'Knowing Trees' Workshop June 24-26 With Levi O'Brien

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Lori poldre / PEXELS

In this first-of-its-kind program by Levi O'Brien, you’ll join a small group to thoroughly develop your observational skills and understanding of local trees. The weekend-long, immersive workshop will be taught with the rigor of a college-level intensive, with an approach that makes it accessible for people of all skill levels. Hone your knowledge through a combination of hands-on, field- and lab-based learning and discussion-based classes. Dress for hiking and bring a notebook.

“Knowing Trees” will provide you with a deepened foundation of tree biology, ecology, and identification. Education will involve lectures, lab activities, and field excursions into the surrounding property.

Topics include taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, site specificity, historical use, cultural importance, and identification.

This workshop includes lodging and meals. Saturday passes are also available.

ENROLL

RUN OF SHOW

Friday, June 26 - Arrival

  • 6-7 p.m.: Welcome dinner

  • 7-8:30 p.m.: Introductory lecture: Fundamentals of identification, succession, and local tree ecology

  • 8:30 p.m.: Free time, bonfire

Saturday, June 27 - Full Day

  • 7-7:45 a.m.: Breakfast

  • 8-10 a.m.: First field excursion and collection

  • 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: First lab observation and discussion

  • 12-1 p.m.: Lunch and downtime

  • 1-3 p.m.: Second field excursion

  • 3-5 p.m.: Second Indoor lab observation

  • 5-6:30 p..m.: Free time

  • 6:30-7 p.m.: Dinner

  • 7-8:30 p.m.: Special topic lecture

  •  8:30 p.m.: Free time, bonfire, relax

Sunday, June 28 - Last Day and Departure

  • 7-7:45 Breakfast

  • 8-9 a.m.: Indoor review

  • 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Third outdoor field excursion

  • 12-1 p.m. Lunch

  • 1-3 p.m.: Third indoor lab

  • 3-4 p.m.: Conclusory lecture and farewell

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Levi O’Brien is a garden and arborist consultant, a dendrologist, an expert on all things tree- and wood-related, and above all, an educator. He is a faculty instructor at New York Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a green woodworker, and a full-time traveling educator. He spends most of his time avidly pursuing knowledge about horticulture, ecology, arboriculture, and wood history, structure, and use, in order to make it available to the public.

COST: Total cost includes full weekend of programming, private bedroom in farmhouse with access to three shared, full bathrooms, two kitchens, wifi, all meals (prepared family style and farm-to-table), wifi, linens, and towels.

  • INDIVIDUAL: $600

  • COUPLE: $1,160 ($580/person) for all of the above with double-occupancy room or cabin

  • QUAD: $2,200 ($560/person) for all of the above in a split-level bedroom loft or cabin accommodating four people

  • DAY PASS: $300 (Saturday only, includes all programming and meals)

  • TENT CAMPING: $515 per person (includes all programming, meals, campsite, communal outdoor areas, compost toilets, potable water)

THE FINE PRINT

  • No pets

  • No refunds (sorry!)

  • A note about allergies:

    • We are happy to accommodate food-related allergies or other dietary needs with advanced notice.

    • Three large dogs live in the farmhouse (those who are allergic may opt to camp or stay in a cabin)

  • Reach out to info@betterfarm.org with questions

  • Visit www.betterfarm.org to get a sense of what we’re all about.

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