August Newsletter
Behind the Scenes at the Tree House
Next Friday, 8/20, we'd like to invite you to come explore behind the scenes of our propagation efforts at The Heritage Tree Center on the grounds of Rogers High School.

Also known as the “Tree House,” the high tunnel hoop house and surrounding gardens are a hidden gem. Visitors are treated to lush late-summer flowers that create a backdrop for historic preservation of Newport’s heritage trees. We are extending an opportunity for visitors to learn about a diverse collection of specimen trees from Arnold Arboretum, native species, and grafted heritage trees that will one day become part of Newport’s historic landscape. Bring your sense of curiosity, your questions, and prepare to be delighted. Please register below to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
Evening of The Arboreta
On Friday August 27th, we are excited to once again celebrate the annual Evening of the Arboreta. We hope you will join us for cocktails at the magnificent Ocean View Arboretum as we toast to the bright future of Newport's trees.

There will be an auction of some of the very special trees that we have grown at The Tree House.
 
Proceeds from this event benefit our education and replanting initiatives.

Tickets are still available via the link below. RSVP by Aug 16th.
MLK Center Adventure Campers Explore Miantonomi Forest
Program Director, Rachel Holbert led a great group of Adventure Campers from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center last week on a hunt for bugs amongst the trees of Miantonomi Park. Campers searched for and learned the differences between the beneficial insects that inhabit Newport's largest woodland and the invasive species that could destabilize the entire ecosystem if left unchecked.
_
Upcoming Events
Friday August 20th
10-11am

The NTC Heritage Tree Center, also known as the “Tree House,” is perched near Rogers High School within view of Ballard Park. Join us to learn about historic preservation through horticulture and other current projects. Participants will get a behind the scenes tour and have the opportunity to explore the exceptional collection of heritage and specimen trees. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Heritage Tree Center during the peak season.


Thursday September 23rd
5:30-6:30pm

In partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation, we’re excited to invite you to the grounds of Rough Point to learn about Newport’s venerable turkey oaks and our work to preserve them.
The turkey oak is one of Newport’s most prominent specimen trees. Notable specimens can be found throughout the town on various estates, properties, and public parks, but perhaps none are grander then the magnificent individual at Rough Point. The Newport Tree Conservancy is keen on preserving this tree, and other heritage turkey oaks, through propagation and education. By doing so, the history these trees carry will continue indefinitely. In this program, we will discuss the turkey oak (Quercus cerris), the history of the tree at Rough Point and in Newport, and our successful propagation efforts to preserve the lineage of this glorious plant.

This free program will take place outside on the grounds; in the event of inclement weather the program will move inside to the Great Hall. Space is limited.
Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly
From the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management:

Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper insect that was introduced into the United States in 2014. Native to China, this pest is associated with the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but can also cause significant damage to grape, apple, stone fruits, and walnut.

A single Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) was found in an industrial/commercial area in Warwick near Jefferson Blvd. No known population of SLF is currently present in this area. The RI DEM Division of Agriculture’s CAPS Program is conducting an extensive survey of the area based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendations to determine if there is any further presence of the invasive insect and will be providing outreach materials to businesses in the area. The public is encouraged to report suspected sightings of SLF here.