Learning Botanical Terms for Tree-shrub ID while “doing” a Scavenger Hunt

 NOTE:   Preregistration is required.  Please email Bobby Hattaway at:  

Field Trip Leader:   Bobby Hattaway, Botanist

Description:   Preregistration is required.  There is a $3.00 per person admission fee for seniors, $5.00 for others. The canal opened in 1831 but despite many years of human disturbance, the site has a diverse array of plant species (ca. 200) most of which are native.

The initial focus will be on learning terminology useful for the identification (ID) of woody plants.  To facilitate that, it would be useful for you to have a copy of Plant Identification Terminology by Harris & Harris (2001). There is a 1994 1^st ed. that will work too. After the scavenger hunt, we’ll ID some trees, shrubs and lianes (woody vines), starting with the ones in the scavenger hunt. If time permits we’ll do a little more walking around.

The place is known for woodies and is “holly heaven” as it has 7 species of Holly (llex), but there are a lot of other species of plants, most of which are woody.  Though palms do not have a vascular cambium, they do have woody tissue. We should see Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) + Georgia’s other 3 native palms. We should see all 4 of Georgia’s 4 tupelos. Total acreage of site is 185.

Location & Directions:   Address: 681 Fort Argyle Road, Savannah, GA 31419.  From Interstate 95, take Exit 94 west onto Ga. 204 (Fort Argyle Road). Travel west approximately two miles. Coming from the east, the entrance to the site is on the left. ?

Meet At:  10:00 am – the Savannah-Ogeechee Barge Canal Museum & Nature Center parking lot.

Bathroom Facilities:   Restrooms on site.

Walking Difficulty:   Moderate to easy walking, but occasional boardwalks or bridges which can be slippery if wet.

Bring:   Water, snacks, camera, walking stick, picnic lunch and maybe bug spray.  Wear sturdy, water-resistant shoes or boots. It would be wise to bring a 10X loupe or magnifier. Binocs are nice to have for looking into the canopy.

Contact: Bobby Hattaway,  mobile phone 912-481-3011.