Plant and Lichen Collection and Preservation Workshop

James Lendemer, Curator of Botany at the NY State Museum

Kyle J. Webster, Botanist at the NY Natural Heritage Program

Day 1: Friday, July 31, 2026 | 10am – 5pm

Day 2: Friday,  August 7, 2026 | 10am – 1pm

What: Preserved specimens in herbaria are used for a wide range of purposes and serve a primary basis for our understanding of plant diversity and distribution. Collecting and preserving specimens is an important aspect of many fields including natural history, conservation, taxonomy, and more. In this workshop you will learn techniques for collecting various types of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens in the field, how to prepare and preserve the specimens, and how to mount them for use in an herbarium.
(Day 1) The workshop will begin with a morning and early afternoon in the field where participants will collect plant, lichen, and bryophyte specimens (and do a little botanzing!).Participants will learn different techniques for maintaining viable specimens while doing field work, considerations when collecting specimens, and for recording collection data.
(Day 2) We will reconvene at the NY State Museum after the specimens have dried and are ready to be mounted or put in packets. Participants will learn mounting techniques, how to prepare lichen and bryophyte packets, create labels, and have the opportunity to repair and remount specimens.
Who: Dr. James Lendemer is Curator of Botany at the NY State Museum. His research focuses on the botanical diversity of land-based ecosystems in eastern North America, both in nature and in museum collections. Kyle J. Webster is a botanist at the NY Natural heritage program where he conducts botanical inventories to assess and map rare plant populations, document the flora of NY, and promote and advise on plant conservation.

When and Where:
Day 1 (July, 31) | 10am – 5pm: Field location TBD. After fieldwork we will caravan to the Kelly Adirondack Center in Schenectady, NY.
Day 2 (August, 7) |10am – 1pm: NYSM Museum, Albany NY.
The workshop fee is $100 for NYFA members and students; $130 for non-members. Participants are encouraged to become NYFA members. The cost for the workshop includes both instructional days, lab space, and plant, collecting, pressing, and mounting materials for use in the workshop. Other meals, housing, and parking fees are not included.

Inquiries: Any questions please email plantcollection@nyflora.org.

NYFA Cancellation Policy: The workshop fee, minus a $20 processing fee, is refundable up to four weeks prior to the start of the workshop. No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of the start of the workshop. Alternatively, the registrant may opt to apply 50% of the fee to a future NYFA workshop to be offered in the same or following year. There will be a full refund if NYFA needs to cancel the workshop.

To Pay By Check: Begin the registration process by clicking the “register” button below, then choose your registration type,  and add it to your cart.  Then choose “view cart”, make sure it is correct.  Next “proceed to checkout”, then fill out the form, and choose the “pay by check” option.  Checks must be received within 7 days of registration to confirm your place.

Limited Scholarships Are Available: To apply please complete the Scholarship Application and email it to events@nyflora.org. Then register for the workshop below by adding the member price to your cart and choosing the scholarship option during checkout. You will not be charged. Registration will hold your spot while we review the application but does not guarantee a scholarship award.