Identification of Northern California Grasses (Poaceae)
Led by John Dittes
Senior Biologist—Dittes & Guardino Consulting
Saturday, May 23, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Payment and registration at the link below:
https://forms.gle/7boLLdghKvF33PTS9
Grasses dominate many California landscapes, yet their identification presents a challenge to beginners and experienced botanists alike. Despite their prevalence and importance in ecology and agriculture, most general plant taxonomy courses barely touch on the subject.
Using native and non-native species from the Northern Sacramento Valley, Southern Cascade and Northern Sierra Nevada Ranges of California, this workshop will familiarize you with grass identification. Valley and foothill annual grasslands, vernal pools, meadows, riparian corridors, coniferous forest and rock outcrops of this region support diverse grass assemblages and ample identification “challenges”. Fresh and dried specimens of ~20 genera and 30-35 species will be provided to key together as a group and independently. Emphasis will be placed on terminology and morphological features used to delineate “Tribes”, circumscribe genera and distinguish select species using the Jepson Manual keys. As we work through the material, participants are encouraged to make “reference specimens” with index cards and clear tape. Beginner and more seasoned botanists wishing to “brush-up” are encouraged to attend. Please bring forceps (tweezers), a dissecting needle, and a millimeter ruler (we have some extras in the herbarium). If possible, bring a copy of The Jepson Manual 2nd Edition (we have several copies to loan to those who need them; let us know in advance); we can direct you to sources for The Jepson Manual if you contact us ahead of time.
This workshop will be led by John Dittes, Senior Biologist with Dittes & Guardino Consulting. John has 36 years of field experience in California and the western United States. Since 1995 he has taught plant ID workshops for the CSUC Ahart Herbarium, including Springtime Grasses (Poaceae) of California Valleys and Foothills, Sunflowers (Asteraceae), Pea Family (Fabaceae), Flora of Vernal Pools and Seasonal Wetlands, and Introduction to Plant ID and The Jepson Manual. Grass specimens are generously provided by none other than Lowell Ahart. (Photos provided by John Dittes.)
WORKSHOP DETAILS & REGISTRATION:
Identification of Northern California Grasses
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Schedule: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (snacks & coffee/tea will be provided)
Lunch: 12 pm – 1 pm; (bring a sack lunch or downtown options are nearby)
Location: Chico State University, Ahart Herbarium
Advance registration required. Class size limited to 22 participants (Class cancelled and full refund returned without a minimum of 12 participants). If paying by check, we may not be able to confirm your reservation until the check is received.
Registration Fee Structure:
$210 = Non-Members
$140 = Members of the Friends of the Ahart Herbarium
$70 = Student/Hardship Intern (Two seats only)
What to bring: Bring a sack lunch or grab quick lunch downtown; snacks & coffee/tea will be provided.
Deadline for registration is Monday, May 18, end of day
Registration Questions? (530) 898-5356
Workshop Questions? jcdittes@sbcglobal.net
Register: Click this link: https://forms.gle/7boLLdghKvF33PTS9
or copy and paste this link into your internet browser to complete the online registration form
Payment by credit card (preferred) is NOT automatic. After registration review, a secure online payment link is manually generated. Payee will receive email from "Clover" with payment link within 3 business days of registration submission.
If you need additional assistance with workshop registration, please contact Sandra Scholten at sscholten@csuchico.edu or at the Biology office (530)898-5356.
You will receive more information on workshop logistics closer to the date of the workshop
https://friendsoftheahartherbarium.org/workshops-and-events