AT23-100 New Class: Identifying Texas Native Trees and Shrubs Using a Dichotomous Key, Johnson City

Event Title: Identifying Texas Native Trees and Shrubs Using a Dichotomous Key

VMS-AT: AT: Hill Country Chapter Other Approved Training (Enter AT#, Class Title as posted, Location, and Presenter)
Comments: AT23-100 New Class: Identifying Texas Native Trees and Shrubs Using a Dichotomous Key, Johnson City, Presenter: Steven Fulton (AT=1h)

Event Date: 9/30/2023
Event Time: 12:30p-1:30p

Event Summary:
The presenter will teach how to identify Texas native trees and shrubs using a dichotomous key developed specially for the ranch by the late Margaret Bamberger.

Event Description:
This training will take place at the outdoor classroom. Students will take notes and make tracings in their class journals.

Using fresh cut specimens, Mr. Fulton will focus on three attributes (type, kind, and arrangement). He will first demonstrate how to distinguish simple from compound leaves (type). He will then ask the participants to describe the leaf margin (kind). The third step is to examine the arrangement of leaves on a branch (opposite, alternate, or whorled.)

He will divide the groups into teams of two or three, and provide them with a copy of Margaret’s Key. He will then instruct them to visit the ten trees with numbered tags, follow the identification steps, and record the answers in their journals. Steven and the New Class Director will visit with each team, monitor progress, and answer questions.

After all teams have had a chance to key out the trees, they will gather and Mr. Fulton will discuss their answers.

Steven Fulton, Selah Bamberger Ranch Manager, grew up on a 150-acre vegetable farm in Falls County, Texas where he learned many life lessons and the value of a long day’s work. He graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a B.S. in Biology.

Steven brings a background in all aspects of ranching, field biology, and land surveying with him. His former position as a biologist for The Nature Conservancy included mapping, Black-capped Vireo habitat and operating as their Oak Wilt Specialist. He came to the Bamberger ranch through a connection to the BRP Board of Directors’ Botanical Advisor, who happened to also be Steven’s supervisor at the Nature Conservancy. Steven was hired in 2003 and started out as a Stewardship Coordinator and Science Educator.

Now, as the Ranch Manager, Steven’s main role is to oversee the management of the 5,500 acres of land that comprises the BRP. This includes managing wildlife as well as coordinating our hunting program. He also manages the upkeep of ranch infrastructures and assists with “people ranching” in our educational programs and tours.

This class is optional for New Class members. New Class members, their leaders and mentors will have first option to reserve a seat in this class. The attendance cap is 40. Chapter members who wish to attend should resgister pending approval.

Cost: No Charge, Donations

Register @: newclassdirector@hillcountrytmn.org
This class is optional for New Class members. New Class members, their leaders and mentors will have first option to reserve a seat in this class. The attendance cap is 40. Chapter members who wish to attend should resgister pending approval.

Event Location:
Outdoor Classroom
Selah Bamberger Ranch
2341 Blue Ridge Drive
Johnson City, TX 78636

Instructor/Presenter:
Steven Fulton
Selah Bamberger Ranch

Contact Information:
David Matthews
(830) 232-4530

Organization Website:
https://txmn.org/hillcountry/need-to-know-basics/

Sponsoring Organization:
Hill Country Chapter, TMN