Winter Plant Identification Workshop
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sat, 11/15/2025
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
When seasons change and plants lose their leaves, it may seem like a dull and sleepy time of year—but there’s so much to observe and enjoy outdoors! In fact, there are some plant traits that you can only clearly observe in winter. This season is an excellent opportunity to build your plant identification skills and sharpen your observational abilities.
We’ll begin with a talk covering the basics of winter plant identification, including key traits and terms. The second part of the workshop will be an outdoor walk, where we will explore and observe the interesting features of various shrubs and trees along the New West Boardwalk.
*Please bring a magnifying glass or hand lens if you have one.
About the Instructor
Julia Alards-Tomalin is an instructor and Program Head for the Forest and Natural Areas Management program at BCIT. Her background is diverse, including horticulture, arboriculture, invasive species management and ecological restoration, but is united by a common theme of plants. Starting in 2019, Julia began working with her students to create an Open Education textbook focusing on the winter identification of plants entitled Buds, Branches and Bark: A Guide to Winter ID in the Pacific Northwest. This book is free to download, and the 3rd edition is currently available online.
Register here.
WHAT:
- Learn the basics of winter plant identification in a classroom setting.
- Explore and observe plants in an outdoor walk.
WHO: This workshop is intended for participants 16 years of age and older.
WHEN: November 15th, 10:30am – 12:30pm
WHERE: Fraser River Discovery Centre
COST: Pre-registration is required.
- Early Bird (until Oct 15th) - $23
- Regular (after Oct 15th) - $26
- Student (Student ID Required), Senior (65 and older), or Member - $23
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.