The purposes of this event include appreciating the beauty of our natural area, observing how nature changes through the seasons, and learning about our native and invasive grasses.
Presenter Cleve Powell, a NPSOT-SA member and SAWS Conservation Planner, is a self-described plant nerd heavy into collecting, identifying, and propagating natives. With an MS from TCU in Environmental Science, his expertise in grass identification is only exceeded by his willingness to share his knowledge. This will give you a chance to see more grass and more fully-developed grasses, especially grass inflorescences, than is possible earlier in the year as well as see the progress expanding our savanna area.
Please arrive by 7:45 am to sign up for an 8:00 am start. The event begins with a talk in the small classroom covering what is a grass, grass and spikelet structure, and grass terminology. There will be pictures of the common grasses seen on the savanna, with close ups of the structural characteristics that help ID the grasses. After the talk, you will walk in the savanna restoration area and some grassy areas of adjoining trails. There will be brief explanations of grass species encountered along the way with ample time for participant questions.
WARNING: Be sure to wear long pants. Bring water and a hat as well as use a heavy amount of repellent and sunscreen. You may be walking in the sun and in grassy areas prone to chiggers.