Native New England Shrubs

Shrubs are a key part of our New England Landscapes. This class will take a close look at about ten common native New England shrubs such as high bush blueberry, silky dogwood, sheep laurel, meadowsweet and steeplebush as well as a few non-native invasive shrubs. The class will focus on plant identification, as well as fun and interesting natural history. Well see a plant which colonial Americans used to make candles, a plant whose fruit sea captains used to bring on long voyages to help prevent scurvy, and a plant which the Chippewa used to produce a remedy for craziness. And as winter is coming and the leaves are going, well also consider winter identification characteristics. Children ages 10 and up are welcome to register if accompanied by an adult.

Please note: Program fee does not include site admission fee.

About the Presenter

Roland Boot Boutwell is a freelance itinerant naturalist who taught the core course in Native New England Shrubs and lead field trips for the New England Wild Flower Society for nearly 20 years and was a part time teacher/naturalist for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. He teaches nature programs and leads nature walks for a number of other organizations including: Arlington, MA Community Education; Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, The Winchester, MA public schools; The Friends of the Middlesex Fells (Greater Boston) and numerous other organizations. His hobbies include photography, acting in community theater, and the guitar.