01 : Plant Identification Course: Rinker Rock Creek Ranch

Plant Identification Course
Monday-Thursday, June 22-25, 2026
Rinker Rock Creek Ranch Rock Creek Road, Blaine County (near Hailey, Idaho)

Rinker Rock Creek Ranch will offer a four-day field course taught by Justin Trujillo, author of A Field Guide to Grasses and Grass-like Plants of Idaho. The course focuses on developing practical plant identification skills through hands-on learning in the field.

Day 1 introduces the basic morphology and identification of cool-season grasses, with a brief introduction to select warm-season species for comparison and field recognition.

Day 2 focuses on advanced grass identification using diagnostic characteristics and field keys, with a brief review of foundational traits to orient both returning participants and those attending independently.

Days 3–4 form a two-day Family Plant Identification course exploring plant families encountered across the sagebrush steppe and riparian portions of the ranch. Participants will learn to recognize structural traits used to distinguish families while working with representative upland plants and will also be introduced to wetland-associated families such as Juncaceae, Cyperaceae, Salicaceae, and Betulaceae. By exploring multiple habitats, students will encounter plant families in ecological context while covering as much plant diversity as conditions and time allow.

For the course fee, students will receive a 6 x 8 inch plant press and a hand lens. Students enrolled in the grass portion of the course will receive a copy of A Field Guide to Grasses and Grass-Like Plants of Idaho. Additional handouts and reference materials will be provided during the Family Plant Identification sessions.

This course does not include meals; those enrolled should plan to bring food/snacks, water, and if desired, a folding or travel chair into the field each day. Camping will not be available on the ranch because we house students and researchers for the summer. Here are some campsites nearby:

Register early - the course is limited to 20 participants per day.

Questions? Please email Justin Trujillo (jjtrujillo2003@gmail.com) or Dr. Tracey Johnson (traceyj@uidaho.edu)