Every Name Tells a Story: An Introduction to Plant Identific

Plants and the landscapes they shape evoke indelible images and memories for human beings.  Chlorophyll and cellulose and their evolved cohorts have woven the fibers of life into a stunning, miraculous fabric of biotic diversity. Plants offer their bodies for our living, providing sustenance from sun, soil, and water, often with grace and charm beyond the limits of language to appreciate. But we’re going to try anyway -- try to put our words to work making some sense of what we are so fortunate to behold (if not eat, as well!). In this presentation, botanist Peter Warner, will provide a brief foray into plant identification, highlighting Laguna-related wetland, riparian, and grassland plants. Together, we’ll investigate the science-based mechanics of classifying plants, including the essential foundation of communication: naming names, if not of each individual, at least pigeon-holing a few worthy representatives. We’ll take advantage of vocabulary and photography -- as well as “living” offerings from the plant world -- to assist us in our quest for insights and perspective. With an emphasis on the most prolific group of plants, the angiosperms, we’ll learn how to distinguish among locally common plant families, thus getting to know our colorful neighbors a bit better! Participants are encouraged to bring plant specimens for identification after the presentation.