Eleanor Burkett, Regional Extension Educator

In the summer of 2003, the University of Minnesota Extension Service Shoreland Education Program held three Aquatic Plant Identification workshops across the state. Locations included Rush City, Clinton, and Crosslake. The sessions filled to capacity with aquatic plant enthusiasts and firsttimers. The workshops included a segment on aquatic plants and how to use the plant identification manual, which was included with the workshop. At this session, participants were able try their luck on plant identification using dry herbarium plant specimens before the second session which was the real thing - to the lakes to collect aquatic plants and return ashore to key the plants for identification and learn how to properly label, mount and press plant specimens.

While future aquatic plant identification workshops will be offered, additional workshops are being planned for wetland and upland plant identification. Watch for information on all upcoming Shoreland Education Programs for 2004 in From Shore to Shore.

Posted in Plants |