Winter Tree ID Workshop

SOLD OUT – CHECK OUT OUR SUMMER TREE ID CLASS ON JUNE 10! More info at chickofthewoods.com/events.

*This class will be a combination of indoors and outdoors and does not require any prior tree identification knowledge.*

Learn how to identify trees in winter! And from a distance! Tree shape, coloring, bark patterns, habitat, and twigs all help conclude what kind of tree we are looking at. Mastering your tree identification skill is useful for many reasons, but our favorite reason is to improve your ability to find mushrooms.  We will learn to identify native trees found in the twin cities metropolitan area, and focus on those that have prime edible mushrooms associated with them.

We will begin by meeting indoors for about an hour to discuss tree types and features that will help differentiate one from another.  The presentation will include the basics of tree features and identification of the elm, oak, cottonwood, ash, and box elder and the mushrooms that are associated with those trees. However, we will identify many other trees along our walk. We will spend extra time on the elm tree, which is important for finding morel mushrooms.  After the discussion, we will take a slow walk through the woods, staying on trail, and stopping to discuss trees along the way. The walk will be about 1 mile long and last 1 – 1.5 hours.

Food and drink will be available for purchase from Mill Valley Market (located inside the Trailhead building) during the presentation.

You will receive a free tree identification scroll that will be helpful for identification while out in the woods. Bring a sharpie to make notes on your scroll.

Event will be held rain, snow or shine, but will be postponed for severe weather, which includes temperatures less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, extreme wind, or unsafe driving conditions. No refunds, but credit will be given for a future event if cancellation is needed.