Learning Resources
Guides, Books, Apps, Organizations
Learning plants is a lifelong journey, shaped by time in the field, careful observation, and the guidance of good resources. Over the years, Carrie has built her knowledge through extensive reading, participation in botanical organizations, and countless hours exploring forests, fields, and gardens. The recommendations gathered here reflect many of the tools and communities that have supported her learning along the way.
Use the buttons below to jump to different sections of the page and explore Carrie’s recommended field guides, books, phone apps, and botanical organizations. Whether you're just beginning or continuing to deepen your knowledge, these resources can help you learn more about the plants growing around you.
Field Guides
Field guides are among the most useful tools for learning plant identification. Carrie regularly encourages students to carry field guides into the woods, compare multiple sources, and use them as companions for observation rather than simply as books to read at home.
Below are field guides that Carrie has found particularly helpful over the years. Whether you're learning your first trees or refining more advanced identification skills, these resources can help you build confidence and deepen your understanding of the plants around you.
Books
Books can take plant learning beyond identification, opening up the stories, ecology, language, and history behind the plants we encounter. They give learners a way to slow down, compare ideas, and deepen their understanding long after a walk or class has ended.
Below are books that Carrie has found especially valuable in her own learning. Some are practical references, while others offer broader perspectives that can enrich how you see trees, plants, and the landscapes they shape.
Phone Apps
Modern technology has made plant learning more accessible than ever. While Carrie still believes that careful observation and time in the field are the best teachers, phone apps can be valuable tools for identification, record-keeping, and continued learning.
Below are several apps that Carrie recommends. They can help you identify plants, track your observations, connect with other naturalists, and explore the remarkable diversity of species growing around you.
Organizations
Learning about plants is often more enjoyable—and more engaging—when it’s shared with others. Alongside her own study, Carrie has benefited from participating in plant walks, classes, and botanical groups over the years.
Below are organizations she's affiliated with or recommends. Becoming involved with these organizations connects you with a community of fellow learners, experienced teachers, and mentors—people who can deepen your understanding and enrich your experience over time.
