Rare Plants and Natural Communities Workshop

June 5, 2025

Class Location:

Croatan National Forest

Registration Fee:
$120 for NCAEP members

$145 for non-members

The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) and the North Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals (NCAEP) will hold a one-day Natural Community Identification workshop on June 5, 2025. The field trip/workshop will be led by NC Natural Heritage Program staff and will focus on natural communities and associated rare plants in the Croatan National Forest. This field trip is designed for environmental professionals, botanists, and students who are responsible for conducting environmental surveys.

This one-day trip will include visits to several natural communities throughout Croatan National Forest and will focus on identification and habitat for rough-leaf loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulifolia).

The natural community portion of the workshop will be based on the Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation (2024). This document in electronic form is available as a free download at the NHP website.

Please visit https://www.ncaep.org/event-6202371 for more information and to register. Registrations must be completed by  Friday May 30th.

Liability waivers must be signed upon your arrival to class.

In order to make the most of this learning experience and for the safety of all participants and the habitats that we will visit, registration will be limited to 26 participants. A minimum of 10 participants will be required for this event. If the minimum registration is not met, the class may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Additional Information

Transportation: Your registration fee includes transportation to Croatan National Forest by van from Raleigh. Participates can choose to meet the group at the Croatan National Forest. Due to limited parking at the planned stops, riding in a van is required between sites. Additional details regarding exact departure times and meeting locations will be provided in upcoming updates prior to the workshop date. Depending on the locations of registered attendees, additional van pickup locations can be coordinated. Please contact the workshop coordinator (workshops@ncaep.org) for further information.

Equipment: Attendees are asked to please bring a bag lunch, as lunch will be had during the workshop. Coolers will be provided for drinks and afternoon snacks will be provided. This field trip will be planned rain or shine, so please plan accordingly for adverse weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing, shoes, water, insect repellants, and sunscreen, as needed. The field sites are known to harbor ticks, chiggers, snakes, and other wildlife. Cameras are encouraged if there is interest in photographing the plant species and communities that we will be observing. The collection of plant or animal specimens will be prohibited.