WINTER TREE COURSE SYLLABUS
An immersive, hands-on experience in identifying Ohio’s winter trees by their bark, twigs, fruit, shape, and habitat.

Thursday, November 6

7:00 – 9:00 pm : Course Kickoff & Orientation – Appalachian Forest Museum

• Welcome and introductions

• Overview of the course objectives and what you'll gain

• Introduction to winter tree ID techniques:

  • Bark characteristics

  • Twig structure and buds

  • Fruits and nut remnants

  • Silhouettes, color, and texture from a distance

• Understanding habitat clues: learning to associate tree species with landscape types

• Field site overview:

  • Friday: Upland forest ecosystems – Kamelands and Round Top

  • Saturday: Riparian corridors – Pond Creek and Scioto River Bottoms at Tremper Mound

  • Sunday: Successional forest and arboretum learning – Ridgeview Farm

• Lighthearted “pre-test” to spark curiosity and assess your starting knowledge

Friday, November 7

9:00 am – 12:00 pm : Field Study: Upland Trees at Kamelands

• Exploration of ridge and upper slope forests

• Learn to identify key upland species using:

  • Bark rubbings

  • Twig examination

  • Fruit and nut clues

• Discuss ecological associations and dominant species in upland terrain

• Lunch break: Enjoy a meal together at the Appalachian Forest Museum

1:00 – 4:00 pm : Field Study: Upland Trees at Round Top

• Continue exploration of upland habitats with new species and deeper observation

• Apply identification tools in the field, reinforcing morning learning

6:30 – 8:30 pm : Evening Review: Upland Trees Deep Dive

• Focused review of the day’s key species

• Special segment on distinguishing oaks and hickories by fruit

• Upland Tree Quiz – a relaxed knowledge check to consolidate learning

Saturday, November 8

9:00 am – 12:00 pm : Field Study: Riparian Trees at Tremper Mound (Pond Creek)

• Explore the rich diversity of bottomland forests along Pond Creek

• Identify riparian species using twigs, bark, and habitat context

• Learn how moisture, floodplain patterns, and elevation affect tree distribution

• Lunch break: Gather at Tremper Manor House for shared lunch

1:00 – 4:00 pm : Field Study: Riparian Trees along the Scioto River at Tremper Mound Preserve

• Identify tree species in a river corridor setting

• Compare and contrast with the morning’s site

• Hands-on practice with bark, fruit, and twig ID in a dynamic riparian landscape

6:30 – 8:30 pm : Evening Review: Riparian Trees & Twig Mastery

• Focus on identifying maples and other riparian species by twig structure

• Riparian Tree Quiz to reinforce the day’s field learning

Sunday, November 9

9:00 am – 12:00 pm : Final Field Day: Successional Trees & Arboretum Walk – Ridgeview Farm

• Explore young, regenerating forests and identify early successional species

• Hone skills with hickories using bud and bark characteristics

• Guided walk through the arboretum to revisit key species and reinforce pattern recognition

• Final Quiz – a cumulative and friendly challenge to test your winter tree ID skills

Depart for home