Wood ID: Structure, Strength & Use with Ron Lance

Saturday, August 15, 2026

10:00am - 12:30pm

Meet at the ABG Visitor's Center (Indoor and outdoor class)

Wood tells a story that goes far beyond what we see on the surface. In this engaging workshop, renowned naturalist Ron Lance will introduce participants to the internal structure of wood and how it shapes the ways we use it.

Through hands-on observation of real wood samples and slabs, you’ll explore different cell types and their arrangements, gaining a deeper understanding of why wood varies in strength, texture, and function across species. These anatomical features not only influence practical uses, from tools to building materials, but also offer another lens for understanding trees themselves.

This class is ideal for anyone curious about the natural world, from woodworkers to plant enthusiasts. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the complexity of wood and the hidden structures that make each species unique.

*Please bring a 5-10x magnifier or hand lens if you have one.

Instructor:

Ron Lance is a renowned Southern Appalachian botanist, naturalist, and author with more than four decades of experience studying the region’s woody plants and ecosystems. His work has included roles with the North Carolina Arboretum, Chimney Rock State Park, Balsam Mountain Trust, and the North American Land Trust, where he served as land manager and biologist at Big Ridge Preserve.

Widely respected for his expertise in woody plant identification and ecology, Ron is the author of several books, including Woody Plants of the Southeastern United States: A Winter Guide and The Hawthorns of the Southeastern United States. In 2022, he received the Elizabeth Anne Bartholomew Award from the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society for his significant contributions to botany and public education.

Class limit: 20

Cost: $35 for non-Members, ABG Members take 25% OFF at checkout

**ABG Members: to apply your member discount, enter the discount code: CLASSES25 at the checkout page. **