This one-and-one-half day workshop will provide an overview of the new National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) coupled with field-based implementation and training. The new NVCS is a collaborative effort among vegetation scientists, ESA, NatureServe, and federal natural resource agencies to develop a comprehensive, data-driven classification of the vegetation of the United States. In February 2008, the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) endorsed the National Vegetation Classification Standard (Version 2) to support the consistent use of the classification system (http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/vegetation). The standard lays out the NVCS design and structure, data collection and analysis guidelines, and provides for a review and communication process. This workshop will focus on the structure and data collection components. The first afternoon, we will briefly review the history of the classification and explore the rule base of the hierarchy, and then follow with an introduction to field methods and training materials, including diagnostic keys and data sheets. The second day will be devoted to a field session in the neighboring Sandia Mountains where we will explore the implementation of the classification under field conditions from 1,500 to 3,250 m. The field session will include four stops among grassland, shrubland, forest, and wetland/riparian communities where we will provide training in data acquisition and key use, and discuss the implications of the classification among different ecosystems. The workshop will be guided by ESA Vegetation Panel members along with field assistance from local botanists and ecologists. Day 2 of this workshop is a field trip and, for insurance purposes, we will need to know your birthday. Please send this information to registrar@esa.org along with your name and that you have registered for Workshop #2.