Dr. Michael Dirr, America’s Top Expert on Trees & Shrubs, Will Speak in Newport

The Newport Arboretum will host a special keynote lecture on April 25, 2017, at the Jane Pickens Theater, during Newport Arboretum Week.

Dr. Michael Dirr’s lecture, “In Praise of Noble Trees,” will explore the benefits of those very special trees that are ‘immense in stature, spanning generations, architecturally elegant, inspiring and spiritual.’ He notes as well the unique ability of large trees to support wildlife, fix carbon dioxide, clean air, prevent erosion, and capture stormwater runoff.

Dr. Dirr will explore new tree introductions coming into the marketplace in recent years, inspiring us all to think creatively as we plant for the future. The author of botanical bibles including The Manual of Woody Plants and Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs, Dr. Dirr has an infectious enthusiasm for the growing world and has helped shape the development of arboriculture in America.

A special reception and book signing at the Colony House will follow the lecture.

This special visit by America’s foremost expert on trees comes at a fitting time. This year, The Newport Arboretum is poised to reach Level III professional accreditation, joining the 36 other institutions worldwide that have earned top-level accreditation (Levels III and IV) through ArbNet and the Morton Register of Arboreta. The citywide arboretum is also preparing to launch its Heritage Tree Program, an effort to preserve the germplasm of Newport’s most precious and at-risk heritage trees.

More on Dr. Dirr’s keynote lecture, and all of the events occurring citywide during Newport Arboretum Week, can be found at newportarboretumweek.org.