Plant ID & Ecology: Spring Ephemerals
Spring ephemerals play an essential role early in the season, taking in sunlight and supporting pollinators before the leaf-out of canopy trees takes over in summer. After a dark winter, the first blooms dazzle with unique shapes, colors, and fragrances—but only for a short while! Learn how to spot these blooms before they go. Led by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens horticulturalists, the discussion will include habits, ecological benefits, and characteristics that make these small blooms have a big impact.
Co-hosted with Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine Sea Grant will offer in-person volunteer training for the Signs of the Seasons citizen science program. Participants will learn about the goals of the program, learn how to make scientific observations of phenology (the study of cyclic and seasonal changes of plants and animals), practice making phenology observations on the grounds of the Gardens, and leave with the tools and knowledge needed to set up their own site to observe and record changes in phenology in their own yard or community. Questions about this opportunity may be directed to Beth Bisson at beth.bisson@maine.edu or Keri Kaczor at keri.kaczor@maine.edu. The training is free, but registration is required. 
Whether called fields, meadows, or pastures, these landforms all feature a dominant grass population in a wide-open, full-sun terrain mixed with wildflower and smaller woody species. Partnering with the Boothbay Region Land Trust, this class will guide students on two walks at local land trust properties. Led by Ted Elliman, co-author of "Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: An Identification Guide," participants will learn how to identify and better understand meadow culture. This is the perfect class for those interested in starting or sustaining an open grassland. Class Level: Beginner-Intermediate
