7 June 2018 Field Trip: Rare Species and Natural Communities of the Croatan National Forest

This one-day trip will include visits to savannas, flatwoods, and sandhills, along with associated natural communities of the region.  We will focus on identification and habitat for the federally listed rough-leaf loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulifolia), which should be in flower at this time.  We will see Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) and additional carnivorous plant species, as well as several other rare species.  We will discuss the identification of the various longleaf pine natural communities.  We will visit additional natural communities as time permits. 

The natural community portion of the workshop will be based on the Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation (2012).  This document in electronic form is available as a free download at the NHP website at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/nhp/searchable-publications.  Drafts of more detailed descriptions of some natural community types can be downloaded at: https://www.ncnhp.org/references/nhp-publications/fourth-approximation-descriptions.  You may also download a copy of Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Third Approximation (1990) by Schafale and Weakley, which has more descriptive text than the Fourth Approximation guide.

Notes

Registration:  In order to make the most of this learning experience and for the safety of all participants and the habitats we visit, we must limit the number of participants to 20 registrants and require a minimum of 10 participants.  If there is fewer than the minimum number of participants, the class may be canceled .  Registrants will receive a registration confirmation and additional trip details by email.  Registration deadline is 1 June 2018.

Registrants cancelling their registration two (2) weeks or more prior to the event will receive a refund of the registration fee, less a (3%) administrative fee. Registrants canceling between two (2) and one (1) week(s) prior to the event will receive a refund, less a (5%) administrative fee. No refunds will be given for cancelations less than seven (7) days prior to the event. Registrants may transfer their registration to another attendee with the same membership status (e.g. regular member, government employee member, non-member) at any time. Only one transfer per registration is permitted.

Transportation: The workshop fee includes transportation by van from the local meeting location (in or near New Bern) to the site, for interested parties.   Due to limited parking at some of the stops, riding in a van is encouraged. Details about departure times and meeting locations will be emailed to participants prior to the workshop. We will make break stops as feasible along the way.

Equipment: Please bring a lunch, as we will eat lunch while in the field. Please wear appropriate field clothes and shoes and bring water, insect repellent, and sunscreen, as needed.  The field sites are known to harbor ticks, chiggers, and snakes.  Bring a camera if you are interested in photographing the plant species and natural communities. Participants will not be allowed to collect plant or animal specimens. The field trips are planned rain or shine, so please plan and prepare accordingly. In the rare event of emergency cancellation or last minute updates, registrants will be contacted via email. Coolers will be provided for drinks. Afternoon snacks will also be provided.

Accommodations: NCAEP has reserved a block of rooms for event participants at the Bridge Pointe Hotel and Marina in New Bern, NC.  To make reservations, call 252-636-3937 or visit  http://www.bridgepointe.com and use NCAEP as the code.  To obtain the $84/room/night block rate, reservations must be made by 30 May 2018.