Workshops
NYFA workshops are designed to provide the participants with a closer look at plants – often focusing on a particular group that may be challenging. Workshops typically include time in the field as well as indoors in a lab. Unless otherwise stated they are usually suitable for beginners and experienced botanists alike.
Current Month
13jun(jun 13)6:00 pm16(jun 16)3:00 pmGrasses of New York StateTompkins County
Trip Leader
David Werier, Botanist
Time and Date
Thursday, June 13th, 6 pm
– Sunday, June 16th, 3 pm
Limit
14 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
What: Grasses are a large and significant part of the flora of New York, making up around 10% of the flora. They include highly invasive species as well as very rare natives. They grow in deep marshes, on dry rocky summits, and in cracks in sidewalks. Almost all habitats in New York contain at least a few species and often times many more. Yet because they often look superficially similar to each other and their flowers are small and relatively nondescript many people do not make the effort to identify them. Still, many grasses are relatively easy to identify and being able to identify them can enhance ones appreciation of what grows around them.
This workshop will focus on the identification and ecology of grasses that occur in New York with a focus on early season species. We will spend time in the field and lab, where access to dissecting microscopes will make examination of the small floral structures easier. This workshop is for all levels. There will be a review of basic grass parts and time for self or group study of specimens that will be supplied and/or that students bring.There will also be an evening lecture by renowned agrostologist Jerry Davis.
In general our field excursions will be at a slow-paced walk, with frequent stops. There will be some hills, however.
Who: David Werier is a student of the flora of New York. He is the author of the Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of New York State and has recently been working on a treatment of the grasses of New York. His passion centers on understanding and becoming familiar with all the vascular plant species that occur in the state and enjoys sharing that knowledge with those that are interested. He has taught numerous workshops on different taxonomic groups including grasses. His intention for the workshop is that participants will walk away with the knowledge and skills to readily identify the grasses they encounter in New York and beyond.
When and Where: This workshop will take place from Thursday June 13 at 6 pm to Sunday the 16th in the afternoon (about 3 pm). It will be based out of the Bailey Hortorium Herbarium at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York (Tompkins Co.) and we will travel to various sites in the Ithaca area for field work.
Cost: The workshop fee is $250 for NYFA members and students; $280 for non-members. Participants are encouraged to become NYFA members. The cost for the workshop includes the entire weekend instructional program, lab space, and dinner at a restaurant in Ithaca on Friday and Saturday. Other meals, housing, and parking fees are not included.
Registration: Participation is limited so please sign up early (see below). This workshop is co-sponsored by NYFA and the Bailey Hortorium.
NYFA Cancellation Policy: The workshop fee, minus a $20 processing fee, is refundable up to two 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.
Inquiries: For questions please contact grasses@nyflora.org.
We have limited scholarship funds available for those in need. Inquire at grasses@nyflora.org
Trip Leader
Dr. James (Eddie) Watkins, Professor of Biology at Colgate University and Past President of the American Fern Society
Time and Date
Saturday, June 22, 10 am – Sunday, June 23, around 3 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
What: This workshop will cover multiple aspects of the biology of ferns, from the morphology of spores, gametophytes, and sporophytes to taxonomy and identification of the most common species in the central NY region. It is for beginners and experts alike. Ferns are often perceived as a difficult group to identify. However, with a basic understanding of fern biology and morphology, most people will find fern identification fairly straight forward. We will spend considerable time on the more difficult woodferns (Dryopteris) and participants should walk away with increased confidence in identification of all native species and several of the common hybrids. The experience will include both field and indoor “lab work” using microscopes.
Where: Over the course of this two-day workshop, we start our workshop at Clark Reservation State Park near Syracuse; we will also likely visit Nelson Swamp in Cazenovia, and possibly one additional swamp location. Lab/classroom work will take place at Colgate University. To really get to know the biology and ecology of our native ferns, we need to get wet and muddy! Be prepared for traipsing through some wetlands – if the weather has been rainy, many of these sites will be quite wet. Be aware that at one place the hike goes over talus/loose terrain. Lunch is on your own both days.
Accommodations: Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for overnight on Saturday.
Cost: The workshop fee is $120 for NYFA members and students; $150 for non-members. Participants are encouraged to become NYFA members. The cost for the workshop includes the entire weekend instructional program, lab space, microscope use. Meals are not included.
Registration: Participation is limited so please sign up early (see below).
Inquiries: For questions please contact ferns@nyflora.org
NYFA Cancellation Policy: The workshop fee, minus a $20 processing fee, is refundable up to two 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: Download this Form
16aug(aug 16)7:00 pm18(aug 18)4:00 pmIntroduction to Sphagnum MossesSt. Lawrence County
Trip Leader
Jonathan Shaw, with Sean Robinson and Tom Phillips, Bryologists
Time and Date
Friday, August 16th, 7 pm – Sunday, August 18th, 4 pm
Limit
16 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Who: Jon Shaw, Sean Robinson and Tom Phillips are all long-time devotees of bryophytes. Jon is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Duke University. His research is on the systematics, population genetics, and evolution of bryophytes (mosses). His current focus is the evolution of peat mosses (Sphagnum). Sean is a bryologist and Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Oneonta, and has been awarded a Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has conducted research in the areas of bryophyte ecology, population genetics, and systematics. Tom Phillips is a retired veterinary doctor. He now spends much of his time studying bryophytes throughout NYS and beyond.
What: This workshop, co-sponsored by the Adirondack Botanical Society, is meant for beginner, novice and veteran bryologists and will concentrate on the local Sphagnum flora. The program will involve field identification as well as laboratory microscopic identification techniques. We will spend Friday evening going over lab protocols and equipment use. Saturday morning will be in the field collecting. Saturday afternoon will be in the lab with a return there after dinner. Sunday morning will be in the field collecting and field identifying, and Sunday afternoon will again be in the lab until between 3 and 4pm. This is a rain or shine event.
Where: The workshop classroom portions will be conducted SUNY Potsdam, Potsdam, NY. The field portions will be conducted in various peatlands in the nearby Adirondacks. We expect to carpool to field locations. Participants will be provided exact locations
What to bring: A hand lens, rudimentary dissection kit, field gear including stout hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, tick repellent, water container(s).
Accommodations: Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for overnight stays Friday and Saturday nights. Potsdam is a college town and, along with nearby Canton, has ample motel accommodations. There is also camping in the area.
Cost: The workshop fee is $165 for NYFA members and students; $195 for non-members. Participants are encouraged to become NYFA members. The cost for the workshop includes the entire weekend instructional program, lab space, microscope use and dinner at a local restaurant.
Registration: Participation is limited so please sign up early (see below).
Inquiries: For questions please contact mosses@nyflora.org
NYFA Cancellation Policy: The workshop fee, minus a $20 processing fee, is refundable up to two 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: Download this Form
08sep9:00 am6:00 pmGoldenrods of New York StateUlster and Dutchess Counties
Trip Leader
Chris Graham, Field Botanist at Hudsonia
Time and Date
Sunday September 8th | 9 am – 5 or 6 pm
Limit
12 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
What: 31 species of goldenrods are currently known to grow in the wild in New York State, ranging from the extremely common to the extremely rare. We’re all generally familiar with these native plants that dot our woodlands and swamps and paint our meadows in hues of gold from mid-summer through fall. But have you ever stopped to study one up close, or observed the great variety that may be found on a single hike? Are you familiar with all the species that grow in your area? Easy to recognize as a group, these golden (and white!) friends can seem daunting to know and identify as species. But learning some key characteristics can allow you to identify most of our common goldenrods without too much trouble, and a good field guide or key, and some practice, can get you the rest of the way there.
We’ll split our time between the lab and the field in this one-day workshop. We’ll start by learning the basics of goldenrod biology and ecology and then review all the goldenrods (in two genera) known from New York State. Specimens, both pressed and dried and freshly collected, will be available for close study and practice with keying. We’ll then move to the field, where we’ll practice field-identification and aim to see at least a dozen goldenrod species at one or more field sites.
Who: Chris Graham, Field Botanist at Hudsonia
Where: The indoor portion will be held at the Bard College Field Station in Annandale, NY, and field sites will be in the eastern Catskills. Part of the field work will be on or near trails, but we’ll also likely go off-trail across moderately rugged terrain and visit one or more wetlands (rubber boots or wet feet).
Cost: Workshop fee is $30 for NYFA members and students, and $40 for nonmembers. The cost includes the day’s instruction and a small field-ruler for each participant.
Registration and Inquiries: Participation is limited – please sign up early, For questions please contact goldenrod@nyflora.org
NYFA Cancellation Policy: The workshop fee, minus a $20 processing fee, is refundable up to two 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: Download this Form
learn 10 workshops
Learn 10 workshops are free workshops for any botanical skill level.
Learn 10 is a program developed by the New York Flora Association to introduce plant identification to beginner botanists and naturalists in a short workshop.
Not a member? Sign up Today!
Current Month
02jun9:00 am10:15 amLearn 10...Grasses, Sedges, and RushesCattaraugus County
Trip Leader
Steven Daniel, Botanist and Naturalist
Time and Date
Sunday, June 2nd | 9 am – 10:15 am
Limit
None
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
NYFA is offering this “Learn 10” In partnership with the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage. There is no preregistration for this program but all participants must register online for the Pilgrimage at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage website. https://www.alleganynaturepilgrimage.com/
An introduction to these fascinating, yet maligned, groups of plants, that have an undeserved reputation for being difficult, if not impossible to learn. So we will “Learn 10” graminoids. and it shouldn’t be too painful! “Learn 10” is a program begun by the New York Flora Association to help make various groups of plants accessible to non-botanists. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at anp@nyflora.org.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
29jun1:00 pm4:30 pmLearn 10...Trees at High PeaksEssex County
Trip Leader
Dan Spada, President of the New York Flora Association
Time and Date
Saturday, June 29th | 1 pm – 4:30 pm
Limit
16 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
The NY Flora Association and Adirondack Land Trust are collaborating to present a botanical training program pioneered by the NYFA. Join botanist Dan Spada for this program designed to help anyone of any level of expertise who is interested in plant identification to identify tree species in a relaxed and supportive way. We will spend our time acquiring the tools necessary to correctly identify trees primarily during the growing season. We will focus on common Adirondack species.
Participants can expect to slowly cover a couple miles at the most. The terrain is mostly level but includes some slopes. Be prepared with hiking footwear, rain gear, snacks and adequate water. Assume there are ticks and biting insects so be prepared to repel them. A handlens would be useful.
We will meet at 1pm at a parking area on Adirondack Loj Road. Participants will receive explicit directions before the workshop.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email L10highpeaks@nyflora.org.
All NYFA Learn 10 workshops are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
Trip Leader
Clara Holmes, Plant Ecologist
Time and Date
Saturday July 20th | 10 am – 12:30 pm
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
NYFA visits Inwood Hill Park for an offering of its “Learn 10” program. Participants will learn how to use various keys, such as Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide and Wildflowers in the Field and Forest, to ‘Learn 10’ common wildflowers and shrubs of the region. We will take a hike around the Inwood Hill park to examine plant characteristics that will help you distinguish one species from another.
Prior botanical knowledge is not a pre-requisite for this trip! All levels welcome!
Feel free to bring any field guides you may have, but none are required. Comfortable walking shoes and water are highly recommended. We will be walking on gravel paths, with some elevation gain.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email inwood@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
14aug9:00 am12:00 pmLearn 10...Grasses at Albany Pine Bush PreserveAlbany CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Steve Young and Laura Lehtonen, Botanists
Time and Date
Wednesday, August 14 | 9:00 am – noon
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Grasses and grass-like plants are perceived as a difficult group to learn because the flower parts are so small and unusual.
We will take a walk at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and spend some time in the classroom to learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to correctly identifying grasses. We will focus on ten common New York species, look at actual specimens in the field, and learn the features that will help you distinguish one species from all others. (Chances are that we’ll probably mention a few other interesting plants along the way.) You don’t have to be any kind of plant expert to participate, and sessions will be relaxed and supportive.
“Learn 10…” is a program of the NY Flora Association (NYFA) designed to help people of all ages and levels of knowledge begin learning the plants of New York. “Learn 10…” focuses on a group of only ten plants to teach simple techniques for easily identifying any plant or, in this case, the important asters and goldenrods of late summer. “Learn 10…” is a fun and interactive way to learn plants and develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email learn10grasses@nyflora.org.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
24aug10:00 am1:00 pmLearn 10...Wetland Plants at Braddock BayMonroe County
Trip Leader
Rachel Schultz, Botanist, SUNY Brockport
Time and Date
Saturday, August 24th | 10 am – 1 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
The NY Flora Association will present a botanical training program pioneered by the NYFA at the Braddock Bay Park in Greece, NY. During the training, participants will learn how to use identification keys, how to create their own keys, and will learn the diagnostic features of 10 Great Lakes Coastal Wetland plant species.
“Learn 10…” is a program of the NY Flora Association (NYFA) designed to help people of all ages and levels of knowledge begin learning the plants of New York. “Learn 10…” focuses on a group of only ten plants to teach simple techniques for easily identifying any plant or, in this case, the fruits of the plants and the seeds they contain. “Learn 10…” is a fun and interactive way to learn plants and develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
We will spend time observing the species along trails and a boardwalk at the park, so please come prepared with hiking or knee boots and long pants and sleeves. Please bring a lunch, water, and sunscreen. A 10x hand lens would be great to bring, but there will be lenses available for those that need them.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email wetlandplants@nyflora.org.
All NYFA Learn 10 workshops are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
Trip Leader
Steve Young and Laura Lehtonen, Botanists
Time and Date
Sunday August 25 | 9 am – 12 pm
Limit
15 participants.
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Do you know how to distinguish the different types of fruits and seeds of our native plants? Did you know that milkweed pods are considered a type of fruit, botanically speaking? Are you familiar with a drupe vs. a berry?
We will start out in Schenectady’s Central Park and learn how to correctly identify the characters that distinguish the different types of native plant fruits. We will focus on ten common New York species and look at actual fruits on the plants with a trip to nearby natural areas. We will also discuss their different states of maturity and how that plays a role in propagation.
“Learn 10…” is a program of the NY Flora Association (NYFA) designed to help people of all ages and levels of knowledge begin learning the plants of New York. “Learn 10…” focuses on a group of only ten plants to teach simple techniques for easily identifying any plant or, in this case, the fruits of the plants and the seeds they contain. “Learn 10…” is a fun and interactive way to learn plants and develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email learn10fruitsandseeds@nyflora.org.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
22sep9:00 am12:00 pmLearn 10...Asters and Goldenrods at Albany Pine Bush PreserveAlbany County
Trip Leader
Steve Young and Laura Lehtonen, Botanists
Time and Date
Sunday, September 22 | 9:00 am – noon
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Do you know how to distinguish a goldenrod from an aster? Are you familiar with the most common species of goldenrods and asters?
You don’t have to be any kind of plant expert to participate, and sessions will be relaxed and supportive. We will take a walk at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to correctly identifying asters and goldenrods. We will focus on ten common New York species, look at actual specimens in the field, and focus on the features that will help you distinguish one species from all others. (Chances are that we’ll probably mention a few other interesting plants along the way.)
“Learn 10…” is a program of the NY Flora Association (NYFA) designed to help people of all ages and levels of knowledge begin learning the plants of New York. “Learn 10…” focuses on a group of only ten plants to teach simple techniques for easily identifying any plant or, in this case, the important asters and goldenrods of late summer. “Learn 10…” is a fun and interactive way to learn plants and develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email learn10asters@nyflora.org.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
FIELD TRIPS
Field Trips are free and open to all.
Join us in the field for another exciting year of trips exploring the plant diversity of New York State.
We would like to keep these field trips open to as many people as possible – so please consider 5 trips to be a maximum for any one person. And do let us know if you can’t attend well in advance (or cancel on the trip registration page) as it will allow another person a chance to attend.
Not a member? Sign up Today!
Current Month
March
22mar2:30 pm4:00 pmNew York Botanical Garden Herbarium TourBronx County
Trip Leader
Kyle Webster, Botanist, &
Lydia Paradiso, Torrey Botanical Society President
Time and Date
Friday, March 22 | 2:30 pm – 4 pm
Limit
12 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
The William & Lynda Steere Herbarium at the New York Botanical Garden is the largest collection of its kind in the Americas. Home to nearly 8 million specimens, it encompasses all major plant and fungal groups from all over the world. While its global nature is a colonial vestige, it stands as an invaluable collection which documents global biodiversity and supports diverse floristic and systematic research.
Come see behind the scenes to understand how plants make it from collector to the collections, and learn some of the human stories and histories captured in the specimens.
Space is extremely limited, so sign up early! This tour is done in partnership with the Torrey Botanical Society. Stick around at NYBG after the tour for the annual Torrey Botanical Society banquet, held in the library from 5-8 pm.
REGISTER HERE through the Torrey Botanical Society website. More details will be sent after registration.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
30mar10:30 pm12:00 pmNew York Botanical Garden Herbarium TourBronx County
Trip Leader
Clara Homes, Plant Ecologist, &
Lydia Paradiso, Torrey Botanical Society President
Time and Date
Saturday, March 30th | 10:30 am – 12 pm
Limit
12 participants.
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
The William & Lynda Steere Herbarium at the New York Botanical Garden is the largest collection of its kind in the Americas. Home to nearly 8 million specimens, it encompasses all major plant and fungal groups from all over the world. While its global nature is a colonial vestige, it stands as an invaluable collection which documents global biodiversity and supports diverse floristic and systematic research.
Come see behind the scenes to understand how plants make it from collector to the collections, and learn some of the human stories and histories captured in the specimens.
Space is extremely limited, so sign up early!
This tour is done in partnership with the Torrey Botanical Society. More details will be sent after registration.
REGISTER HERE through the Torrey Botanical Society website.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
April
20apr10:00 am12:30 pmSpring Wildflowers at Alley Pond ParkQueens County
Trip Leader
Clara Holmes, Plant Ecologist
Time and Date
Saturday, April 20th | 10 am – 12:30 pm
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Alley Pond Park lies on a glacier-formed moraine, a ridge of sand and rock that formed 15,000 years ago at the southern terminus of the last Ice Sheet to cover much of eastern North America. The glacier dropped the boulders that sit on the hillsides of the southern end of the park and left buried chunks of ice that melted and formed the ponds dispersed throughout the valley. Geologists call these “Kettle Ponds.” These ponds support a diverse flora, including some of the best spring ephemerals our city has to offer.
Join NYFA on a walk around the ponds to examine the park’s spring flora!
We will meet at the Alley Pond Parking Lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q9SW5z5cAJLqLAT17
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email springflowers@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
May
19may9:30 am3:30 pmSonyea State ForestLivingston County
Trip Leader
Richard Cook, Plant and Mushroom Aficionado and
Ed Fuchs, Buffalo Botanical Gardens, former NYFA Board Member
Time and Date
Sunday, May 19th | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation Sonyea State Forest is a 922 acre site in Livingston County south of Mt Morris, NY; not far from Lecthworth State Park. It is traversed by the state’s Genesee Valley Greenway Trail. Sonyea hosts parts of the gorges of both Keshequa and Two Mile Creeks. This public land features mixed hardwood and conifer woods, plantation conifers and brushy / open fields and riparian sites. This gives a fine mix of habitats for trees, shrubs, wildflowers, bryophytes and fungi
The New York Flora Association is happy to co-sponsor this trip with our partners at the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email sonyea@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
19may10:00 am4:00 pmFlora of Lorraine GulfJefferson County
Trip Leader
Robert Wesley, Botanist
Time and Date
Sunday, May 19th | 10 am – 4 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Challenging
Trip Description
Join Robert Wesley for an exciting botanical foray to Lorraine Gulf on the Tug Hill Plateau. We will be looking for rarities such as bird’s-eye primrose (Primula mistassinica). The deep canyon of Lorraine Gulf is a biodiversity hotspot and has had a long history of botanical exploration.
The terrain can be challenging. Be prepared with stout hiking footwear, rain gear, lunch, and adequate water. We will cross the stream repeatedly, so you may want to use rubber boots. Assume there are ticks so be prepared to repel them.
We will meet at 10:00am at a location that will be communicated to those who register. We will plan to return to the vehicles at around 4:00pm.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email lorraine@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
25may10:00 am4:00 pmWolf Run RambleCattaraugus County
Trip Leader
Kyle Webster, Botanist, NY Natural Heritage Program
Time and Date
Saturday, May 25th | 10 am – 4 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Join us as we explore the spring flora of the unglaciated forests of Allegany State Park, one of the natural gems of New York State. We will hike through a rich cove, meandering along a stream shaded by hemlock, beeches, basswoods, ashes, and maples before climbing up the slopes to mosey along ridges dominated by blueberries, oaks, tulip and magnolia trees. We’ll see numerous violets, bellworts, buttercups, sedges, ferns, mosses, and a few species only found in the unglaciated region; round-leaved water cress (Cardamine rotundifolia) and speckled wood lily (Clintonia umbellulata).
This will be a 4-5 mile off trail hike with variable terrain, a few small stream crossings, and some slopes and hill climbing. But we’ll be moving at a classic botanists pace.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email wolfrun@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
Can you no longer make the trip?Change My Registration
26may1:00 pm5:00 pmSpring Wildflowers at Chimney BluffsWayne CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Bruce Gilman, Botanist and Retired Professor, Finger Lakes Community College
Time and Date
Sunday, May 26th | 1 pm – 5pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Join us as we will explore the cobbly lake shore, the colonizing successional vegetation of the unstable, stony, subglacial till ravines, and the forest plants on top of the drumlin. The spring flora is diverse and includes numerous violets, trilliums, trout lilies, toothworts, baneberries, bellworts, spring beauties, leeks and meadowrues.
Years ago I had the good fortune to accompany a local pilot and fly over Chimney Bluffs State Park, Town of Huron, Wayne County. This 597 acre site is known for its truncated drumlin along the modern Lake Ontario shoreline. Rising water levels since the Admiralty Phase of the Lake ( i.e., a proglacial lake 20 meters lower than the modern lake and dating back to the time when the St. Lawrence drainage channel was first free of continental ice sheet blockage) created wave erosion that has successfully worn away much of the drumlin “snout” over thousands of years as the lake basin rebounded from the loss of ice sheet mass. Ongoing wind erosion off the lake and water erosion down the exposed face contribute to the cathedral spires, chimneys and summits revealed at water’s edge. The continuously eroding landscape creates a “badlands” topography. This natural community, Great Lakes Bluff, is classified S1 by the New York State Natural Heritage Program with three documented occurrences! See the Great Lakes Bluff Conservation Guide to learn more.
Overall distance is short, but there will be a steep hill and some moderate drop-offs.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email chimneybluffs@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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31may1:00 pm4:30 pmBotany and more Along the Blacksnake Mountain TrailCattaraugus County
Trip Leader
Steven Daniel, Botanist and Naturalist
Limit
none
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
NYFA is offering this field trip In partnership with the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage. There is no preregistration for this field trip but all participants must register online for the Pilgrimage at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage website. https://www.alleganynaturepilgrimage.com/
A moderate hike, but we’ll take 3-4 hours to cover the 3 mile distance. This trail, in Allegany State Park, includes some exceptional areas for some special Allegany plants–including forested seeps that are incredibly lush with wildflowers, ferns and overall great plant diversity. Although the focus will be on the plants, we won’t overlook whatever else happens to come our way–birds, butterflies, dragonflies, fungi. Bring water, binoculars and camera. A hiking stick could be helpful.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at anp@nyflora.org.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
June
01jun9:00 am4:00 pmAllenberg Bog SlogCattaraugus County
Trip Leader
Steven Daniel and Wayne Gall
Time and Date
Saturday, June 1st | 9 am – 4 pm
Limit
none
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
NYFA is offering this field trip In partnership with the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage. There is no preregistration for this field trip but all participants must register online for the Pilgrimage at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage website. https://www.alleganynaturepilgrimage.com/
Experience the unique flora and fauna of a spectacular northern peat bog that features a quaking mat surrounding a bog pool. Many plants that are uncommon or rare in this part of New York can be found here.
We’ll also pay special attention to dragonflies and damselflies, as some unusual ones often are flying here at this time.
Participants should be in good health and have good mobility for walking on unstable substrates. Expect wet and mucky conditions and occasional light bushwhacking. Bring bug repellent as some years (not all) mosquitoes can be annoying. Recommended attire: long pants, long sleeves, hat, closed-toe footwear that can get wet such as old sneakers.
Bring lunch & water.
This program extends from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, including 45-minute drive outside the park. Departs from Camp Allegany, at the site of the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at anp@nyflora.org.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
02jun10:00 am4:00 pmFlora of the Shawangunk RidgeUlster CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Brandon Cohen, Naturalist
Time and Date
Sunday, June 2nd | 10 am – 4 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
On this ~6 mile walk in Minnewaska State Park we’ll be heading out to explore the flora of the sandstone cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge. We’ll discuss the ecology and natural history of the ridge, document as many species as we can on our route, and we’ll observe the only non-coastal population of Broom Crowberry, Corema conradii that exists in the world. The Shawangunk Ridge is notable for the area in that it contains ecological aspects of a coastal affinity, and differs largely from the habitats of the surrounding valleys and Catskills mountains that sit just to the north. Because of the extremely resistant sandstone/conglomerate that the ridge is composed of, soils tend to be very thin, sandy, and fast-draining, which create conditions that select for plants that can withstand the limitations/extremes that these elements create. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) is a keystone species in this ecosystem, and we’ll observe several cases of the dwarfing that occurs in this species on the ridge. A habitat known as a “dwarf pine ridge” is a globally rare ecosystem restricted to the Shawangunks located in Sam’s Point Preserve, just south of Minnewaska State Park where we’ll be. We will see components of this unique ecosystem on our walk, and will discuss the role fire has in maintaining it.
Be prepared for a long day of hiking, though the section of the trail we’ll be doing is relatively flat. The terrain can be technical along the cliffs so wear proper footwear, and bring lunch! There will be a $10 parking fee where we will meet.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email gunks@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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08jun10:00 am4:00 pmThree Mile Creek Alvar BarrensJefferson CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Steven Daniel, Botanist/Naturalist and
Anne Johnson, author of Plants of St. Lawrence County
Time and Date
Saturday, June 8th | 10 am – 4 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate.
Trip Description
We’ll explore this Jefferson County alvar preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy. Habitats include a mix of large open barren areas of shallow soil over limestone, patches of shrubs, and occasional limestone woodlands. Three Mile Creek is much less visited than the nearby Chaumont Barrens and is home to many interesting plants including rock elm (Ulmus thomasii), balsam ragwort (Packera paupercula), tall cinquefoil (Drymocallis arguta), and Seneca snakeroot (Polygala senega) as well as other species found on this preserve but not on other nearby alvar areas, such as prairie redroot (Ceanothus herbaceus) and side-oats grama grass (Bouteloua curtipendula). Much of the field trip will be off-trail. Limited to 15 registrants. Register early to assure space.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email alvar@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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23jun10:00 am4:00 pmCamp StonehavenErie County
Trip Leader
Erik Danielsen, Botanist
Time and Date
Sunday, June 23rd | 10 am – 4 pm
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate.
Trip Description
Join Erik Danielsen on this exploration of the recently-opened Camp Stonehaven, owned and maintained by the Town of Lewiston. Lush herbaceous plant communities typical of the rich slopes and limestone outcrops of the Niagara Escarpment await, ranging from waterleaf carpets to scarce sedges and even a few rare species.
Participants can expect to slowly cover a couple miles at most at this small site, which is mostly level but includes short steep slopes. Footing can be tricky in limestone talus areas. Be prepared with stout hiking footwear. Also consider bringing rain gear, lunch, and adequate water. Assume there are ticks so be prepared to repel them.
We will meet at 10am in the main parking lot at the end of Albright Rd in Ransomville, NY (43.186136, -78.912455). We will plan to return to the vehicles mid- to late afternoon.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email stonehaven@nyflora.org.
Participation is limited – please sign up early.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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29jun10:00 am4:00 pmMoxham Mountain Summit HikeEssex County
Trip Leader
Mike Corey, Naturalist
Time and Date
Saturday, June 29th | 10 am – 4 pm
Limit
16 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate with steep sections
Trip Description
Join Mike Corey botanizing along the trail to and the summit of Moxham Mountain. The trail is 2.7 miles long, to the summit and back (5.4 miles round-trip); grades vary from level to gentle to moderate to pretty steep near the summit, but it’s a good family-oriented trail. It is DEC-maintained, well designed and well-marked. There are several open, bedrock ledge views along the trail, prior to reaching the summit, where there is a great open bedrock ledge area for lunch and terrific views to the south and west.
The trail passes through yellow birch-beech-sugar maple-white pine forest, and includes a small stream crossing; the stream exits from a small open wetland that was borne of an old beaver dam. Soils are generally thin over acidic bedrock, with plenty of moss and lichen species, especially in the open areas. At the exposed rocky summit, three-toothed cinquefoil and pink corydalis can be found amongst the south-facing ledges.
Bring good hiking footwear, raingear, plenty of water, lunch and snacks for the hike. Assume ticks will be present and be prepared to repel them.
We will meet at a location that will be communicated to those who register.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, contact moxham@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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July
13jul9:00 am4:00 pmWard Pound Ridge RambleWestchester CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Patty Butter, Botanist
Time and Date
Saturday, July 13th | 9 am – 4 pm
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Join the botanists conducting a multi-year flora survey here to visit the glacial outwashes and river floodplain that are home to plant communities unique in the lower Hudson Valley. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a 4,300 acre Westchester County Park with unique terrain and geological history.
Our trip will visit two locations, with walks through meadows and woodlands where we will have opportunities to enjoy unusual sedges and other graminoids, including the rare Bush’s sedge (Carex bushii), and an abundance of mid-summer wildflowers with possible sightings of blunt-leaved milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis) and spiked lobelia (Lobelia spicata).
We will meet at the Michigan Road parking area. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, lunch, a sun hat, and be prepared for ticks.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email wardpoundridge@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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14jul10:00 am3:00 pmLabrador HollowOnondaga CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
David DuBois, Land Steward at Baltimore Woods Nature Center
Time and Date
Sunday, July 14th | 10 am – 3 pm
Limit
10 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Labrador Hollow is an outstanding botanical area in Onondaga County contained within the Labrador Hollow Unique Area. The centerpiece is a kettle lake in the bottom of a deep glacial valley surrounded by cedar swamp and fens. This creates a botanically rich area where cooler loving northern plants like Snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) and Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) intermingle with more southern elements like Early Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum). This is a habitat that was common throughout the valleys of central New York historically, but is now restricted to a few high-quality remnants like Labrador Hollow.
We will be doing some slogging through the cedar swamp. Due to its fragile environment, this field trip is limited to 10 participants.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email labrador@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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20jul10:00 am4:00 pmInland Salt Marshes of Central New YorkCayuga and Wayne County
Trip Leader
Alex Petzke, PhD student at SUNY ESF studying inland salt marshes
Time and Date
Saturday, July 20th | 10 am – 4 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Inland salt marsh is a globally rare and little-known ecosystem, and Central New York is one of the best places to see these fascinating wetlands and their salt-tolerant flora.
We will meet in the Howland’s Island Parking area 0.7 miles up Carncross Rd. after turning right off Savannah Spring Lake Rd., then walk 1.7 miles through the island’s forest, botanizing along the way, to reach one of the few high-quality inland salt marshes in New York. The trail should be dry, but insect spray is highly recommended. Next we will stop at another salt marsh surrounding a rare salt pond (slightly mucky), then finish the day at a successful constructed inland salt marsh site owned by The Wetland Trust. Target species for the trip include lesser saltmarsh sand spurry (Spergularia marina), salt-loving spike rush (Eleocharis parvula), and the state-rare American saltmarsh bulrush (Bolboschoenus maritimus ssp. paludosus) and annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum).
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email inlandsaltmarsh@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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21jul10:00 am3:00 pmRome Sand PlainsOneida CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Michael Hough, Botanist and Greenhouse Manager at SUNY ESF, NYFA Board Member
Time and Date
Sunday, July 21st | 10 am – 3 pm
Limit
10 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Rome Sand Plains Unique Area is notable for its sand dunes and associated assemblage of inland pine barren vegetation. Most of the plants are adapted to acidic soils.
We will first meet at the larger parking area on Hogsback Road. This is the middle of the three parking areas indicated on Hogsback Road on the following map https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/mapromesandplains.pdf
We will hike the Isaak Walton League Pitch Pine Bog trail in the afternoon, passing through mixed woodlands, red maple swamp, and eventually open wetlands. Some carpooling may be necessary to the second location as the trailhead parking area is rather small.
Most trails are well maintained and level with few small hills. We will not be walking very far at the first site and some may choose to leave at that point. In the afternoon the hike will be about a mile in and a mile out and there will be the option to venture into some boggy areas for those who wear boots.
Bring your own lunch.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email sandplains@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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27jul10:00 am1:00 pmWhiteface Mountain Alpine PlantsEssex CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Steve Young, Botanist
Time and Date
Saturday, July 27th | 10 am – 1 pm
Limit
10 Participants
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
We will take a walk from the parking lot of Whiteface Mountain, up the stairs to the top and then down the Wilmington Trail to the parking lot. We will look at the wide diversity of alpine and krummholz plants and see if we can add to the extensive checklist of plants for the summit and the roadside. It seems we always add at least one new species a year. This is a moderate hike and will involve a climb up the long (sometimes crowded) stairway from the castle to the top and a walk down a rocky, sometimes bouldery, trail to the road.
There is a limit of 10 people for the trip so please register early.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email whiteface@nyflora.org.
Joint field trip with the Adirondack Botanical Society.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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28jul10:00 am4:00 pmCore and Botanize Bog #370 With Michael KudishUlster CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
Michael Kudish, Forest Historian
Time and Date
Sunday, July 28th 10:00am – 4:00pm
Limit
20
Hiking Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Description
Join Dr. Michael Kudish for an exploration of Young’s Hollow Bog (Bog #370) in the Beaver Kill watershed, one of the wildest places in the Catskills. Dr. Kudish will be collecting a deep peat sample to help determine the age of the peatland which is dominated by large eastern hemlock and yellow birch. Participants can take part in the coring operation and will botanize this large peatland as well as the surrounding forest. Remarkably, the forest around the peatland contains the only living population of red spruce in the Beaverkill watershed, except for a few local spot populations high up along the divide with Dry Brook. Also, #370 has tough fibrous peat to core through; it is composed of mainly Calliergonella cuspidata, which at up to 13700 years old is so undecomposed that the cell structure is almost as clear as fresh moss. In addition, previous cores identified wood ashes dating back 7880 years ago.
Mike Kudish received his PhD under Dr. Ed Ketchledge at SUNY ESF (then the NYS College of Forestry). He taught for over 30 years at Paul Smith’s College. While at PSC he studied the flora of the Adirondacks as well as the railroad system and its effects on contemporary forest composition. His desire to learn more about the evolution of our forests has led him to relocate to the Catskills after retirement and focus his efforts on carbon-14 dating of peatland organic deposits.
The hike is about 4 miles round trip, along the Neversink-Hardenbergh Trail from Balsam Lake, then along a hunting camp road, then a bushwhack. The peatland is at 2670 feet elevation.
Be prepared with stout hiking footwear, rain gear, lunch, and adequate water. Assume there are ticks and other biting insects so be prepared to repel them.
More details about the trip and the meeting place will be sent after completing registration. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at bog370@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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August
10aug(aug 10)9:00 am11(aug 11)4:00 pmAtwell AdventureHerkimer County
Trip Leader
David Werier and Kyle Webster, Botanists
Time and Date
Saturday, August 10th, 9am – Sunday, August 11th, 4pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Difficult
Trip Description
Join us for a weekend camping adventure as we botanize in the footsteps of local botanist Joseph Haberer (1855-1925) and try to rediscover the state historical Juncus stygius.
This will be a weekend trip with primitive car camping on Saturday night. Participants have the option to arrive in the evening to camp on Friday night as well. The campsite has an outhouse but no other facilities or picnic tables. There is no cell phone reception. A great opportunity to botanize and spend time with fellow botanical enthusiasts.
Juncus stygius is a circumboreal rush that reaches the southern edge of its range in NY but has not been seen in the state since Haberer collected it from the area in 1902. Other interesting plants we may see include coastal disjuncts such as Massachusetts fern (Coryphopteris simulata), green screwstem (Bartonia paniculata), and Gilman’s bog clubmoss (Lycopodiella ×gilmanii). Other plants of interest in the area include woodland arctic cudweed (Omalotheca sylvatica), Pickering’s reed grass (Calamagrostis pickeringii), beak sedges (Rhynchospora spp.), Farwell’s water milfoil (Myriophyllum farwellii), alga pondweed (Potamogeton confervoides),Oakes’s pondweed (P. oakesianus), bur-reeds (Sparganium spp.), hidden-fruited bladderwort (Utricularia geminiscapa) and of course lot of sedges, rushes, and grasses.
The area is the southern foothills of the Adirondacks with rolling topography, a big lake (reservoir), small ponds, and peatlands all embedded within a forested landscape. We will be exploring areas with terrain that will be rugged in places, including unstable peatlands and other wetlands with standing water. Please be prepared. We will also be spending a little time paddling on a lake. You will need to bring a boat (kayak or canoe; either a rental or your own).
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email atwelladventure@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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September
08sep10:00 am2:00 pmOwasco FlatsCayuga County
Trip Leader
David DuBois, Land Steward at Baltimore Woods Nature Center
Time and Date
Sunday, September 8th | 10 am – 2 pm
Limit
15 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Owasco flats is a beautiful remnant floodplain forest situated along the inlet to Owasco lake. This area contains lakeside forests that flood during high lake levels and streamside floodplain forests that support a forest dominated by oaks and hickories in a narrow band of drier sandy soil along the creek. Interestingly some of the hickories in this area are the state threatened Big Shellbark (Carya laciniosa) and its hybrid Dunbar’s Hickory (Carya ×dunbarii).Most trails are well maintained and level with few small hills.
We will spend most of our time on a maintained trail, with occasional optional excursions off trail. The hike will be about 1.5 miles.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email owasco@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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14sep10:00 am2:00 pmOyster Pond, a Coastal Salt Pond CommunitySuffolk County
Trip Leader
Victoria Bustamante
Time and Date
10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Saturday, September 14th
Limit
20 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Oyster Pond is the largest and highest quality example of a coastal salt pond community in New York State. The pond is 136 acres and the second largest pond in Montauk. Oyster Pond lies within a completely undeveloped watershed in Montauk Point State Park. Due to its proximity to the shoreline, it periodically opens to Block Island Sound by natural processes making it brackish. Oyster Pond is host to many rare and unusual plants which have adapted to survive in this habitat including Sesuvium maritimum, Chenopodium berlandieri var. macrocalycium, Eupatorium torreyanum, Eleocharis parvula, Lindernia dubia var. anagallidea, Glyceria obtusa, Polygala cruciata, Cyperus filicinus, Juncus brachycarpus, Limosella australis, Viburnum dentatum var. venosum, Ptilimnium capillaceum, and Carex mitchelliana .
Sturdy walking shoes/boots, preferably waterproof, as we will be navigating through some wet areas and puddles and shoreline, walking sticks, binocular, water, and snack (or lunch), tick protection.
This is a joint trip with the Long Island Botanical Society.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email montauk@nyflora.org.
All NYFA Field Trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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Trip Leader
Steve Young and Laura Lehtonen, Botanists
Time and Date
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | Sunday, September 15th
Limit
10 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Inflate your tires and get ready to pedal for petals. We will start our bicycle trip at the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail parking lot south of Kingston and petal south to Rosendale passing incredible limestone formations, wetlands, and historic sites from limestone mining days. We will identify the late summer wildflowers, especially asters and goldenrods, of woodlands, open meadows, and wetlands along the route of the railroad. It will be 12.5 miles round trip on mostly flat terrain. Low difficulty.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email petalpedal@nyflora.org.
All NYFA Trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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28sep10:00 am3:00 pmCoastal Plain Flora at Crooked PondSuffolk County
Trip Leader
Rich Ring, Chief Botanist, New York State Natural Heritage
Time and Date
Saturday, September 28th | 10 am – 3 pm
Limit
12 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
The coastal plain ponds of Long Island are hot spots of rare plant diversity in New York. The complex of ponds at the Long Pond Greenbelt has some of the best-preserved examples of this rare habitat. Depending on water levels we will look for several rare sedges at Crooked Pond and vicinity, including species of beakrush (Rhynchospora), spikerush (Eleocharis), nut sedge (Scleria), and umbrella grass (Fuirena). Rose coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea) and other flowering plants should be present as well. Please bring a hand lens, water, lunch, sunscreen, snacks, and footwear suitable for mud, and take tick precautions. We will meet at the Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Center, and walk through the woods less than 1/2 mile to the Ponds.
This trip is co-sponsored by the Long Island Botanical Society.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email coastalplain@nyflora.org. All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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November
09nov2:00 pm5:00 pmNew York State Herbarium TourAlbany CountyWaitlist is Open
Trip Leader
James Lendemer, Curator of Botany
Time and Date
Saturday, November 9th | 2 pm- 5 pm
Limit
12 participants
Hiking Difficulty
Easy
Trip Description
Join us for a tour of the New York State Museum herbarium in Albany! The herbarium has been documenting and preserving the flora of New York and the surrounding region for nearly two centuries. Participants will see an array of historical and modern specimens that illustrate the growth and evolution of the collection, as well as its ever-changing roles in botanical research and education over time.
If you have any questions about the tour before registering, please email nysm@nyflora.org.
Optional Donation
NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts.
Suggested Donation is $10.
Registration
There are no more open spaces available. Please join the waitlist.
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