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Oct 11

Native Grasses Identification

This is an elective course and provides 4 hours toward the completion of the Certificate in Native Plants program.
You do not need to be pursuing the Certificate to enroll in this class.

Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute
175 Baylor School Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
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Oct 11, 2025 09:00am ET - Oct 11, 2025 12:30pm ET

$40.00 - $50.00

SEE FULL CLASS DETAILS BELOW


Class Description:

Join botanist/ecologist Gary Kauffman for a hands-on native grasses workshop highlighting grass identification and grassland communities. We’ll learn to use a Southern Appalachian grasses key derived from Weakley’s Flora of the Southeastern U.S. and other identification tools, look at samples of common native grasses, and learn a bit about grassland communities and the wildlife they support. You should come away from the workshop to be more comfortable using the key to Poaceae (grasses) groups and genera, recognize a dozen common grasses by sight, and have ample resources to hone your grass skills.


PLEASE NOTE:

This class will have both in and outdoor components, please dress for the weather of the day.


What to bring with you:

Bring with you any note taking needs, water, snacks, etc.



Registration Policy: 

As with all CNP classes, class size is limited. To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held. If the class is cancelled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund.



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Instructor: Gary Kauffman Botanist/Ecologist


Gary Kauffman was the botanist/ecologist program manager for the National Forests in NC (NFsNC) for 18 years. The NFsNC cover 1.3 million acres across four forests, the Nantahala, the Pisgah, the Uwharrie and the Croatan. Gary was with the USFS starting in 1992, all in North Carolina, working as a botanist, analyzing sustainability of harvested botanical products such as ginseng, recommending restoration of rare plants and communities, and updating forest plant revisions. He has a master’s degree in botany and has lived in western North Carolina for the last 38 years.