Interdunal Wetland Plant Identification in West Michigan (1 Day)

Name of Class: Interdunal Wetland Plant Identification
Date: July 11, 2024
Location:
Field: Muskegon State Park, Muskegon, Michigan
Time(s): 9am to 4pm
Instructor: Erin Vander Stelt, MS, PWS
Cost: $125 (MWA members), $150 (non-members)
* A Recreation Passport is required for parking at Muskegon SP.

Click here to become a MWA member.

Class Description: A one-day class focusing on understanding and exploring the unique habitat of the Lake Michigan interdunal wetlands, a Rare and Imperiled Wetland Community as defined in Part 303. Instruction will include a morning lecture in an outdoor pavilion at Muskegon State Park comprised of an introduction to interdunal wetland characteristics, their unique flora and fauna, and identification of their indicative species. Most of the day will be spent in the field, where the class will examine multiple representative interdunal wetlands across Muskegon State Park, with a break for lunch at noon. Admission to Muskegon State Park is free to Recreational Passport holders and $11.00 for a day visit. Participants will be responsible for lunch and lodging if needed. Several lodging options are available in Muskegon. Come prepared for varied weather (rain, wind, and/or heat) and various field conditions (walking paths, sandy ground, wetlands and standing water). Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, rain gear as needed, and boots that can handle some water are recommended. Attendees are encouraged to bring a hand lens, Rite-in-the-Rain notebook, and pencil(s). Other helpful tools include binoculars, camera, zip-lock bags, and/or clipboard.

Instructor Bio:
Erin Vander Stelt – Erin is a botanist with experience in woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and dunes throughout the Midwest, currently working as an environmental consultant for Merjent, Inc. Erin received her Master of Science in Plant Biology and Conservation from Northwestern University and is recognized as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) through the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional certification program. She has spent the last decade focusing on wetland science and consultation throughout the Lower Peninsula, specializing in wetland delineations, wetland mitigation monitoring, threatened and endangered species habitat assessments, and local, state, and federal permit applications. She continues expanding her botanical skills through regular identification classes, field work, and long walks with her three children. Living just inland from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, Erin appreciates the dynamic and ever-changing dune system and can’t wait to share it with this class.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

• Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty.
• Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees.
• Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees.
• Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.