Join a future walk with Matt Largess
Explore the calendar to find an upcoming Rhode Island Tree History walk, happening every other month through November 2024.
An amazing turnout for Wednesday’s fourth iteration of “History of Rhode Island Trees.” It was very uplifting to 
have so many people interested in learning about trees in New England at Norman Bird Sanctuary. 
Walkers were from Richmond, VA, England, Arcadia Forest, RI, and military and their families that were just deployed to the Newport area. Anna Turner was such a great addition to the event. She is extremely helpful, organized, and passionate about her position.
Since it was a very warm day we did a short walk on the Universal Trail to Red Maple Pond and back. It was fascinating to see how many different species of trees. Biodiversity abounds at the Sanctuary and birds seem to be everywhere. This forest system is so important to Aquidneck Island.
I was surprised to find two newly planted swamp white oaks, such great native species. 
Whoever is making these selections of newly planted swamp white oaks and American elms should get a nature medal, congratulations!
As we entered the canopy towards the pond, of course, we ran into some dead trees and blown down trees. And I talked about their importance to wildlife and the future forest. The interest from the group was inspiring. Such a hunger to learn.
We finally made it to the pond and read the poem “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer and had a group photo shoot. 
These tree walks are short but sweet and this was the biggest group so far. So much to learn. So much potential, so much love for the forest. I want to give my love to everyone who is involved with Norman Bird Sanctuary. It is such an honor to be part of their 75th anniversary celebration. TREES ARE COOL AND SO ARE ALL OF YOU.
“Trees” by Joyce Kilmer
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
