Wood Species Identification

In this full day workshop, participants will gain skills needed to identify woods no matter what the sample size, be it a board, a log, or a small sample. The class will focus on common hardwoods and softwoods of North America. Skills learned can be applied to identification of non-native species as well.

Participants will learn to identify woods by studying both macroscopic and microscopic anatomical features. A great deal of information can be obtained simply by observing the structure of the wood viewed on the end grain with a hand lens and referring to Bruce Hoadley’s book Identifying Wood, but that doesn’t always suffice so additional tools will be presented, such as use of other reference books, samples, on-line databases and the microscope. Participants will receive a packet of reference materials to take with them, including samples of North American woods, tree and wood identification references, and other resources. Students may purchase a hand lens from the instructor at a cost $14 each, which is a great price considering the quality.

There will be hands-on exercises throughout the day working with the wood samples provided to help gain confidence and proficiency in identifying diagnostic characteristics. At the end of the day, all should be ready to put the knowledge gained into immediate practice. Wood identification requires a combination of practical skills and scientific knowledge and, like any craft, requires practice to master. Participants will be well on their way after this class.