The Tree Council will hold free workshops on Tuesdays, from 1PM-3PM, May through August 2022.
All workshops will be held outdoors at the following locations:
- Rhode Island Tree Council-Johnston (RITC)
- Franciscan Missionaries of Mary-North Providence (FMM)
- Laurelwood Adult Condominim Association-North Smithfield (LACA)
- Morton Park-Newport (MTON)
- Miantonomi Park-Newport (MIAN)
- Rhode Island Veterans Home-Bristol (RIVH)
- North Burial Ground-Bristol (NBG)
- Weaver Library Grounds-East Providence (WLG)
- Goddard Memorial State Park-Warwick (GMSP)
- Briggs/Bocsh Farm-East Greenwich (BBF)
Each workshop will feature a major theme (see workshop description below) while also providing a brief discussion on soils (soil pH & soil sampling), important pests (ALB, Lanternfly, etc.,) and the latest tools for use in plant health care. Workshop dates, locations and descriptions are presented below:
Training Woody Ornamentals begins when they are young. This workshop reviews tree growth and discusses pruning techniques. While general pruning principles are presented, approaches and methods specific to evergreen and deciduous plants are illustrated. The importance of strong structure on growth and performance are explained. Guiding healthy tree growth is an altruistic opportunity for everyone.
Transforming A Landscape just takes trees, time and attention. This workshop will review the transformation of a neglected urban landscape into a pleasant park setting. Tree species, planting locations and maintenance strategy will be explained. Attractive, joyful urban spaces are the embodiment of good design and the routine care and protection of natural resources. Join us for an insightful and inspirational stroll through these several parks to learn what makes them so special.
Elder Tree Care is probably the least understood and least practiced segment of tree management. These shortfalls are disturbing. They contribute each year to the removal of thousands of older trees that deserved a better fate. This workshop provides a basic primer on the characteristics of tree aging, older tree needs and meeting those needs. For this exercise we will examine 100+ year shade trees, evaluating their structure and health and for determining what measures can be taken to extend their longevity well into the future.
Identifying Trees is a fun process. Sleuthing your way to understanding, noticing details and applying interesting terms to them. Simply an intriguing brain exercise. Learn a simple way to use assorted plant parts (leaves, fruit, bark, cones and flowers) to identify common evergreen and deciduous trees. The goals are to have people more comfortable with the process, and aim at more astute observation for more specific revelation.
Growing Fruit Trees has many benefits including an annual harvest of fresh, nutritious locally grown fruit. New technologies have now made it possible to reap these benefits even in the confines of a small urban space. Modeled after RITree’s very own “Backyard Fruit Tree Growing Program”, this workshop will demonstrate the techniques and methods associated with the safe, reliable, and eco-friendly production of apple, peach, plum and pear. Come tour RITree’s Orchard in Johnston and see for yourself the possibilities!
LIMIT 20 persons each workshop.
