Native Plant Ambassador Program 2023

Go from native plant novice to expert with this multi-part program. You’ll learn all about Pennsylvania’s native plants, their ecosystem importance, and a variety of ways to bring others on board. This program includes our Knowing Native Plant series, Guided Walks, as well as our basic and advanced botany, interpretation, and BHWP history and geology courses.

Basic Botany (BOT 101) Jan. 29, 2023, 10:30 – noon

• What a plant is, how they function and plant life cycles
• What a native/non-native species is and why it matters
• Cultivars, regional variants and provenance importance
• Identification basics (dichotomous key and apps)

Introduction to Bowman’s Hill (BHWP 101) Feb. 12, 2023, 10:30 – noon

• History of BHWP and Preserve introduction
• Who we are and why BHWP is so special
• Relevant habitats and underlying geology.

Learn What’s Native (BOT 201) Mar. 11, 2023, 10:30 – noon

• Explore the native plants of PA
• Discuss what is native and why they are essential to our local ecosystem
• Seasonal champions and PA’s native plant seasonal highlights

Our Native Plant Nursery and Visitor Center Gardens (BHWP 102) Apr. 1, 2023, 10:30 – noon

• Discuss our Native Plant Nursery and its importance to the mission of BHWP
• Investigate the demonstration gardens and look at how and why they are essential to our mission
• Learn to incorporate these areas into your programming

Interpretative Skills (INTS 101) Apr. 22, 2023, 10:30 – noon

• Speaking to and reading an audience
• Inquiry-based questions-sense of wonder
• How to not only see but to observe, to not only hear but to listen
• Researching and telling the story behind the plants
• Developing a thematic walk
• What to interpret when blooms are absent

The Collections of BHWP (BHWP 103) May 20, 2023, 10:30 – noon TBD

• Discuss the three major collections here at the Preserve
• Review the role each plays at the Preserve

Knowing Native Plants Full Series (KNP 101 – 114) (Virtual)

• Explore our native plants in their full seasonal glory. Each class will focus on groups of plants you are likely to see during that time of the year. During the winter months, this focus shifts to the non-blooming aspects of these plants. Plant identification and well as nuts, fruits, cones, and seed production are introduced at this time. These classes are held virtually as well as in person. A field course will conclude the final hour for those attending in person. After registering for the NPA program, you will be emailed a code to sign up for the KNP lectures.
  

Preserve Guided Walks

• These interpretive experiences with our BHWP Certified Interpretive Naturalist help highlight the rich natural history of our native plants. Hone your field identification, practice your powers of observation, and expand your sense of wonder as we uncover the secrets of our wildflowers.
  

Wonder Walks

• Practice your powers of observation and expand your sense of wonder as we meander the trails. These field excursions are led by BIN and will highlight what to highlight while leading a guided walk.

Additional Information:

Program Cost $475

Online registration for this program closes 12 hours before the start of the class. If you need help with registration, please email education@bhwp.org. If you need assistance with your membership code, please contact membership@bhwp.org.

You will receive an email with a Zoom meeting invitation before the program begins and after registration closes.