The Northwest is home to the greatest conifer forests on Earth! They are expansive, the trees are immense, and the species diverse. Eighteen are found in the Mount Hood National Forest alone. Each is distinctive in its appearance, its ecology, and its usefulness.

This mini-course will be led by Dr. Keith Swenson, adjunct professor of natural sciences at Multnomah University. It will begin with a lab session, held at the home of John Hergenrather in Hood River, in which participants will learn to use a dichotomous key to identify conifer species. This exercise will be followed by a field trip in the Mount Hood National Forest, during which students will practice their identification skills. The day’s activities should greatly enhance everyone’s understanding of, and appreciation for, the Creator’s beautiful and useful world of plants. A comprehensive handout will be provided.