In this issue:
I
am pleased to annouce the publication of A Field Guide forBeginners:
A Key to Selected Exotic and Native Plant sof the Mid-Atlantic Region.
This dichotomous plant key was designed to help the novice botanist learn
to identify plants that they find during the field study of the BTW module,
Alien Invaders. It can also be used to supplement the interactive
web site lesson, "Plant ID Decision tree Activity" in preparation
for a BTW field experience.
This field guide is a unique educational tool that features a dichotomous key based on leaf shapes and arrangements to identify plants rather than the flower characteristics used by standard plant keys. The availability of a plant key that used leaves instead of flowers as the basis for plant identification is crucial to BTW field studies because plants are in bloom for only short periods of time throughout the year. The publication includes most of the known exotic species of the Mid-Atlantic region as well as common native plants that are likely to be present in field study sites. Information on each plant species such as origin, distribution maps, invasive characteristics, as well as pictures and drawings, are incorporated with the dichotomous key. These additional materials not only aid students with plant identification, but they also helpm them to better understand the environmental issues related to exotic plants.
The intention of publishing the Field Guide for Beginners is that is can be applied far beyond its uses for the BTW program. It may be a resource to people working on invasive species removal projects, garden club memebers who hope to increase their knowledge of these mostly beautiful, but harmful exotic plant species, and naturalist leading plant walks. Many thanks go to Kanre MIles and Jodie Standish of the alice ferguson Foundation for all the hard work they put into the design and content of this key.
The plant key is now available for purchase. Please click on the "For Sale" link to the left.
