Plant Identification for Southern California
Course Overview
Participants will become familiar with many common plant species found in or near California wetlands.
Course Objectives
- To help participants identify key wetland plant species in and around the California region where the session takes place.
- To teach the fundamentals of plant keying, a valuable skill that can be applied anywhere.
Course Structure
Classroom Sessions
Participants will be introduced to the Families, Genera, and Species commonly found in southern California. Instruction will also cover the use of web-based resources and floral keys for plant identification. Since keying plants requires an understanding of plant anatomy and specialized terminology, these topics will be a major focus of the classroom portion.
Field Sessions
Hands-on learning will take place in various wetland habitats, including vernal pools, seasonal and perennial freshwater marshes, riparian areas, salt marsh, sage scrub, and chaparral.
This course is highly relevant for wetland delineations, the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM), and other species-based field studies.
Each participant will receive California Plant Families West of the Sierran Crest and Deserts, and Wildflowers of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains and Environs.
Resources: Field Packing List | Sample Field Practicum Agenda
$850.00
24 contact hours
Unless otherwise noted, field sessions run from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm each day.
Your Course Includes
Plant Identification Reference Books
Participants will receive a copy of California Plant Families West of the Sierran Crest and Deserts, and other supplemental information.
Instructor interaction
WTI instructors are available to answer specific questions during and after your course.
Frequently asked Questions
Where is the specific location or venue for the course?
We finalize specific logistics once a course has reached minimum enrollment and is officially “confirmed.” Once confirmed, all registered participants will be notified of specific details so travel and other arrangements can be made as needed.
Does this course have any certificates?
You will receive a certificate of completion with instructional contact hours documented once you have completed all course requirements (i.e. online lectures, field practicum, discussion forum participation).
Register Now
Dates and Location for Plant Identification in Southern California:
| Dates | Locations | Register by Location |
| May 12-14, 2027 | San Diego, CA | REGISTRATION COMING SOON |