This in-person workshop will introduce you to the basics of plant identification on Mayne Island. You will learn how to identify the most common trees and shrubs, where they grow, how they fit within the local ecosystem, and discover some of their uses for us humans. Biologist Rob Underhill and Conservancy Director Michael Leeson will guide a small group through this interactive introduction to local plants. No prior plant identification experience required.

Space will be limited, please preregister below.

Your Guides:

Rob Underhill started working with plants in 2004 as a Horticulturalist in Vancouver. He completed a Certificate of Landscape Horticulture at Capilano University and worked in human-manicured landscapes before completing an undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Victoria in 2010. Since 2008 Rob has worked with native plants across British Columbia, and especially here on Mayne Island where he has managed habitat restoration projects and a native plant nursery for the Mayne Island Conservancy since 2011.

Michael Leeson has lived on Mayne Island in one form or another since 2009 and has a degree in Forestry and a Diploma in the Restoration of Natural Systems. Michael has spent most of his life in and around Coastal forests which have always been his happy “go to” place. He is very much looking forward to sharing his forest and ecosystem knowledge with anyone interested.