Woody Plants of Vermont
Native Seed Learning Series with Brooke Fleischman
This series follows the phenological timeline of a few specific native tree species. Learn to identify them in full leaf-out, summer flowers, fall seed production, and winter buds; help collect seeds to contribute to the Intervale’s Conservation Nursery project; and, take some home to grow in your own yard.
Engage in citizen science by participating in a data collection project—done in collaboration with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and the Intervale Conservation Nursery—that is tracking the phenology of trees, shrubs and flowers across New England to help understand key variation in flowering, leaf out, and fruiting times of specific species found here in Vermont.
PROGRAM FEES & REGISTRATION
July 7 – Native Tree Species Field Walk & Identification
October 6 – Native Tree Species Seed Collection
Date TBA – Sowing Native Seeds: Trees & Herbaceous Perennials
Native Tree Species Field Walk & Identification
Date: July 7, 2024
Time: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Price: $15 per person / Free for children under 14
Join us in becoming a catalyst for positive change as we learn about restoring the balance of our natural landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a budding enthusiast, this workshop offers something for everyone: discover the vital role that identifying native tree species plays in habitat restoration; learn how native trees form the backbone of ecosystems, providing crucial food and shelter for diverse wildlife; and, learn how to actively engage in habitat restoration efforts to help reclaim biodiversity and foster resilient ecosystems. You’ll also learn how to participate in Brooke’s citizen science initiative to build an inventory of seed collection sites for her project restoring riparian lands with native seeds.
Native Tree Species Seed Collection
Date: October 6, 2024
Time: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Price: Free, in partnership with Thetford Conservation Commission & West Fairlee Conservation Commission
Uncover the unique attributes of native trees and explore how they contribute to biodiversity, soil health, climate regulation, and overall ecosystem resilience. This workshop will offer valuable insights into why native trees matter and how each of us can make a difference in safeguarding their future.
We’ll learn how to identify and gather seeds on our target native species list—Butternut, Ash and Black Cherry—as well as how to seed and propagate each species. And, you’ll get to take some home with you! You will also learn how to participate in Brooke’s citizen science initiative to build an inventory of seed collection sites for her project restoring riparian lands with native seeds.
Join us in celebrating the beauty and significance of native trees and become a steward of our shared natural heritage!
Winter Sowing Native Seeds: Trees & Herbaceous Perennials
Date: Date TBA
Cost: Free, in partnership with Thetford Conservation Commission & West Fairlee Conservation Commission
Brooke Fleischman and Tobi Schulman, experts teaching two of the learning series at Cedar Circle this season (Native Seeds and Cultivating Purposeful Gardens with Native Plants) come together to co-host this workshop on winter sowing native tree species and native perennial herbaceous plants.
As a workshop participant, you will explore a variety of skills, from winter tree bud identification to cold stratification, and the educators will guide you through the process of preparing and planting seeds. You will also learn how to participate in Brooke’s citizen science initiative to build an inventory of seed collection sites for her project restoring riparian lands with native seeds. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to enhance your garden’s biodiversity and resilience with well-adapted native plants.
Every participant will have the opportunity to take home a pot full of native herbaceous perennial and tree seeds ready to overwinter and grow at home.
This workshop is part of the Cultivating Purposeful Gardens with Native Plants learning series with Tobi Schulman and the Native Seed Learning Series with Brooke Fleischman of the Intervale Conservation Nursery.
About the Educator
Brooke Fleischman is the Vermont Statewide Seed Coordinator at the Intervale Center. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation from Northwest Missouri State University. Since graduating in 2019, she spent time on remote Pacific islands working on invasive species removal, sea bird monitoring, native plant propagation, and outplant monitoring, and worked as a technician in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park native plant nursery, where she focused on seed collection, propagation, and outplanting of both culturally and ecologically significant native plants.
