The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) and the North Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals (NCAEP) will hold a one-day Natural Community Identification workshop on 6 June 2017. The field trip/workshop will be led by Michael Schafale and Laura Robinson, and will highlight some of the rare plants and natural communities associated with mafic rock substrate in Durham and Granville Counties. This field trip is designed for environmental professionals, botanists, and students who are responsible for conducting environmental surveys.
6 June 2017 Field Trip: Piedmont Rare Species and Mafic Rock Communities
This one-day trip includes visits to various sites. Depending on site conditions, stops will include some combination of Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land, Eno River Diabase Sill Plant Conservation Preserve, South Butner Diabase Glade, and/or Picture Creek Diabase Barrens. These stops are designed to see federally and state endangered plant species Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) and Michaux’s Sumac (Rhus michauxii), plus various state listed species in their natural habitats. Natural Communities will include Diabase Glade, Upland Depression Swamp Forest, Basic Mesic Forest, Xeric Hardpan Forest, and possibly Basic Oak-Hickory Forest. Additional rare plant species will include Baptisia australis var. aberrans (NC-E), Marshallia legrandii (SR), Liatris squarrulosa (SR), Lithospermum canescens (SR), Parthenium auriculatum (SR), Silphium terebinthinaceum (SR), and possibly others.
The Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation (2012) is available as a free download at the NHP website at http://ncnhp.org/references/publications. You may also download a copy of Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Third Approximation (1990) by Schafale and Weakley, which has more descriptive text than the current Fourth Approximation. Bound copies of the Third Approximation can be purchased from the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program for $15 at the workshop.
Notes
Registration: In order to make the most of this learning experience and for the safety of all participants and the habitats we visit, we must limit the number of participants to 20 registrants and require a minimum of 10 participants. If there is fewer than the minimum number of participants, the class may be canceled . Registrants will receive a registration confirmation and additional trip details by email. Registration deadline in 26 May 2017.
Transportation: The workshop fee includes transportation by van from the local meeting location to the site, for interested parties. Due to limited parking at some of the stops, carpooling with other workshop participants or riding in a van is encouraged. Details about departure times and meeting locations will be emailed to participants prior to the workshop. We will make break stops as feasible along the way.
Equipment: Please bring a lunch, as we will eat lunch while in the field. Please wear appropriate field clothes and shoes and bring water, insect repellent, and sunscreen, as needed. The field sites are known to harbor ticks, chiggers, and snakes. Bring a camera if you are interested in photographing the plant species and natural communities. Participants will not be allowed to collect plant or animal specimens. The field trips are planned rain or shine, so please plan and prepare accordingly. In the rare event of emergency cancellation or last minute updates, registrants will be contacted via email. Coolers will be provided for drinks. Afternoon snacks will also be provided.
