Maintaining Bristol's Urban Forests

Join Chris Fletcher, arborist and local storyteller, for a discussion on maintaining Bristol’s urban forests. Bristol was one of the first towns to develop American urban forests. Blithewold is at the heart of Bristol’s involvement in the collection of trees from international sources, along with other important 19th-century landscapes. Bristol’s downtown streetscape, Juniper Hill Cemetery’s gardenesque landscape, and North Farm’s arboretum all played major roles in the development of Bristol’s unique urban forest. How are these landscapes surviving the stresses of urban life? Are the practices of the Green Industry being applied correctly? What are the common myths that fail us?

If you live in Bristol, you are living in the remnants of a 19th-century forest. You walk or drive under the canopies of trees planted with foresight and the idea that generations to come would enjoy their longevity. Your trees, even if planted a month ago, are part of a tradition of Bristolians reforesting urban landscapes. Join us for a discussion of the ‘dos and don’ts’ when caring for your trees and our greater urban landscape. The lecture will be followed by a tour of Blithewold’s significant trees.