Winter Weeds, Galls, and Insect Identification

Ever wonder what that elliptical growth is that stands out in a scrubby old field, or how beautiful that spiky plant looks covered in fresh snow – what is it? How do INSECTS YOU SEE IN YOUR GARDEN DURING THE GROWING SEASON manage to survive the harsh WINTER? What are the song sparrows eking a living on as they scamper about like snow mice under the dried vegetation of a wet meadow? What is that downy woodpecker trying to get out of that cattail punk as it bounces from plant to plant?All will be revealed in this three-hour presentation/ field walk as Blaine Rothauser, Senior Natural Resource Specialist with GZA, GeoEnvironmental pumps up your naturalistic tendencies, galvanizing you to take a closer look at the world in winter. _By the time the program is over you can expect to name the __most common winter weeds amongst field and stream, meadow and wood, and come away with a deeper appreciation for the survival mechanisms of the fauna that rely on them during the most difficult period of their life histories._ _Please dress for the weather! There will be a brief classroom session and most of the time will be spent outdoors. Bring a snack and water bottle._