Become familiar with Maine’s characteristic assemblages of plants, their defining physical environments, and the natural processes that affect them. In the classroom and in the field, learn the differences between community types such as salt marshes, red maple swamps, northern hardwood forests, bogs, and floodplain forests. Find out which common plants occur in each natural community type, and what plant adaptations are key to competing successfully in the various communities. The primary reference for this course will be Natural Landscapes of Maine: A Guide to Natural Communities and Ecosystems by Susan Gawler and Andrew Cutko. Bring lunch and wear sturdy shoes that can get wet.