishing, Utah. The reference book with be useful to have for the class, but is not required.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org.
with Dr. Cynthia Lane
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, January 26
7:00-8:00pm CST
Take your plant identification skills to the next level by diving into the technical terms used in botanical keys and descriptions. The course will offer an overview of flowering plant morphology including: floral structures, inflorescence types, leaf arrangements and types, and other common structures. Dr. Cynthia Lane, Consulting Botanist and Ecologist, will teach this session.
Recommended reference: Plant Identification Terminology, an Illustrated Glossary, James Harris and Melinda Harris. 2nd Edition. Spring Lake Publishing, Utah. The reference book with be useful to have for the class, but is not required.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org.
Lactuca & Prenanthes (Wild lettuces) Identification
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, February 2
7:00-8:00pm CST
Lactuca (wild lettuce) and Prenanthes (rattlesnake root) are two of the more common genera in the Tribe Cichorieae, Family Asteraceae. The Tribe is distinguished by its ligulate heads and usually milky sap. Similarity in size and leaf morphology creates a resemblance between Lactuca and Prenanthes. We will discuss identification of the 10 species in Iowa that comprise this group.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, February 2
7:00-8:00pm CST
Lactuca (wild lettuce) and Prenanthes (rattlesnake root) are two of the more common genera in the Tribe Cichorieae, Family Asteraceae. The Tribe is distinguished by its ligulate heads and usually milky sap. Similarity in size and leaf morphology creates a resemblance between Lactuca and Prenanthes. We will discuss identification of the 10 species in Iowa that comprise this group.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
Native Orchid Identification
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, February 16
(Note date change from original posting)
7:00-8:00pm CST
The Orchidaceae are the most diverse family in the Plant Kingdom. They are among some of the most specialized and evolutionarily unique plants. The Vascular Plants of Iowa identifies 12 genera and about 30 orchid species native to Iowa. We will discuss orchid morphology and ecology and discuss identification of many of the more common species.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, February 16
(Note date change from original posting)
7:00-8:00pm CST
The Orchidaceae are the most diverse family in the Plant Kingdom. They are among some of the most specialized and evolutionarily unique plants. The Vascular Plants of Iowa identifies 12 genera and about 30 orchid species native to Iowa. We will discuss orchid morphology and ecology and discuss identification of many of the more common species.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
Fire Ecology
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, February 23
7:00-8:00pm CST
Natural wildland fire is one of the most important environmental factors that has shaped the world’s vegetation for millennia. Its role is especially critical in fire-prone ecosystems such as the prairies, savannas and woodlands in Iowa and the Midwest. This webinar will help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of fire and its ecological impacts.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, February 23
7:00-8:00pm CST
Natural wildland fire is one of the most important environmental factors that has shaped the world’s vegetation for millennia. Its role is especially critical in fire-prone ecosystems such as the prairies, savannas and woodlands in Iowa and the Midwest. This webinar will help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of fire and its ecological impacts.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
Native Fern Identification
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, March 2
7:00-8:00pm CST
The Division Polypoidophyta (ferns) is the third most diverse division in the Plant Kingdom. Fern species provide numerous ecological functions in ecosystems. The Vascular Plants of Iowa identifies about 50 fern species native to Iowa. However substantial taxonomic revision has occurred in the fern families. This webinar will provide updated nomenclature and discuss identification of many of the more commonly encountered species.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, March 2
7:00-8:00pm CST
The Division Polypoidophyta (ferns) is the third most diverse division in the Plant Kingdom. Fern species provide numerous ecological functions in ecosystems. The Vascular Plants of Iowa identifies about 50 fern species native to Iowa. However substantial taxonomic revision has occurred in the fern families. This webinar will provide updated nomenclature and discuss identification of many of the more commonly encountered species.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
Persicaria (Smartweeds) Identification
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, March 9
7:00-8:00pm CST
Persicaria comprises the smartweed, knotweed and jumpseed species. Many are important in wetland habitats and afford important ecological functions. This webinar will review their distribution and abundance in Iowa and provide tips on their identification in both flowering and vegetative condition.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, March 9
7:00-8:00pm CST
Persicaria comprises the smartweed, knotweed and jumpseed species. Many are important in wetland habitats and afford important ecological functions. This webinar will review their distribution and abundance in Iowa and provide tips on their identification in both flowering and vegetative condition.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
Native Seedling Identification
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, March 30
(Note date change from original posting)
7:00-8:00pm CST
An early assessment of a wetland or prairie reconstruction project will be faced with the challenge of identifying the species planted (and those not planted) in their seedling stage. While some seedlings will defy a confident identification, there are many others that can be identified accurately. This webinar will provide tools and tips to determine what is growing in your reconstruction.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
with Dr. Tom Rosburg
Online class via Zoom
Thursday, March 30
(Note date change from original posting)
7:00-8:00pm CST
An early assessment of a wetland or prairie reconstruction project will be faced with the challenge of identifying the species planted (and those not planted) in their seedling stage. While some seedlings will defy a confident identification, there are many others that can be identified accurately. This webinar will provide tools and tips to determine what is growing in your reconstruction.
Open to the public. Pre-registration required. $10 registration fee. (+Eventbrite fee).
Registration ends at 11:59pmCST the day before the event or when full.
Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.
REGISTER HERE.
Learn more and sign up at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantID
Questions? Email lance@goldenhillsrcd.org
2022 Classes
The following classes are scheduled for 2022. All will be on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm. Each class has a $10 registration (+Eventbright registration fees) and pre-registration is required. Registration for each event closes at midnight the day before, or when registration is full. Registered participants will receive Zoom information on the day of the event via email. All programs will be recorded and posted for viewing afterwards at no cost (fees cover the live program & class handout). Questions should be emailed to lance@goldenhillsrcd.org.
- February 3 - Plant Family Identification
- February 10 - Common Fabaceae (pea family) Identification
- February 24 - Plant Evolution & Diversity
- March 3 - Salix (willow) Identification
- March 10 - Designing Seed Mixes
- March 24 - Common Rosaceae (rose) Identification
- March 31 - Cirsium (thistle) Identification
- April 7 - Weeds & Invasive Species Identification
Plant Family Identification
Thursday, February 3
7:00-8:00pm
Sight recognition of plant families is the first step to identifying a plant. There are over 125 plant families represented in the Iowa flora. This class will help you learn to identify half of them.
Thursday, February 3
7:00-8:00pm
Sight recognition of plant families is the first step to identifying a plant. There are over 125 plant families represented in the Iowa flora. This class will help you learn to identify half of them.
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Common Fabaceae Identification
Thursday, February 10
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native Fabaceae (legume/pea) species.
Thursday, February 10
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native Fabaceae (legume/pea) species.
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Plant Evolution & Diversity
Thursday, February 24
7:00-8:00pm
The evolutionary story of the Plant Kingdom and its diversity will be featured. We will also touch on nomenclature and the history of plants in Iowa.
$10 fee and pre-registration required.
Thursday, February 24
7:00-8:00pm
The evolutionary story of the Plant Kingdom and its diversity will be featured. We will also touch on nomenclature and the history of plants in Iowa.
$10 fee and pre-registration required.
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Salix (Willow) Identification
Thursday, March 3
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native Salix (willow) species.
Thursday, March 3
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native Salix (willow) species.
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Designing Seed Mixes
Thursday, March 10
7:00-8:00pm
The most crucial step in reconstruction is designing a seed mix. This class address several important principles in how to get it right.
Thursday, March 10
7:00-8:00pm
The most crucial step in reconstruction is designing a seed mix. This class address several important principles in how to get it right.
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Common Rosaceae Identification
Thursday, March 24
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native Rosaceae (rose) species.
Thursday, March 24
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native Rosaceae (rose) species.
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Cirsium (Thistle) Identification
Thursday, March 31
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native & non-native Cirsium (thistle) species.
Thursday, March 31
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common native & non-native Cirsium (thistle) species.
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Common Weeds & Invasive Species of Iowa
Thursday, April 7
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common invasive species and weeds found in the Midwest.
Thursday, April 7
7:00-8:00pm
Learn how to identify some of the common invasive species and weeds found in the Midwest.
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2021 Class Recordings & Resources
Coefficient of Conservatism
Monday, March 29
7:00-8:00pm CST
Learn about plant conservatism and its use in evaluating the quality of plant communities. Moreover, see how to obtain a professional evaluation of the conservation value of ecosystems.
Monday, March 29
7:00-8:00pm CST
Learn about plant conservatism and its use in evaluating the quality of plant communities. Moreover, see how to obtain a professional evaluation of the conservation value of ecosystems.
Winter Tree Identification with Chris Benda
Monday, February 22
7:00-8:00pm
Please note that this class was not recorded. The handout below was provided by Chris Benda.
Monday, February 22
7:00-8:00pm
Please note that this class was not recorded. The handout below was provided by Chris Benda.
Chris recommends the following books for tree identification:
- Forest and Shade Trees of Iowa 3rd ed. by Peter J. Van Der Linden and Donald R. Farrar
- Shrubs and Vines of Iowa by Peter J. Van Der Linden and Donald R. Farrar
- Winter Tree Finder by May Theilgaard Watts and Tom Watts, Nature Study Guild Publishers, 1970
Lamiaceae* (Common mints) ID
*some common species in several genera in family Lamiaceae
Monday, February 15
7:00-8:00pm
*some common species in several genera in family Lamiaceae
Monday, February 15
7:00-8:00pm
Asclepias (Milkweeds) ID
Monday, February 1
7:00-8:00pm
Helianthus (Sunflowers) ID
Monday, January 25
7:00-8:00pm
Solidago (Goldenrods) ID
Monday, January 18
7:00-8:00pm
Symphyotrichum (Asters) ID
Monday, January 11
7:00-8:00pm
Liatris (Blazing Star) ID
In addition to Golden Hills' classes, Dr. Rosburg taught a Liatris (Blazing Star) identification session at the Iowa Prairie Network's 2021 virtual Winter Meeting. You can view that class recording here, starting at about the 19:00 mark.
