Introduction to Plant Identification

Improve your ability to identify trees and shrubs by learning how to unlock clues in the bark, leaves, fruit, and flowers. Includes outdoor hands-in activities!

Main Content

Introduction to Plant Identification students take part in field exercises

Course Status: Not Currently Scheduled

The next offering of this course is tentatively planned for Fall 2023. Please join our email list to be notified when registration opens!

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Course Details

Course Name: Introduction to Plant Identification
Course Code: AL0249CA22

Date: April 21 & 22, 2022
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time on Day 1: 8:30 am)

Location: Holly House, 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08816
Format: Classroom course with hands-on field activities

Registration Fee: TBD
Multi Person Discount Fee: TBD (save when you sign up with a colleague!)

Registration Closes: TBD

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

Certificate iconThis class is part of the Landscape Management Certificate Program, the Landscape Management II Certificate Program, and the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program.

In this two-day class, Licensed Tree Expert Ted Szczawinski will share a wealth of information about how to positively identify plants, trees, and shrubs. With hands-on activities, you’ll learn to unlock clues found in the bark, fruit, leaves, flowers, and more! You’ll learn a step-by-step method that limits endless memorizing. Be prepared to go outside!

This class is highly recommended for anyone planning to attend Landscape Plants: Identification, Selection, and Application.

Who Should Attend?

This class is a great source of information for anyone who wants to improve their plant identification skills. Past participants have included:

  • Department of Public Works Employees
  • Environmental Project Managers
  • Estimators
  • Gardeners
  • Grounds Supervisors
  • Landscape Company Owners
  • Landscape Operations Managers
  • Park Superintendents
  • Lawn and Garden Department Supervisors
  • Tree Cutters

Photo Slideshow

See how hands-on learning complements classroom instruction during the Introduction to Plant Identification course by checking out these photos from a past offering!

Meet Your Instructor

Ted Szczawinski, Licensed Tree Expert

Headshot of instructor Ted Szczawinski

Ted is a Licensed Tree Expert and professor of plant science and biology. He teaches students plant identification skills in a manner that’s fun, interactive, and easy-to-understand!

Student Reviews

“I feel the most useful aspect of the program was applying a dichotomous key. Very informative.”

– Past Participant

“I really feel this course will help day to day in my work.”

– Past Participant

On instructor Ted Szczawinski: “Very knowledgeable and can modify his teaching style for varying knowledge levels of students. Highly recommend.”

– Past Participant

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Introduction to Plant Identification was approved for the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.

The Introduction to Plant Identification course is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew Jersey

NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 6 Technical Contact Hours

NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): 10.5 CEUs for LTE and LTCO

NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 10.5 CEUs

World map icon International

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA): Certified Arborist: 10.5; BCMA – Practice: 10.5

Course Requirements and Policies

electronic devices iconTechnology Requirements

This online course will be delivered via Zoom. Registrants will receive more information as we move closer to the course date. On June 13, 2022, they will receive an email with a link to access the course.

Please log into class at 8:00AM (30 minutes before start time) for a brief overview of the online format. The course will start promptly at 8:30AM.

Equipment you will need to access this training:

  • Laptop or desktop computers are required for this class.
  • Speakers and microphone are not necessary as a call-in option is available.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

camera iconPhoto ID Requirement

Each registrant will be asked provide a photo of him/herself holding their government-issued photo ID. This is required by credit boards so that you may receive credits for participating in this online course.

  • You will receive a reminder email prior to the start of the class with further instructions. Wait to receive these instructions before you attempt to upload your ID.
  • The photo must be clear enough that we can read your name and verify that the person pictured on the ID is in fact the person holding it.
  • The photo must be clear enough that we can read your name and verify that the person pictured on the ID is in fact the person holding it.
  • After an OCPE staff member reviews the picture and verifies your identity, you will have access to participate in the course when it begins.

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $100 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Attention U.S. Veterans

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This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Introduction to Plant Identification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Joe Canzano

Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu

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Administrative Assistant: Beth Perez
848-932-7483
beth.perez@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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