On Sept. 6, the Brandeis Botanical Society (BBS) led a group of about 25 plant-loving students into the Sachar Woods, a not-so-well-kept Brandeis secret. These students were allured by the idea of Woods Walk and were then treated to a variety of fun facts about the various plants that make Brandeis their home.
Some of these tidbits were helpful in the identification of various plants and species. Attendees learned about the red outer edge of Red Oak bark and the three leaves of Poison Ivy. Members of the BBS instructed participants to pass around a few Stripped Wintergreen leaves and a piece of Sweet Birch bark in order to smell their wintergreen aromas. They learned which plants were edible (Stripped Wintergreen), which plants had edible parts (Red Maple sap and Red Oak acorns) and which shouldn’t be ingested (Pokeweed and Eastern Hemlock). Participants were even given full rein to pick the leaves of the invasive Norway Maple.
When asked about why they chose to help found and expand the BBS, members had a variety of reasons. Irina Robinson ’28, Treasurer of BBS, when asked about why she is a part of BBS, said, “I am a sophomore studying Environmental Science and Philosophy. I love working with plants and spending time outdoors. I am always looking for new ideas and facts (especially if it’s about plants)!” Vice President of BBS, Thomas O’Connor Golden ’28, when asked about helping found the club, said, “I’m an Environmental Science student also considering majoring in Biology. I’ve been fascinated by trees ever since I took Tree Class (ENVS 2A) last fall. I’m also a big fan of using iNaturalist to document biodiversity on Brandeis’ campus!”
On a campus that can often feel far too fast-paced and overwhelming, calming events and spaces for shared interests outside of the purely academic are a must. Fans of nature, promoting biodiversity on campus, or plants in general, might just find the Brandeis Botanical Society to be the space for them.
