Join Georges River Land Trust and scientist Matt Arsenault for a hands-on exploration of grasses and sedges, Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Riverview Hayfields Preserve in South Thomaston. This field-based workshop will introduce participants to grasses, sedges, and rushes. 

Collectively known as graminoids or grass-like plants, participants will gain an appreciation of the wide diversity of species found on our landscape, their ecological importance, and practical tips on field identification, according to GRLT, in a news release. The group will review key morphological characteristics between the three groups, review a large diversity of commonly encountered species, and practice hands-on keying of unknown specimens. 

Participants should bring a hand lens or small magnifying glass if they have one (10-15x magnification is recommended), personal field guides if desired, and be prepared for typical field conditions including the presence of ticks and mosquitoes, sun exposure, and the potential for wet ground conditions. 

This workshop is free and open to all ages. Please register at georgesriver.org/events. In case of rain, this program will be held on Sunday, June 28. 

Matt Arsenault is a Senior Ecologist and Botanist for Stantec Consulting. Based in Topsham, Arsenault leads botanical survey and vegetation assessment and monitoring services for projects throughout the northeastern US. His work includes surveys for threatened and endangered species, habitat assessments, species protection and mitigation plans, incidental take permitting, and long-term vegetation monitoring. He has B.S. in Botany from the University of Maine. 

Georges River Land Trust has been conserving and caring for the St. George River watershed since 1987. The land trust has conserved more than 5,600 acres of forest, farm, and shoreline, and maintains over 80 miles of public trails in 19 towns from Montville to Cushing. This conservation work is supported by over 1,000 community members. Visit georgesriver.org to join the community and learn more.