Beginner’s Tree Ecology & ID: Conifer Edition

When the bare branches of winter start to get you down, turn to the conifers for a breath of fresh, pine-scented air. More ancient and more steadfast than the deciduous divas of autumn, our native coniferous trees like red cedar and black spruce deserve a spotlight too. On this walk, we’ll acquaint ourselves with several common species, learn what to look for to tell a spruce from a cedar or a hemlock from a pine, and discuss the fascinating ecology and evolutionary history that sets these trees apart.

Please dress for the weather and bring water. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to be traveling about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class.

Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class. We cannot accommodate late arrivals and the class will depart on time.

Program Preparation

Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to travel about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class. Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class.

Program Guidelines

Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.

We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.