Discover Winter Trees

🌱 Course Title: Discover Winter Trees

Course Headline: Observe Key Features of Deciduous Trees in Winter

📚 Course Description:

Welcome to a frosty foray into the world of winter trees! In this 10-part video series, "Discover Winter Trees," you'll embark on an educational journey through the quiet, cold beauty of deciduous trees in their dormant state. This beginners-level course is perfect for anyone who has ever marveled at a leafless tree and wondered what secrets it holds. No prior knowledge is required; all you need is access to an outdoor space with a tree that sports some low branches, and any deciduous species will do!

🍃 What You'll Learn:

• Bud Color and Shape: Discover the clues hidden within buds that reveal the identity of the tree.
• Budding Patterns: Learn how to read the different ways trees bud out new leaves and growth.
• Bark Patterns: Notice the textures, colors, and shapes of bark that tell a tree's story.
• Leaf Scars: Identify where last year's leaves once attached, providing hints to leaf shape in the absence of leaves.
• Lenticels: Spot the small openings that trees use to exchange gases with the atmosphere.
• Twig Patterns: Understand the architecture of twigs and their importance in tree identification.
• Size and Shape of Your Local Tree: Observe the overall form and size, which can vary greatly even among the same species.

🌟 Course Format:

Each class will focus on one key feature, introducing it through engaging examples before guiding you to step outside and search for that feature on a tree near you. Whether you prefer written notes, sketches, or photography, this course encourages you to record your findings in a way that resonates with you. The goal is to inspire regular outdoor exploration and mindful observation, transforming your green space into a classroom without walls.

🔍 Your Journey:

As the course progresses, you'll develop a field note book filled with personal observations. These notes can serve as inspiration for various creative endeavors, such as an art sketchbook, a photo diary, or a source of contemplation for your creative writing. Your newfound knowledge and skills will allow you to appreciate the subtle beauty and intricate details of winter trees, turning each visit into a potential discovery.

📅 By the End of the Course:

• You'll have a deeper understanding of what to look for in deciduous trees during the winter months.
• Your awareness of tree features will be honed, allowing you to identify species based on general characteristics rather than specific names.
• You'll have a tangible record of your observations that can be used for various creative and mindful purposes.

🌳 Join us on this journey to uncover the hidden world of winter trees. Sign up now and let the quiet, wintry landscape become your classroom!