Common Sedges of Pennsylvania

In this two-day workshop, we’ll take an in-depth look at an often overlooked group of plants - the sedges. Using collected and herbarium specimens, we’ll learn the characteristics needed to identify the following common genera: Eleocharis, Scirpus, Schoenoplectus, Cyperus and Carex as well as emphasize how to tell the genera apart. We’ll also take a look at uncommon sedges that make the Commonwealth their home. Each day, participants will have a chance to apply what they’ve learned through guided walks. If you think all sedges have edges, this workshop may surprise you! Each participant will receive Lauren Brown’s Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: An Identification Guide. Please bring a hand lens.

To prepare for the event:

• Please bring a hand lens
• Bring your own lunch (snacks and water will be provided)
• Please keep an eye on the weather and plan to dress appropriately. We recommend you wear sturdy and comfortable footwear as this workshop involves easy to moderate walking. 
  • Other considerations: rain coat, bug spray, sunscreen, hat and water bottle. 
• Your own copy of Lauren Brown’s book: Grasses, Sedges, Rushes: An Identification Guide

This workshop will be instructed by Sarah Chamberlain, Associate Research Professor at Penn State University and curator of the Penn State (PAC) Herbarium. Ms. Chamberlain has taught plant identification workshops for over 20 years to a variety of groups including Penn State Master Gardeners, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. She has developed several materials to aid in plant identification (particularly for grasses, sedges, and rushes) and is the author of Field Guide to Grasses of the Mid-Atlantic. Ms. Chamberlain is past-president of the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society and a member of the Society of Herbarium Curators.