Course Overview
This field-based, hands-on course is an introduction to the basics of plant identification in all seasons focused around plant species native to the BC coast. Students will build proficiency in use of field guides, scientific names, and botanical terms to describe and confirm plant identification. Students will learn to recognize native plants in forested and open habitats at low to mid-elevations. This 18-hour course includes 14 hours of hands-on skills development in the field at three different field sites in the Lower Mainland. Field labs will focus on learning to identify 40-50 native plants, including conifer and broadleaf trees, shrubs, ferns, and herbs. The remaining 4 hours will be delivered online in preparation for the field sessions. Students are required to arrange their own transportation to the field sites. This course is applicable for anyone working or studying in natural sciences, ecological restoration, forestry, resource management, arboriculture, planners, stewardship outreach and education. Anyone keen to learn about plant identification is also welcome.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.5
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify 40-50 unique plants native to coastal British Columbia including conifer and broadleaf trees, shrubs, ferns, and herbs.
- Use botanical terms to describe identifying characteristics visible in all seasons.
- Recognize site-specific environmental characteristics that influence species presence.
- Build familiarity with both common and scientific nomenclature.
- Recognize plant family and genus similarities.
- Effectively use a field guide in plant identification.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2021
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.