Description

It's fall so it seemed like the perfect time to talk about the trees of NYC.

We've invited scientist Dr. Richard Hallett from the USDA Forest Service to hang out with us at Arc'teryx Rebird and provide insights into the forests and trees of NYC. He'll be covering topics such as:

• The incredible urban ecology that exists in the 5 boroughs (did you know there's an old-growth forest in Manhattan?!)
• where are these healthy trees? How do scientists map them?
• How are citizens and community members helping to map healthy trees in their neighborhoods
• How we can help local trees withstand future effects of major weather like Superstorm Sandy

There may even be a cool map of trees for us to check out and help add to!

After talking trees, we'll grab a few of our favorite Sierra Nevada brews and hang out.

About the Speaker

Dr. Richard Hallett, Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service, NYC Urban Field Station

Dr. Hallett (B.S. UW- Madison, M.S. and Ph.D. UNH) has spent his career studying tree and forest health in the northeastern U.S., working towards earlier detection of tree stress caused by acid rain, exotic insects and diseases.

In 2009 he shifted his research focus from ex-urban forests to urban ecosystems. Currently he is working with a team that has developed an urban tree health assessment app in order to get more eyes on trees nationwide. When Rich is not deeply engaged in urban forestry and the science of tree health you may find him judging Timbersports competitions around the world, downhill skiing amongst the trees, or sea kayaking.