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-on activities!

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Introduction to Plant Identification students take part in field exercises

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Course Details

Course Name: Introduction to Plant Identification
Course Code: AL0249CA24

Date: November 9 & 10, 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time on Day 1: 8:30 am)

Location: Bioresource Engineering Laboratory (formerly ECC), 18 Ag Extension Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with hands-on field activities

Registration Fee: $430 per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $395 per person (expires November 2, 2023)

Registration Closes: November 7, 2023

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
  • Lawn and Garden Department Supervisors
  • Park Superintendents
  • Shade Tree Commission Members
  • Tree Care Operators
  • 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): Pending

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

NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 5.5 CEUs

World map icon International

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA): Pending

Course Requirements and Policies

Meals

No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.

NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least one (1) week in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.

coronavirus icon COVID-19 Mask & Vaccination Policies for Face-to-Face Classes

Registrants attending OCPE events are not currently required to wear face masks or provide proof of vaccination.

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To continue to protect yourself and others:

  • Masks are welcome.
  • If you have symptoms, testing is encouraged.
  • If you feel unwell, please recover at home. Contact us to cancel your registration at 848-932-9271, option 2 or registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Red checkmark in circle iconPre-registration/Walk-Ins

Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.

Icon of map marker over folded mapLocation Changes

Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

Red car iconCampus Parking Policy

All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.

  • A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
  • When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
  • All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.

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

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $35 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

Rutgers University Shield

Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7204
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu

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

Instructor Steve Kristoph teaches a hands on plant identification session in the Rutgers Gardens

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