Texas

The Academy for Ranch Management will host a plant identification workshop May 12 to 14 at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station near Sonora.

"Participants will learn about the most common rangeland plants found across the state," said Ray Hinnant, a senior research associate with the Experiment Station and one of the instructors.

Participants will learn to identify a variety of grasses, forbs, wildflowers, shrubs and trees. They will also learn how to gather, label and dry plant collections, Hinnant said.

"Participants will have the opportunity to collect plants for their own herbarium and develop a set of reference photographs," he said.

"They will also learn to identify plants in the field and from mounted plants and fresh collections. We will also discuss the ecological importance of the plants and their use by wildlife and domestic livestock. We plan on being in a field setting for more than half of the course."

Cost is $395. Lodging and meals will be provided at the Sonora Station. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Separate dormitory sleeping arrangements will be available for men and women. If participants choose, they may stay at hotels in Sonora at their own expense.

Other instructors include Dr. Charles "Butch" Taylor, director of the Sonora Station; Steve Nelle, Natural Resources Conservation Service range specialist; and Dr. Mort Kothmann, professor at Texas A&M University.

For registration information, visit the Web at http://rangeweb.tamu.edu/ARM/page10.html.

Date: 3/24/05