JANUARY NATURE EVENTS

➤ “Winter Tree Identification Workshop” (Saturday, Jan. 19, 1-4 p.m.): Hosted by the Clifton Institute at its property in Warrenton, this workshop provides the tools for identifying many common trees in our area this time of year, when lack of leaves on deciduous trees makes this more difficult. On the walk, Dr. Emily Southgate, a botanist and historical ecologist who is a senior scientist at Hood College, introduces basic terminology used in tree identification and, using trees on the institute’s property as examples, shows how to use identification books and apps. Warm, waterproof footwear is highly recommended; also useful is a hand lens, jackknife and binoculars. At 6712 Blantyre Rd., Warrenton; register at cliftoninstitute.org/ events or email education associate Alison Zak at azak@cliftoninstitute.org.

➤ “Historical Botany” talk (Sunday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m.): The Piedmont chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society kicks off this year’s Winter Speaker Series, on historical botany, with a talk by Bert Harris, executive director of the Clifton Institute. Harris explains the organization’s plans to restore the grassland ecosystem using several strategies, including burning. The talk, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 9668 Maidstone Road, Delaplane, is free, and refreshments are provided. For more information, email piedmontvnps@ gmail.com. The chapter’s Second Sunday walk in Buck Hollow on Jan. 13 is fully booked but check for other walks and winter talks at vnps.org/events.