MITCHELL — Join Janet Eger, a seasoned forester with over 40 years of field experience, for a hands-on workshop on winter tree identification hosted by the White River Forestry Committee. The workshop will take place on Thursday, February 6, and Saturday, February 8, at Spring Mill State Park, allowing participants to sharpen their skills in identifying tree species during the colder months.
The Thursday session will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Oak Room at the Spring Mill State Park Inn, while the Saturday session will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Grissom Memorial parking lot and conclude before noon. Those unable to attend both sessions are encouraged to join one, as each session offers unique learning experiences. Spring Mill State Park is located east of Mitchell on State Road 60.
In Thursday’s indoor session, Eger will guide participants through various techniques for distinguishing tree species without the aid of leaves. Using twig samples, she will show attendees how to identify tree buds, nuts, and seeds of common species and discuss the differences in bark among various trees. Drawing on her extensive experience, Eger will share tips and tricks she has learned throughout her career to help landowners and nature enthusiasts become more confident in their tree identification skills.
The group will meet at the Grissom Memorial parking lot on Saturday for an interactive, outdoor experience. Eger will lead participants on a paved trail through the woods, where they will practice identifying trees based on their bark, twigs, nuts, and other characteristics. Other area foresters will be present to offer assistance and support, making this session an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning.
The workshop costs $10, and pre-registration is required to ensure enough handouts are available for all attendees. Space in the Oak Room for Thursday’s session is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Refreshments will be provided at both sessions.
To register for the workshop or for more information, please contact Teena Ligman at 812-278-0139 or email at tdligman@att.net.
The White River Forestry Committee sponsored the workshop, which is part of the Indiana Forest and Woodland Owners Association and Spring Mill State Park. Don’t miss this chance to learn new skills and deepen your understanding of the trees around you this winter!
