2010 Walks & Workshops
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012  NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Program & General Meeting
Scott Ruhren, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Conservation at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Location: Beechwood Center, 10 Beach St., North Kingstown, RI
 Knowing Your Land: Effective Monitoring for Land Conservation
Ecologist and conservationist Scott Ruhren, Ph.D., a Wakefield resident, has been the Senior Director of Conservation at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island since 2005.
His responsibilities and interests include management of Audubon's 9,000+ acres of protected land, conservation and restoration of native communities and habitat assessments as well as
acquisition of properties and conservation easements. A life-long botanist, Scott has conducted ecological research and managed habitat restoration and invasive plant projects in places such
as Maryland, Virginia, Fresh Kills landfill in Staten Island New York and suburban forests in New Jersey. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and is a per course biology instructor at the University of Rhode Island.
1:00 – 1:30 pm Business Meeting
1:30 – 2:00 pm Refreshments & Fellowship
2:00 - 3:30 pm Program Free and open to the public Bring a friend!
* Members – If your last name begins with the letters N-Z, please bring refreshments to share. For more information, contact the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society office at (401) 789-7497 (voicemail) or
office@riwps.org. FALL FOLIAGE IDENTIFICATION
Pulaski State Park
West Glocester, RI
Sunday, October 17, 2010
1 to 3 pm
Rain date: Sunday, October 24, 2010
1 - 3 pm
 This program is the fourth and final event in the Paul Dolan Tree Identification series for the 2009-10 season. This time he will take us to Pulaski Park in northwestern RI -- one
of the best areas in the state to see fall color. The kaleidoscope of changing leaf colors contrast with the woods around Peck's Pond to remind us how fortunate we are to live
in this part of New England. Access for most people will be via Route 44. Leader: Paul Dolan
Moderate
Pre-registration required at least 48 hours prior.
Fee: Members $5, Non-members $10.
Minimum 5, maximum: 15
Directions and meeting place will be sent to those who have registered. Leave plenty time to get there! MUSHROOM WALK AT ALTON JONES
Nettie Marie Jones Nature Preserve
West Greenwich, RI
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
3 – 5 pm
Rain date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010
3 - 5 pm  Fungus is everywhere, but mostly we only notice it when it decides to send out its spore producing fruit,
the mushroom. At the Nettie Marie Jones Nature Preserve the variety of habitats, from the mixed hardwood forest to streams and old fields, should give us a diversity of mushrooms to look for and learn
about. We will pick one of each type and try to identify it to a major group. There is NO collecting on this foray. You are advised never to eat a wild mushroom unless you are positive of its species. Many
mushrooms look alike, but some are deadly.
Leader: Noel Rowe, experienced amateur Mushroom Enthusiast
Easy
Pre-registration required at least 48 hours prior.
Fee: Members $5, non-members $10
Minimum 5, maximum 15
Directions will be sent to those who have registered. TOUR OF HARVARD FOREST AND FISHER MUSEUM
Petersham, MA
Sunday, September 26, 2010
12 noon (on site) to 3:00 p.m. 
This will be a memorable afternoon, spent with John O'Keefe, co-author of New England Forests Through Time, and long-time Coordinator of the Fisher Museum. The tour will
begin with a video and discussion of the history and mission of Harvard Forest, followed by an interpreted tour of the Museum's main exhibit, the internationally acclaimed
dioramas portraying the history, conservation and management of central New England's forests. Finally, we will take a walk into one of the most intensively studied tracts in
North America, the 3,000-acre site for Harvard Forest studies and long term ecological research. We will see a variety of woodland communities and the different species
composition patterns resulting from 270 years of varied land use.
Leader: Garry Plunkett
Moderate
Pre-registration required at least 48 hours prior.
Fee: Members $10, non-members $20.
Minimum 8, maximum 15
Directions and car pool arrangements will be sent to those who have registered. SEED COLLECTING, SAVING, AND SHARING
Portsmouth Library
2658 East Main Road
Portsmouth, RI
Saturday, September 25, 2010
9:30 – 11 am 
Fall is a grand time to plan for changes to be made in your garden. Collecting and saving the seeds from your favorite plants is a good way to begin and can be a rewarding experience. Sharing your
extra seeds will help someone else expand their garden pallet.
Come to this lecture to learn how to collect seeds, what storage treatment they may need and to
find out when to start planting the seeds so they will be just the right size when spring arrives again. The presenter, Marty Fisher, enjoys blooming plants along with ripening seed heads in her
garden. All of her plants have been grown from seeds that she has saved, collected, or bought. The fun of propagating seeds continues year after year.
Attendees are invited to bring seeds to share. Leader: Marty Fisher
Pre-registration required at least 48 hours prior.
Minimum 8, maximum 30
Fee: No fee. VEGETATION OF THE SUCCOTASH SALT MARSH
South Kingstown, RI
Saturday, September 18, 2010 1 to 3 pm
Rain date: Sunday, September 19, 2010
1 to 3 pm  Come and explore the diverse plants of the tidal marsh habitat. Many of the species are
found only in this ecosystem where some have adapted to daily inundation by saltwater in the low marsh, and others to the sandy, dry conditions of the upland border. We will visit
the marsh at low tide; however expect footwear to get muddy. So plan to wear old shoes or rubber boots that won't be ruined by the mud and salt water.
Leader: Carl Sawyer
Moderate
Pre-registration required at least 48 hours prior.
Fee: Members $5, Non-members $10.
Minimum 8, maximum 15
Directions and meeting place will be sent to those who have registered. MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE FIELD AND FOREST
Carolina Management Area
Saturday, June 26, 2010 (Registration CLOSED)
9:00-11:00 am
Leader: Liz Hassinger, DVM
Join herbalist and holistic veterinarian, Liz Hassinger, on a walk to discover the many native medicinal plants that grow in
southern Rhode Island. We will discuss the historic and modern uses of plants as medicines. Please dress for tick prevention. Easy
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email: office@riwps.org
| Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: Members $5., non-members $7
Min. 5, Max. 15
Weather date: Sun., June 27, 9:00-11:00 amTHE LEDGES OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Charlestown, RI -- (Burlingame State Park)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
~ 9:00am - 12:00 noon
Leader: Doug McGrady
***AND***
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Same time/same place
Leader: Doug McGrady
 Late spring in Burlingame has many geological as well as botanical features. The terrain at the north
end is quite varied. These variations create habitats favored by particular plant communities. From the Atlantic White Cedar Swamps to the Red Cedar Rocky Summits, we'll make an effort to explore as
many habitats as we can. We will look closely at the hilly areas of Oak / Heath forest where the bedrock seems never far from the surface. In places that bedrock is exposed as vertical ledge and
sometimes as broad expanses of flat rock. The sunny, flat rocks are somewhat characteristic of the area. They create generally harsh micro-habitats that support plant communities unexpected in the forest.
Moderate – Strenuous
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email: office@riwps.org | Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: Members $5., non-members $7.
Min. 5, Max. 15
Weather Date: Sun., June 20, 9:00- noon
A MEMORIAL WALK FOR MARTHA MARSHALL
Memorials, Memories and Martha
Sunday, May 30, 2010
10:00am – 12noon
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
ASRI
Seekonk, MA
Join Kathy Barton at Caratunk Wildlife Refuge for a spring wildflower walk in memory of Martha Marshall, Marine sergeant, past
president of RIWPS and a long time employee of the Audubon Society of RI. Bring your memories of Martha and if you didn't know Martha, come and meet an extraordinary woman. Easy
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email: office@riwps.org | Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: Members $5., non-members $7.
Min. 5, Max. 15
Weather Date & Time: Mon., May 31, 10:00-12noon LATE SPRING BLOOMS AT TRUSTOM POND NWR
South Kingstown, RI
Saturday, May 29, 2010
1:00-3:00 pm
Field Trip
Leaders: Dave & Nancy Clayton
(USFWS Volunteer Naturalists)  Join experienced naturalists in the search for wild flowers in bloom. This refuge has a variety of
habitats, including upland, grassland, coastal deciduous hardwood forest, fresh, and brackish-water marshes and a wooded swamp. Flowers we might see include Anemone, Verbascum,
Wood Betony, Thalictrum, Skunk Cabbage, Tall Meadowrue, Marsh Marigold, Jack-in-the-pulpit, False Hellebore and maybe a rare orchid.
Easy
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email:
office@riwps.org | Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: Members $5., non-members $7.
Min. 5, Max. 15
Weather Date: Sun., May 30, 1:00-3:00pm GREAT SWAMP SAUNTER
A Walk on the Wild Side in memory of Norman Boyer
South Kingstown, RI
Saturday, May 22, 2010
1:00-3:00 pm
Leaders: Anne B. Wagner and Francis Underwood Norm Boyer used to slowly drive the back roads of Rhode Island, noting the plants as he went. On this field trip we will saunter
along a road in an open section of the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area noting the plants we see and learning about the
habitats we pass through. Every year is a little different, depending upon the weather. Come along with us to see what conditions are like this year. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide
and a hand lens are always useful to have with you. Boots are optional; the trail is usually dry. Moderate
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email: office@riwps.org | Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: Members $5., non-members $7.
Min. 5, Max. 15
(Raindate: Sunday, May 23, 1:00 -3:00 pm) UNDERSTANDING NEWCOMB'S WILDFLOWER GUIDE
47 Sawmill Rd., Harmony
Saturday, May 8, 2010
10:00am - 12:30pm
Garden Walk and Lecture
Leader: Cheryl Cadwell  In order to effectively use any plant guide, you need to be familiar with the anatomical terminology
and the variations that can often be frustrating when using a key. This class will be aimed at beginners, but should make a good refresher session for those with more experience. Bring a wildflower
guide, preferably Newcomb's, a magnifying glass and wet weather gear in case it rains. Cheryl's beautiful garden will provide many specimens for practicing your keying skills.
Easy
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email: office@riwps.org | Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: Members $5., non-members $7.
Min. #5, Max. #20
Rain or Shine EVOLUTION OF AN URBAN FOREST
Rhode Island College, Providence
Saturday, April 24, 2010
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Field Trip
Leader: John Campanini This walk will follow the campus Tree Map developed as part of the college's 50th year celebration in the Mount Pleasant area of
Providence. Our leader, John Campanini, is currently Technical Advisor to the RI Tree Council. John was formerly Providence City Forester.
He is currently an adjunct faculty member at URI. John is an inspiring teacher of arboriculture.
We will be viewing selected trees that represent a sample of those found on the site 50 years ago, as well as some of the trees
planted as new buildings were built. Approximately forty percent of the trees on campus are native species. This walk will cover
most of the 60 marked trees compiled by former RIWPS Board member Dr. Jerry Melarango. We too will learn from Jerry's valued legacy. Easy
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email:
office@riwps.org Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: Members $5., Non-members $7.
Min. 5, Maximum 18
Weather Date: Sunday, April 25, 1:30 – 3:00 pm RHODE ISLAND VIOLETS
15 Evergreen Drive, Johnston
Saturday, April 24, 2010
10:00am - 12:00 noon
Leaders: Helen Lusi and Kathy Barton  Join Helen and Kathy in exploring the world of Rhode Island's native violets in Helen's garden. These
two women have many years of experience in growing, searching for, writing, leading walks about and sharing their knowledge of our state flower, Viola sororia, and many more of our state's native
violets. We will walk in the garden, look at slides and maybe even taste something made by Helen using her famous violet syrup.
Easy
Members $5, non-members $7
Min. 5, Max. 15 "A SENSE OF WONDER"
A film about the compelling story of Rachel Carson's appreciation of the natural world and her fight to protect it.
Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island
Movie followed by discussion.
North Kingstown Library, 100 Boone St.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
2:00 pm
This film begins in Miss Carson's summer home as she was preparing to leave. Fighting cancer, she fears this may be her last
visit to her beloved Maine coast. The story continues two months later in the furor over her book Silent Spring. Carson is
simultaneously battling the chemical industry, the government, and the press to get her message to Congress and the American people.
It is an inspiring story of her courageousness, and the impact her tenacity and voice have had on the environment Easy
No registration necessary. Open to the public - invite your friends!
Fee: Free
Max. 50 TREE ID IN SPRING
Scituate
Saturday, April 10, 2010
10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Field Trip
Leader: Paul Dolan
February may make you shiver, but April sunshine will warm your hearts. As spring starts emerging, our trees and shrubs will be
awakened. This field trip will inform you on what buds and leaves are emerging, You will learn how to identify our natives,
invasives and cultivars, by their leaves, buds, and flowers. Come for a stroll in the northwest corner of our state in the Scituate
reservoir watershed. Our leader is an enthusiastic forester and teacher. This will be the second trip in Paul's seasonal Tree ID series. Easy
Pre-registration required 48 hours prior.
Email: office@riwps.org | Voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee : Members $5., non-members $7.
Min. #5, Max. #15
Weather date and time: Sun. April 11, 1:00 - 3:00pm NEEDLES AND CONES
Portsmouth Library
Sunday, March 21, 2010
1:30 - 3:30 pm
Lecture, with photos and cut specimens
Leader: Garry Plunkett  Northeastern woodlands are enlivened in winter by an array of evergreen trees and this
program will freshen your knowledge of our native conifers. Join us to rediscover the delight of flat, friendly firs and square, sticky spruces. You'll go home knowing the difference between
larches and tamaracks, why some hemlock needles are upside down, and wondering why gymnosperm seeds are naked.
Easy. Rain or shine
Pre-registration required
Email: office@riwps.org or voicemail: 401-789-7497
Fee: none
Max. 30 ANNUAL MEETING
North Kingstown
Saturday, March 13, 2010
North Kingstown Senior Center
44 Beach St., North Kingstown 02852
For directions go to www.northkingstown.org
1:00 pm- Business meeting & Induction of new officers and Board of Directors
2:00 pm -Refreshments & fellowship
2:30 pm - Guest Speaker
If your last name begins with the letters A-M please bring refreshments to share. Forests in Transition: Conservation Challenges for the Future
Speaker: Thomas J. Rawinski
Rhode Island supports a rich variety of plant life, including trees of many kinds. But forests are under threat as never before from insect pests, tree diseases, invasive plants, and overabundant
white-tailed deer. Tom Rawinski, a U.S. Forest Service botanist, will discuss forest health and biodiversity conservation issues in Rhode Island. Concerned citizens can play an important role in
mitigating these threats, and conserving Rhode Island's wondrous natural heritage. Tom is a US Forest Service botanist based in Durham, NH. His work focuses on invasive plant issues
in the New England-New York region. He began his professional career in 1982 with The Nature Conservancy, classifying New England's natural communities and conducting field studies throughout
the Northeast. In recent years Tom has worked for the Massachusetts Audubon Society as their director of ecological management. In 2001 Tom received the New England Wild Flower Society's Conservation Award. RIWPS Annual Meeting is Free and Open to the Public Seed Propagation of Native Perennials:
A Lecture and Demonstration
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Presenter: Marty Fisher
10:00 am - 12:00 noon Location: Portsmouth Library
2658 East Main Rd.
Portsmouth, RI Weather Date: Sat., Jan. 30, 2-4pm
 The propagation of native plants from seed is not a difficult process. There are a few special
techniques that will make it easier for the gardener to be successful. This lecture and demonstration will cover ways to prepare the seed, soils to use, and the care and transplanting of the delicate
seedlings. Our presenter, Marty Fisher, had a native plant nursery in Colorado, growing wildflowers for the retail and wholesale trade. Since moving to Rhode Island she has continued to explore the
wildflowers here and to grow many of them from seed.
A great way to get the cold of winter to pass quickly is to dream of beautiful summer wildflowers,
check through your seed catalogs and then come to the Portsmouth Library and hear Marty, now Rhode Island's talented propagator.
Min. #5, Max. #30
Fee: FREE - Pre-registration required
Registered participants will receive directions to the site and more details by e-mail or telephone. RIWPS JANUARY GENERAL MEETING
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Dr. Rebecca Brown, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Rhode Island
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Location:
South Kingstown Land Trust Barn
17 Matunuck Beach Rd.
South Kingstown, RI
Talk: "Survival of the fittest: Native and Naturalized grasses in High-stress Environments"
Dr. Brown's talk will focus on the work she has done with the adaptations that grasses, both native and naturalized, have
developed in order to survive. This talk will cover the different stresses these plants encounter and why in some cases native
plants are the best adapted and in other cases introduced plants out-compete the natives.
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