Course Overview

These courses have two goals: learn important wetland species in and near the region of California where the session is conducted and learn the basics of plant keying – useful anywhere. The regions covered by these three sessions include a large number of the common plant species found in or near wetlands in California. Register for one course (and region) or receive an additional discount when you register for two or more course locations.

In person classroom lectures will acquaint participants with common Families, Genera, and Species of the regions and introduce the use of web-based resources and floral keys to identify species.  Keying plants involves a working understanding of plant anatomy and associated specialized vocabulary.  These aspects of plant identification will be a major portion of the classroom time.

Field time will be spent learning the species found in vernal pool, seasonal/perennial freshwater marsh and riparian habitats as well as other habitats of the specific region: San Diego – salt marsh, sage scrub, and chaparral habitats; Folsom/Santa Rosa – valley/foothill and coastal (Santa Rosa), grassland and woodland habitats. Course content is useful for wetland delineations, the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM), and other species-based field studies.

Registration includes: a copy of California Plant Families West of the Sierran Crest and Deserts and other materials. San Diego participants receive a copy of the Wildflowers of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains and Environs. Folsom, Santa Rosa registrants receive a copy of Plants of Northern California: A Field Guide to Plants West of the Sierra Nevada. 24 contact hours / Instructors: Sward and Stringer

Single Region Tuition Cost:

$850.00

Course tuition when you take two course locations: $1,600

Course tuition when you take all three course locations: $2,400

COVID-19 Precautions

In light of state and national COVID-19 guidelines, WTI has developed plans to provide the safest possible course environment while adhering to social distancing recommendations.  All participants must read, sign, and return our Participant Guidelines and COVID-19 Liability Waiver Form before the start date of your course in order to participate. If you are unable to do this, you will not be allowed to participate in the field course. All WTI course dates will continue to be contingent on CDC and State recommendations related to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements.

Frequently asked Questions

Register Now by Course Location

Dates and Location for Plant Identification in California: