Length

2 hours 48 minutes

Class Description

Join Forest Ecologist Robert Ayotte for an exploration of the flora of the Waterloo State Recreation Area. We will identify trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses, sedges, rushes, and ferns in a suite of ecosystems. While investigating forests, fens, and old fields, we'll talk about the plants and their life strategies. Learn about post-glacial landforms like eskers, kettles, and kames, and their characteristic soils. See how microclimates, landforms, soils, water, and animals (like us) combine to control the patterning of plant communities across landscapes.

About the Teacher

Robert Ayotte is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and has worked nationwide as both a forest ecologist and naturalist. He is currently a botanist/field technician for the Michigan Natural Features Inventory and Vice President of the Michigan Botanical Society. He lives locally and has ample experience exploring Waterloo State Recreation Area.