In an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19, we are not able to hold the Grass Exploration Workshop at this time. Once it is safe to convene in a group setting again, this will be rescheduled.

Workshop Instructor: Rodney Dever

PVMN Continuing Education Eligible

This workshop is open to the public, however registration is required. Please register below. Registration will close on Wednesday, June 17.

Rodney Dever, President of the Eastern Panhandle Chapter of the West Virginia Native Plant Society, is leading this Grass Exploration Workshop!

• The opening hour will be a general introduction to the grasses. Participants will explore the question of what exactly a grass is and why grasses are important. There will be a brief overview of the many domesticated grasses such as wheat, maize (American corn), oats, etc. The story of the domesticated grasses is like an archaeological journey, and participants will see how our grass companions have changed over time alongside humans. Examples of unusual and primitive ears of maize will be available for show and tell, compliments of the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company of Missouri: https://www.rareseeds.com/
• In the second part of the workshop, participants will examine some of our native wild grasses with the aid of microscopes, including some herbarium specimens from the NCTC herbarium. Everyone will get to practice identifying these grasses using a botanical key.
• Participants will finish up the class with a stroll on the grounds of the NCTC, observing grasses in their natural habitats.

After the walk, participants are welcome to eat in the NCTC Dining Hall.

Rodney is a botanist with a focus on biodiversity. He is working on creating new and improved varieties of paw paws and other native woody plants. He teaches biology as an adjunct at Shepherd University. Also, he is cataloging the herbarium at the National Conservation Training Center. He leads several nature walks every year, as president of the Eastern Panhandle Chapter of the West Virginia Native Plant Society.

Please contact PVAS Adult Program Coordinator, Krista Hawley, at adultprograms@potomacaudubon.org or 681-252-1387 with any questions you may have.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes for walking on the National Conservation Training Center’s even, user friendly trails.

All registration fees are nonrefundable, except in the event of cancellation on PVAS’s part.