Join Ayesha for a morning to learn about the basics of botany at the Fibershed Learning Center in Point Reyes Station.

During this hands-on class, you will improve your observation skills and learn to look for some of the key characteristics that botanists use to identify plants. Fall season classes will focus on leaves, bark, seed structures, and stem arrangements. We will touch on plant families and discuss the natural history and ecology of some of the plants we see. Our last hour will be focused on how to use the tools of nature journaling (simple sketching and/or writing) to deepen our plant observation skills.

Class will take place outdoors in the beautiful gardens at the Fibershed Learning Center in Point Reyes Station . It will include a variety of hands-on activities, with a focus on having fun and connecting to the plants around us!

Please be prepared for some walking, bending, and kneeling.

Students should bring layers, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and a camera/phone. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in the gardens afterwards.

A mask is required indoors.

Ayesha Ercelawn is a Marin-based naturalist, gardener, and environmental educator, who has been exploring, and teaching and journaling about the natural world of the Bay Area for 20 plus years. Ecology and ethnobotany classes during her Master’s at Yale School of the Environment, inspired her on her journey – a lifelong quest to deepen her understanding of the natural world around her – its fascinating ecology, as well as how people use plants for healing, dyes, fiber, basketry, and, of course, food.

Ayesha has been fortunate over the years to keep learning from teachers at Fibershed, Point Reyes Field Seminars, Gathering Thyme, Marin County Parks, Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, California Academy of Sciences, and the John Muir Laws Educator group, as well as the many plants and animals along the way. Her teaching style is light-hearted, with a focus on joy, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.