Sedges of New York

David Werier, Botanist

Start: Thursday, June 12th, 6:00 pm

End: Sunday, June 15th, around 3:00 pm

What:  Sedges are one the most diverse families of plants in the flora of New York, making up over 9% of the vascular plant species known from the state. Most are native to the state, while a few are nonnative, including a number of highly invasive species. They grow in uplands and wetlands, from the tops of the highest mountains to sea level, and in essentially all habitats in the state. Some are restricted to highly intact natural areas while others grow in degraded habitats. There are species that are dominant in certain ecological communities and others that are rare in the state. Because they can look superficially similar to each other and some are small and nondescript, people often avoid trying to identify them. Yet many can relatively easily be identified, once one pays attention. And even the species that are very similar to each other, can be differentiated once one knows what to look for. Learning to differentiate the members of this diverse group of plants can enhance a persons understanding and appreciation of all the plants that grow around them.

This workshop will focus on the identification and ecology of sedges that occur in New York with a focus on early season species, particularly members of the genus Carex. 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 sedge morphology and time for self or group study of specimens that will be supplied and/or that students bring. The field excursions will mostly be at a slow-paced walk, with frequent stops, but there will be some hills.

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 sedges 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 sedges. His intention for the workshop is that participants will walk away with the knowledge and skills to readily identify the sedges they encounter in New York and beyond.

When and Where: This workshop will take place from Thursday June 12 at 6 pm to Sunday the 15th 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.  This workshop is co-sponsored by NYFA and the Bailey Hortorium.

Inquiries:  For questions please contact sedges@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 four 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

Limited Scholarships Are Available: For details and to apply download and submit this form.  We will process your application, and respond soon.  If approved you will be sent a code to use, when you go back and register for the trip.