MICHIGAN BOTANICAL CLUB

SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER FIELD TRIP

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: Forest Dynamics and Species ID

Kalamazoo Nature Center, DeLano Farms

With Todd Barkman

Saturday March 26th from 10 am to 1 pm

Rain Date: Sunday March 27th from 1 pm to 4 pm

Our pre-settlements Beech-Maple Forest community type is one of the richest in terms of species and structural diversity.  Besides the iconic American Beech and Sugar Maple, several other charismatic species are common components that make for a distinctive assemblage.  In this MBC outing we will observe the canopy, subcanopy and forest floor to identify the interacting species as well as aspects of succession that apparently maintain tree composition.   Gap dynamics, pathogens and parasites will be discussed and studied in an effort to understand how the DeLano homestead Beech-Maple Forest has changed over time and whether species composition will be maintained.  Bring your tape measures and binoculars as we survey this beautiful site for tulip trees, bitternut hickory, musclewood, ironwood and others.  With any luck, harbinger of spring, hepatica and other spring ephemerals will grace us with their presence on the forest floor.  We will also have the opportunity to answer the question: how many MBC members does it takes to encircle one of the largest red oak trees in SW Michigan?   

Todd Barkman, a Professor in Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University, will lead the field trip.  Todd received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Botany from Michigan State University and his Ph. D. in Botany from The University of Texas in Austin.  He moved to Western Michigan University in 2000 after a two-year postdoctoral research position at Pennsylvania State University.  Todd served as the Editor of The Michigan Botanist for several years and has a research focus on the systematics of plants of Southeast Asia as well as how caffeine biosynthesis convergently evolved in angiosperms.   

 DeLano Farms is the western portion of KNC’s main campus and features miles of beautiful hiking trails for year-round use.  It’s a convenient place to learn about identifying plants using bark and twigs.

For more information about KNC and DeLano Farms: Link

Directions: DeLano Farms, 555 West E Avenue, Kalamazoo MI 49009

IMPORTANT:  A dashboard day pass is required for each vehicle.  Check at the KNC Welcome Center, 7000 N Westnedge Ave, to get the pass before proceeding to DeLano.