On Saturday Feb. 16, starting at 10:30 a.m., The Pacolet Area Conservancy and Walnut Creek Preserve will co-sponsor a program at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center on “Identifying Trees in Winter.” The public is invited to the talk and walk and there is no charge for the program. In the event of inclement weather, please check the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) website, www.pacolet.org, for information. A “weather date” has been set for Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Following an introduction on what techniques help to identify trees when they have no leaves or fruit, Shannon Buckley and Pam Torlina will lead a walk on the trails down to Walnut Creek. They will point out the various methods for identifying trees, using bark texture and color, buds, twigs and other features. The program is intended for young and old who want to expand their knowledge of our native trees. Dress appropriately and bring water for the hike.

Shannon Buckley of Rutherfordton is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in forest resource management. He is a district supervisor of the Rutherford Soil and Water Conservation District and has served for many years as a board member of the North Carolina Forestry Association and as district chairman of the Friends of Forestry PAC. He is currently district procurement forester for Domtar Paper Company.