February Newsletter
Newport Community Tree Program
We are re-launching our spring tree planting program with the City of Newport. Our bare-root tree planting program is now the Newport Community Tree Program. This name change reflects our commitment to focussing our efforts on planting trees in areas with the highest community impact.

This year, in addition to offering a vibrant selection of shade and flowering trees to all Newporters, the Newport Community Tree Program will be free to residents within Newport's Health Equity Zone, thanks to funding provided in part through the USDA Forest Service “State Urban Forest Resilience Grant”, awarded to the RIDEM Division of Forest Environment’s Urban & Community Forestry Program.

Applications will open on March 9th.

Visit the Newport Community Tree Program page via the link below to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Friday February 25, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Virtual Event

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been detected in Newport for the first time, thanks to the monitoring efforts of the University of Rhode Island and the Newport Tree Conservancy.
So, what’s next? Join Joe Verstandig (NTC living collections manager) and URI entomologist Lisa Tewksbury as they discuss the arrival of this destructive pest to Aquidneck Island. Important information regarding the EAB itself, as well as how to identify whether you have an ash tree and what options you have regarding treatment and removal, will be discussed. There will be time for questions at the end of the program. This virtual lecture will be held via Google Meet.
Friday March 11th, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Redwood Library Annex – $15 (members 10% off)

Wilcox Park’s historic landscape architecture boasts an impressive collection of trees, including seven champion trees. Alan Peck, Superintendent of Westerly’s Wilcox Park and Arboretum, will share notable specimens and stories from 20 years of experience at Wilcox Park, as well as a promising treatment to slow fungus on Copper Beeches. 

This is an in-person, indoor event. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status. 
Wednesday March 23rd, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Queen Anne Square - Free

Witch hazels (Hamamelis sp.) mark the commencement of spring flowering trees and shrubs.
Their beauty in the drowsy landscape is a sight for eyes longing for beauty. Join NTC Living Collections Manager Joe Verstandig as we enjoy some delightful witch hazels, along with other early flowering plants such as star magnolia and red maple. We will also dive into evergreen and bud identification, as well as discuss spring to-dos in the home garden. Don’t miss this first free tree walk of 2022.

Masks are optional for this outdoor program.
Field Notes
Observations from Living Collections Manager, Joe Verstandig
Get ready folks, the 2022 witch hazel season is officially underway! With the sight of buds opening to reveal the spider-like petals of vernal witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), the bloom sequence of the well-known winter flowering shrubs and small trees has officially begun.

This plant, located at the south end of Miantonomi Park, is an orange flowered variety which I can say with an ok amount of certainty, is called 'Sashet', featuring short, orange straps and one of the most popular vernalis types. Vernal witch hazel initiates the floral sequence, blooming in January in its native Ozark region, and flowering middle to late winter here in New England. The Japanese witch hazel (Hamamelis japonica), Chinese or Mollis witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis), and their hybrids (Hamamelis x intermedia) will soon follow. Peak bloom time for these species will be towards the end of February through March, depending on the weather.

Popular garden types such as ‘Arnold’s Promise’, ‘Jelena’, and ‘Diane’ are scattered throughout Newport, adding much needed color and fragrance to the winter landscape. Common witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana) will culminate the season in mid-October.
Clockwise from left, 'Jelena', 'Diane', 'Arnold's Promise'
To prepare for this seasonal event, I suggest anyone interested in witch hazels buy or borrow Chris Lane’s definitive text, Witch Hazels, to learn more about the fascinating history and cultivation of these resilient plants. I’d also encourage everyone to watch Polly Hill Arboretum's Executive Director, Tim Boland’s wonderful virtual lecture “Witch Hazels – Harbingers of the Spring”. This presentation is posted on YouTube, with a link available below: