April Newsletter
Greetings Friends,

We hope that the warmer weather finds you well and eager to get outside! Just like the buds all around town, we are bursting with new life as we welcome new staff, begin planting the first new trees of the season, and introduce a number of new events, volunteer opportunities, and our first-ever summer camp!

Nick Castrataro, our Living Collections Manager, has left us to commit his full attention to his work as Head of Production at Morningstar Nurseries, where he is also co-owner. We are very grateful to Nick's many contributions and wish him all the best in his next chapter. More our new staff members below.
New Youth Summer Camp Program Introducing: Tree Huggers
New in 2021, NTC is expanding our youth programs from school time to summer time with our first-ever Summer Day Camp: Tree Huggers!

This unique summer camp will connect children, grades 2-5, with Newport’s urban forest featuring crafts, games, and active nature exploration.

Week 1: July 19th-23rd @The Tree House
Week 2: July 26th-30th @Miantonomi Park

Scholarships are available.

Please fill out our interest form to be notified when registration opens in May.
Welcoming New Staff
Joe Verstandig
Living Collections Manager

Joe comes to us from the storied Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI where he served as a Horticulturist after graduating from URI in 2017 with his B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture. Joe will be leading a growing number of tours, workshops, and volunteer events in the coming months, as well as coordinating our planting and propagation efforts.
Rachel Holbert
Program Director

Rachel joined us part-time in early 2020, but as our program offerings continue to expand, we are delighted that she will be joining us full-time. With over 13 years of experience as an environmental educator, Rachel will be strengthening and expanding our public programs and educational offerings.
Upcoming Events