The Leaflet - January Newsletter

The Leaflet

January Newsletter

The Year Starts With a Bang

And a Big Thanks

The generosity of our supporters is unmatched and a resounding thank you is in order. Response for our 2023 Annual Appeal has been tremendous. Donors support initiatives which make vital, real impact in our community. Whether it's caring for public trees, offering educational opportunities that engage the public of all ages in their own neighborhoods, or protecting and cultivating the progeny of our landscape's most historic trees, you support truly matters.

The Annual Appeal is still open and if you would like to join us in these initiatives, please do. Our members, donors, and community supporters are an integral part of the success of our organization. We thank you sincerely for your dedication as we plant for the future.

Donate Today

NTC Roll Call:

A Warm Welcome and a Fond Farewell

The Newport Tree Conservancy was excited for Jon Kalberg as he started a new chapter. Jon had been part of the heart of NTC as Operations Manager from 2017 to summer of 2023. During his tenure, he worked diligently behind the scenes with the team, ensuring every system ran smoothly and every event was a success. As an integral part of the organization, his experience, intelligence, and dedication are an asset to be missed - surpassed only by his caring.

Thank you for all you've done over the years to help NTC plant for the future, and we wish you success in your own!

The Newport Tree Conservancy was joined in later summer of 2023 by Kathy Kelleher, the new Operations Manager. Since her arrival, she has jumped into her role with a passion and desire to continue supporting NTC success. Never shy to lend support, she has made it a point to be involved with all staff in an effort to become familiar with every aspect of operations. She brings with her a vast wealth of knowledge in operational and data management, marketing, and innovative technologies making her an asset to the team.

Welcome aboard, Kathy!

We are excited for Kristyn Woodland, our horticulturist and greenhouse manager who recently left the Newport Tree Conservancy staff at the end of 2023, as she pursues new endeavors. Kristyn has been involved since the very early days of the organization, having an incredible, long-term impact that has shaped NTC into what it is presently. For the last few years, she has been the caretaker and head grower at our nursery up at Rogers High School, the Heritage Tree Center. A talented and hardworking plantsperson, Kristyn worked diligently to successfully grow a wide range of woody plants, most namely our propagules from Newport’s Historic trees. Kristyn was always happy to talk trees, gardening, and Newport’s historic greenspaces with anyone interested in our work at NTC. She boasts tremendous knowledge on Newport’s gardens and those who cared for them, then and now. A great friend, teacher, and tree steward, we will miss her dearly but wish her the best of luck on her future endeavors. Thank you Kristyn!!!

Are you interested in joining our team? We have a new opportunity for a Community Engagement Coordinator! Be on the lookout as we continue to grow for more opportunities to become part of the organization!

Learn More Here

You're Invited to Join in the New Year

2024 is here and the Newport Tree Conservancy is proud to continue partnering with individual community members and organizations. Whether it's with volunteer opportunities caring for our trees, educational programs for youth or adults, planting new trees, or preserving the progeny of historic trees that make our landscape so iconic we are dedicated to making a difference as we plant for the future.

Whether you're a continuing supporter or want to become one for the first time, we welcome you to the Newport Tree Conservancy! Don't forget to like and follow on Instagram and Facebook, linked at the bottom of the page.

Become A Member

The Tree of the Year:

The Cutleaf Japanese Maple

With another busy year in the history books, it is now time to immortalize a special woody plant by awarding the prestigious tree of year honor to a lucky individual. With so many intriguing and beautiful trees witnessed, photographed, and described within city limits in 2023, it can’t be overstated how difficult this decision is. Despite many excellent candidates, one beloved tree rose to the top of the pile.

The cutleaf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum atropurpureum) at the Redwood Library sits in a prominent spot along Bellevue Avenue. Thousands of people admire it every year, with many stopping to take photos and to remark on its beautiful fern-like foliage...