Plant courses
Sponsored by
Photo: Dave Jolly
Courses in terrestrial and wetland plants (trees, shrubs, wildflowers), grasses, sedges and rushes (gramnoids), ferns and Ontario Species at Risk (SARs)
Level 1 FBT terrestrial plant course
This is a family level identification course intended to help those who wish to learn how to visually field identify vascular plants based on their shared family traits. In other words, all plants within the same family reveal similar traits in their flower structure, leaf arrangement and leaf shape.
Pinguicula vulgaris
Butterwort
A member of the Bladderwort/Lentibulariaceae family
Found in cold water springs percolating from limestone outcroppings near fens.
Level 2 FBT terrestrial plant course
This is a genus level identification course intended to help those who wish to learn how to visually field identify vascular plants based on their shared genus traits. Plants belonging to the same genus will exhibit traits and physical features such as a change in the upper, middle and lower leaf shapes, hairs on stem vs. hairless stem and will generally be found within similar habitats. The field manuals are my "Tree and Shrub Genera of Ontario" and my "The Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario" books
A member of the Composite /Compositae family & Fleabane/Erigeron genus
A rare plant of rocky outcroppings and rock barrens found on the Niagara escarpment and Lake Huron side of the Bruce peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Erigeron provancherii
Provancher's fleabane
Level 3 FBT SAR plant course
This is a species level identification course which focuses on approximately 18 - 20 S1 - S3 ranked vascular plants (trees, shrubs and wildflowers) which may be found within the 5 forest regions of Ontario. The field manual for this course is my "A Photo Field Guide to Ontario Species at Risk Trees, Shrubs and Wildflowers - Volume 1"
Asimina triloba
Paw paw
A member of the Custard apple/Annonaceae family &
Paw paw/Asimina genus
An Ontario Species at Risk which is listed as provincially rare. Found growing in riverine floodplains in loamy soil.
Level 3 FBT Grass, sedge, rush course
This is a species level identification course which focuses on 4 families of gramnoids, 28 genera and upt to 58 species of terrestrial, aquatic/wetland plants which may be found within the 5 forest regions of Ontario.
Carex magellanica
Stunted sedge
A member of the Sedge/Cyperaceae family & Sedge/Carex genus
A sedge of fens and open mats of sphagnum mosses
Level 3 FBT Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario course
Asters and goldenrods are among the most difficult to field identify. This course covers 26 species out of 60 + species of terrestrial and wetland asters and goldenrods (including cultivars) which may be found within the 5 forest regions of Ontario. The field manual for this course is my "Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario" book.
Aster divaricatus
White wood aster
A member of the Composite/Compositae family & Aster/Aster genus
An aster of rich woods restricted to a few locations in the Niagara region of Ontario. An Ontario SAR; S2/THR/THR
Level 3 FBT Ferns of Ontario course
Ontario has a rich diversity of ferns and the course attempts to familiarize you with 17 - 20 species of terrestrial and wetland ferns out of the 55 + species which may be found within the 5 forest regions of Ontario.
Osmunda interupta
Interupted fern
A member of the Flowering fern/Osmundiaceae family & Flowering fern/Osmunda genus
A fern of Carolinian and Mixed deciduous forests
Calopogon pulchellus
Grass pink
Professional and amateur Biologists can benefit from these courses
The courses can be customized to suit your needs. Simply contact me to learn more
I have spent the last 25 + years field identifying vascular plants in over 13 countries between North, central and south America as well as southeast Asia. All of my plant courses were designed and developed to help novice or unskilled people learn how to field identify vascular plants to family, genus and species level in 5 seconds or less.
Based on my extensive field knowledge and through the process of identifying over 180 families, 550 genera and 2000 species of vascular plants (ie. trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns and club mosses) found in Ontario I have become a Site Region expert for the Carolinian forest region of Ontario (Site Region 7E). Additonally I focus on increasing your working knowledge of flora. My courses are not taught in any colleges and universities . Compared to these institutions I go much more into the depth and breadth of the technical requirements that employers demand.
Mr. Jolly has over 15 years of knowledge and expertise in terrestrial and aquatic/wetland ecology and biology working in Ontario in a senior management capacity. He has worked with numerous government and non-government agencies as well as in the private sector; the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Canadian Wildlife Service, Conservation Authorities, environmental consulting firms, school boards, politicians, government agencies, scientists, the public sector, etc. He has familiarity with the environmental consulting and planning process for provincially and federally listed Species at Risk and is skilled with all aspects of project development, procurement and delivery. He is certified and sanctioned by the MNR to perform Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and Wetland evaluations (OWES) for southern Ontario and has reviewed numerous reports conducted by Terrestrial/Aquatic and Wetland Biologists. He is particularly skilled at bringing people of many talents and backgrounds together to orchestrate complex projects ranging in size from several weeks to several years.
His real expertise lies in terrestrial, wetland & aquatic ecology knowledge, drafting & developing new field projects, environmental laws and policies as well as terrestrial/wetland/aquatic resources of the 5 forest regions of Canada. Mr. Jolly has been awarded numerous government contracts and is a fully qualified instructor in GIS, flora & fauna field identification technique, ELC, OWES and staff management.
Senior Terrestrial Field Biologist/Ecologist, Plants of Ontario Project, EARTHQUEST (Canada)
Provided supervision and mentoring of intermediate and junior staff to organized & conduct field work in 43 Counties of Ontario in search of all vascular plants (ie. trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns and club mosses). Work with supporting organizations to maintain and coordinate a 58 500 record ACCESS database representing 150 families, 525 genera and 1088 plants of Ontario, including 102 Ontario Species at Risk (SAR) species. Database will be used to produce R ranks to determine rarity levels of vascular plants within Site Regions (regional rarity). Lead GIS Technician in charge of mapping all SAR plants in ACCESS database utilizing ArcView 9.3 plantform. These maps will be used for the SAR plants of Ontario book, sponsored by TD/Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation.
Project manager, Agrimony Project, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rurual Affairs Supervisor
Organized a two year study with the Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) - Simcoe Station to investigate an alternative or supplementary crop to the declining tobacco industry. Conducted full ELC field surveys at 8 natural sites across Ontario and compared ecosites, soil types, pH, moisture regimes, phosphate, nitrate and phosphorous levels to determine the ultimate growing formula for farmers. Conducted studies on plant height vs. density in 5 natural areas. Studied the medicinal properties of plants growing in natural areas. Medicinal product will be patoned for distribution to the public once growing formula has been firmly established.
SAR Biologist, EARTHQUEST (Canada)
Principal in charge of SAR field surveys for all vascular plants (ie. Trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns and club mosses) within Site Regions 6E and & 7E covering approximately 24 counties. Responsible for submitting over 300 SAR plant records to the NHIC in 2010.
Senior Botanist, Dopko Site, Bruce Trail Conservancy
Project Supervisor on behalf of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Responsible for conducting a complete ELC and vegetation survey of a property near Grimsby in Niagara County, Ontario.
Volunteer Biologist, Byng Island Conservation Area, Grand River Conservation Authority
Project Supervisor responsible for obtaining permits to conduct full ELC and vegetation surveys. Discovered provincially rare Black gum ( Nyssa sylvatica ) stands and inclusions within a 12 hectare deciduous forest type.
Senior Field Botanist, flora inventory, Sandbanks Provincial Park
Conducted a full vegetation field survey of all vascular plants at Sandbanks Provincial Park. Discovered 324 plant species and added 11 new species to official park list. Publication submitted to Zone Ecologist for Site Region 6E.
Expedition leader, Research/Conservation Expedition to Nepal, EARTHQUEST (Canada)
Responsilbe for leading a team of 18 into the southern Terai region in search of rare medicinal plants. Orchestrated all field logistics and taught plant field identification.
amet
I spent a little over 9 months in the "Environmental Consultancy" FAT Program at Earthquest from February through November 2009. The formal courses I took as part of that program were: Levels I and II of plant identification, Level I of bird identification, principles and concepts of Ecological Land Classification, Wetland evaluation, and the GIS course; we also covered use of Microsoft's Access database program.
I did this work after completing the 2-year Horticultural Technician program at Fanshawe College, with the main objective of expanding my knowledge and experience with native plants. I achieved that objective in spades for several reasons:
1) Dave Jolly has a breathtaking breadth and depth of botanical knowledge that must be experienced to be believed - you will hardly ever find a plant (or piece of a plant) that he can't identify at any time of the year, and he is more than happy to share that knowledge with his students.
2) Dave has also worked out a very efficient and effective system for plant identification involving a focused inspection of the sample and progressive matching of observed characteristics from family through genus to species. With this system the student is able to grow their plant familiarity and knowledge in manageable, bite-sized bits, so while there is an overwhelming amount to learn, you never really get discouraged but instead can see your performance and ability improve consistently over time.
3) Dave has produced some very helpful guidebooks, plant collections and photos, and your fellow students also share hints and tips for finding good reference materials for use in the field.
4) Finally, all students are encouraged to contribute to the database of flowering dates, and if appropriate, contributions to the Natural Heritage Information Centre (in Peterborough, Ontario) database of rare plants. Again, this gives one a motivating sense of accomplishment.
Paul Heidenheim
6 month Field Assistant Training Environmental Consulting Program student, 2009 graduate
Currently works as a Nursery Assistant, Acorus Restoration, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada
You have created a way to teach your students about the wonderful natural diversity that Ontario has to offer in a way that everybody can understand. You have been a great teacher to all of us and have changed all of our lives.
Chris Mills
3 month Field Assistant Training Program student, 2005 graduate
Currently works as a Manager for a landscaping company in Orangeville, Ontario
Meeting you, learning from you and working with you has been one of the very highest points of 2010. Thank you
Yves Scholten
6 month Field Biology Training Environmental Consulting Program student, 2010/11 student
Currently seeking employment as an environmental consultant
Showcases S1 - S3 provincially ranked trees, shrubs and wildflowers representing 17 families, 26 genera and 29 species.
No other photo field guide on SAR plants exists!
36 species of asters (17 species) and goldenrods (19 species), including 6 SARs and 1 confusing look-a-like are presented.
This volume covers 11 families, 39 genera and 90 species, including 3 SARs of trees and shrubs found within the 5 forest regions of Ontario.
Cost:
$150.00 + $15.00 CAD (shipping & handling)
116 pages
$100.00 + $15.00 CAD (shipping & handling)
82 pages
$200.00 CAD (downloaded as PDF file)
120 pages
SAMPLE COPY
Unit #1 : Taxonomy and nomenclature
A review the scientific classification system of naming plants based on geography, physical features, etc..
How to name a plant based on binomial epithets
Family characteristics and traits
Angiosperm vs. Gymnosperm reproduction
Unit #2 : Field Identification Techniques; Plant Families
We will learn how to identify common plant families of terrestrial systems (deciduous and coniferous forests).
How to identify based on leaf shape, arrangement and flower head arrangement
Family traits and characteristics
Unit #3 : Confusing families
An examination of some of the plant families which may be easily confused in the field
Unit #4 : Tree and shrub families
An examination of 10 different trees/shrubs along with an introduction to winter field ID techniques based on leaf scars, bundle traces, bud shape, bark structure and seeds or keys.
Cost : $800.00 CAD + tax;(incl. free file of 7000 plant photos representing 89 families, 300 genera & over 1000 species)
Field manual : Tree & shrub Genera of Ontario book = $200.00 CAD
Personal attendance : 2 days
Online : Please expect 4 - 6 weeks to do online components. please ask us for when online sessions are available.
Winter semester ; January 9 - April 2, 2012
Available as correspondence or online course
Spring semester ; May 14 - 28, 2012
Registration ; April 1, 2012
Available as correspondence or online course. If choosing field sessions with your Senior Instructor in Ontario (only offered on weekend dates) the following dates are scheduled for field trips to natural areas;
1. May 19 & 20, 2012
Summer semester ; July 2 - 30, 2012
Registration ; May 15, 2012
1. July 7 & 8, 2012
Fall semester ; October 1 - 30, 2012
Registration ; August 15, 2012
1. October 6 & 7, 2012
* Please note: In the event of extreme weather such as snow or rainstorms field sessions may be concancelled or postponed
This course may be easily be done by correspondence since the same plant families are cosmopolitan in distribution and may be found all over the world. In tropical countries, for example. We focus on plant family traits and visual characteristics which are shared by all members of the same family. If you choose correspondence a link to our website will be provided upon full payment where you'll be able to download a PDF document. Additionally, we may schedule appointments via email for private tutorials and photo ID quizes.
By downloading the registration form for this course you agree, acknowledge and accept without duress that this course is exempt from registration by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and included in the International Field Biology Training (FBT) or General Field Assistant Training (FAT) Programs. EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment, the EARTHQUEST Biological Field School, it's agents and staff cannot be held liable for the manner in which this course is taught, given, provided or instructed. EARTHQUEST cannot be held responsible, liable or acussed of anything resulting in your disatisfaction with the Program, courses, our staff, affiliates, agents, partners or representatives. You acknowledge that you agree to waive and release all claims, demands or causes of action against EARTHQUEST and it's agents and agree to indemify them with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that you may incur personally or any damage resulting from participation in the Program. This course is 100% non-refundable. There is a 15% cancellation (33% interest rate) fee should you choose to cancel, drop out, forfeit, delay, quit or be dismissed from the course. If you delay your course you may take it at a later date and you will have 1 year from the time you are accepted to complete it. I have read, accept and agree to be bound by these terms and would like to download the Level 1 FBT terrestrial plant registration form
Unit #1: Field identification techniques - vascular plant genera
18 vascular plant wildflower genera are explored by discussing genus characteristics and commonalities between them.
Unit #2: Differentiating similar genera
We will learn how to visually distinguish between confusing genera which superficially resemble one another in the field.
Unit #3: Tree/Shrub field identification
An examination of 21 - 34 commonly found genera of trees and shrubs.
Cost: $800.00 CAD + tax
Field manuals: Tree & shrub Genera of Ontario book = $200.00 CAD + Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario book = $100.00 CAD
Personal attendance: 8-12 weeks
Online: 16-24 sessions
Learn how to practically and positively field identify up to 18 – - 31 Genera of vascular plants and 21 Genera of trees/shrubs found in terrestrial and wetland systems within the eastern half of North America by direct observation through field/tutorial sessions. Students should have a thorough understanding of how to positively field identify up to 20 - 30 families of vascular plants or have taken the Level 1 FBT terrestrial plant course. Please note, this course does not concentrate on species identification, but emphasizes similarities and differences between confusing Genera and some species within Genera. This course is essential for those who wish to find employment that demands working knowledge field expertise and knowledge of vascular plants. It is highly recommended that the student purchase my “"Tree & Shrub Genera of Ontario"” book for $200.00 CAD + shipping. This is an excellent course for anyone considering Ontario Wetland Evaluation System or Ecological Land Classification certification.
Spring semester ; April 2 - June 4, 2012
Registration ; March 15, 2012
1. May 26 & 27, 2012
1. October 20 & 21, 2012
* Please note: In the event of extreme weather such as rainstorms & the availability of your Senior Insturctor field sessions may be cancelled or postponed
By downloading the registration form for this course you agree, acknowledge and accept without duress that this course is exempt from registration by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and included in the International Field Biology Training (FBT) or General Field Assistant Training (FAT) Programs. EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment, the EARTHQUEST Biological Field School, it's agents and staff cannot be held liable for the manner in which this course is taught, given, provided or instructed. EARTHQUEST cannot be held responsible, liable or acussed of anything resulting in your disatisfaction with the Program, courses, our staff, affiliates, agents, partners or representatives. You acknowledge that you agree to waive and release all claims, demands or causes of action against EARTHQUEST and it's agents and agree to indemify them with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that you may incur personally or any damage resulting from participation in the Program. This course is 100% non-refundable. There is a 15% cancellation (33% interest rate) fee should you choose to cancel, drop out, forfeit, delay, quit or be dismissed from the course. If you delay your course you may take it at a later date and you will have 1 year from the time you are accepted to complete it. I have read, accept and agree to be bound by these terms and would like to download the Level 2 FBT terrestrial plant registration form
Unit #1 : Field identification techiques
As a unique taxonomic group ferns reproduce in special ways. This unit explores the different reproductive systems and how to place ferns into their respective families based on habitat, mode of reproduction and shape/location of the indusiums.
Unit #2 : Field Identification Techniques - Species
We will learn how to identify up to 17 - 20 species of terrestrial and wetland ferns.
Cost :
$800.00 CAD + tax
Online : This course must be taken by participating in field practicums.
Not available as correspondence or online course
Summer semester ; July 2 - August 30, 2012
When taking field sessions with your Senior Instructor in Ontario (only offered on weekend dates) the following dates are scheduled for field trips to natural areas;
1. July 14 & 15, 2012
2. August 11 & 12, 2012
* Please note: In the event of extreme weather such as rainstorms field sessions may be concancelled or postponed
An intense field course designed to introduce you to the world of ferns, reproductive systems, taxonomy and field identification Approximately 17 - 20 species of wetland and terrestrial ferns will be covered. It is highly recommended that you participate in this field course via field practicums. Online sessions are not available.
Unit #1 : Field identification techniques - Asters
A comparative discussion of the differentiation of the Asters into their respective species by flower colour, leaf venation, leaf shape and habitat based on a visual identifiication system developed by the Senior Instructor
Unit #2 : Field Identification techiques - Goldenrods
An examination of Goldenrods using species level field identification techniques similar to Unit #1.
Field manual : "Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario" book = $100.00 CAD
Online: This course must be taken by participating in field practicums
This course exclusively focuses on difficult to field identify Asters and Goldenrods which may be found in the 5 forest regions of Ontario. Approximately 13 of the 19 species of Goldenrods and 13 of the 18 species of Asters presented in our "Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario" book will be covered. Students will benefit from direct observation through field/tutorial sessions with a highly qualified Instructor. Students should have a copy of our "Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario" book available for $100.00. Please note, this course is an intensive field course with a consdierable amount of hiking built into it's structure. This course is essential for those who wish to find employment that demands a working knowledge and field expertise of the Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario. This is an excellent course for anyone involved with field botany or plant inventories and surveys at the species level.
When choosing field sessions with your Senior Instructor in Ontario (only offered on weekend dates) the following dates are scheduled for field trips to natural areas;
1. October 13 & 14, 2012
2. October 20, & 21, 2012
* Please note: In the event of extreme weather such as srainstorms & the availability of your Senior Insturctor field sessions may be concancelled or postponed
Unit #1 : The Biosystematics of SARs of the course
How we are using the Plants of Ontario database to quantitatively and qualitatively collect plant records within the counties of Ontario
Unit #2: Field Identification Techniques; Vascular plant species
A rapid assessment technique developed by the instructor to assess SARs by habitat and ecosite.
Focus will be on confusing common look-a-likes and habitat recognition.
How to field identify plants to species level:
species characteristics and traits
Field manuals: SAR plants of Ontario book = $150.00 CAD + Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario book = $100.00 CAD
Personal attendance: 2 sessions
Online: consult us for which sessions may be available
This course is designed for restoration ecologists, Species at Risk Biologist or anybody interested in learning about Ontario’'s SAR plants. Field identification techniques on the species level are taught with field practicums on approximately 19 - 20 SAR plants. Students will learn how to species level field differentiate between confusing look-a-likes that resemble Ontario SARs as well as hybrids and sub-species (some of these are Ontario SARs) field identification techniques. To take this course it is highly recommended that the student purchase our “"A Photo Field Guide to Species at Risk and Rare plants of Ontario: Volume 1"” book for $150.00 CAD. This book is a prerequisite as it specifically covers the majority of SAR plants encountered during field sesssions. An excellent supplementary book is our "Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario" book to cover some of the SAR plants from the Aster/Goldenrod group. This course was created to assist with the shortage in the industry of well qualified SAR Biologists. Course material is downloaded as PDF documents from our website.
Available as correspondence or online course, but it is highly recommended that you participate in field practicums with a qualified instructor.
Summer semester ; June 1 - 30, 2012
If choosing field sessions with your Senior Instructor in Ontario (only offered on weekend dates) the following dates are scheduled for field trips to natural areas;
1. June 23 & 24, 2012
* Please note: In the event of extreme weather such as ainstorms & the availability of your Senior Insturctor field sessions may be concancelled or postponed
By downloading the registration form for this course you agree, acknowledge and accept without duresss that this course is exempt from registration by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and included in the International Field Biology Training (FBT) or General Field Assistant Training (FAT) Programs. EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment, the EARTHQUEST Biological Field School, it's agents and staff cannot be held liable for the manner in which this course is taught, given, provided or instructed. EARTHQUEST cannot be held responsible, liable or acussed of anything resulting in your disatisfaction with the Program, courses, our staff, affiliates, agents, partners or representatives. You acknowledge that you agree to waive and release all claims, demands or causes of action against EARTHQUEST and it's agents and agree to indemify them with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that you may incur personally or any damage resulting from participation in the Program. This course is 100% non-refundable. There is a 15% cancellation (33% interest rate) fee should you choose to cancel, drop out, forfeit, delay, quit or be dismissed from the course. If you delay your course you may take it at a later date and you will have 1 year from the time you are accepted to complete it. I have read, accept and agree to be bound by these terms and would like to download the Level 3 FBT SAR Plants of Ontario registration form
Unit 1 : Structure and function of Gramnoids
Gramnoid classification and structure
How to field identify gramnoids to species level, species characteristics and traits of grasses, sedges and rushes
Unit #2 : Where and how to find gramnoids
Survey methodology and techniques will be explored to help locate gramnoids in terrestrial, aquatic and wetland systems
