The 27th Annual ReLeaf Conference will be July 18-20, 2019 at Mount Saint Mary College in the Hudson Valley. The full program will be posted soon. Meanwhile, here’s a taste! [Ed. note: Full program and online registration now available]

EXPERTS!

Keynote: Forest Lessons in a Changing Climate

Speaker: Andrew Revkin, Strategic Advisor, Media Innovation, National Geographic

Forests and the trees within provide important lessons and options, as human communities, always
too slowly, begin to recognize the need to build a more sustainable, resilient relationship with climate
and the biosphere. Andrew Revkin, in his fourth decade exploring and writing about the changing environment, describes insights gleaned in reporting on forests and the people around them from the Amazon to the Arctic to the Adirondacks. Read more about Andrew Revkin.

Climate change impacts and adaptation strategies for New York’s urban trees.

Speaker: Leslie Brandt, Ph.D, Climate Change Specialist, USFS

In the coming decades New York’s urban areas are expected to be impacted by increased temperature, shifts in precipitation, sea level rise, and more heavy storms. Urban trees along streets, in yards, and in parks may be vulnerable to these impacts, but there are things we can do to adapt. This presentation will discuss how to assess the vulnerability of urban trees to climate change and what trees may be particularly vulnerable in different parts of the state. It will also provide examples of strategies for adapting and resources for developing your own adaptation plan.

Outdoor Demonstration – Hannah Vaughn – Urban Wood Chair

Hannah Vaughan Studio is a process driven studio focused on an anthropological approach to furniture and architectural projects. Hannah will showcase her skills in this urban wood chair demonstration.

NYS DEC Urban Forestry Grants

Speaker: Gloria VanDuyne, NYSDEC Urban and Community Forests Program Coordinator

The NYS DEC Urban Forestry grants program provides funding to help communities create healthy urban and community forests to enhance the quality of life for everyone. Learn about the grant categories, eligibility requirements and how to apply. Learn about how the grants are evaluated and when the next round of grants is expected to be out.

BEAUTY & SOCIALIZING!

Friday Evening Picnic – Thomas Bull Park and Orange County Arboretum

TOURS!

Guided Tour of Long Dock Park: A case study in ecological transformation and resilient design with Scenic Hudson

Come tour Long Dock Park, Scenic Hudson’s remediated waterfront site that features green infrastructure, kayak access to the river, and a sustainable landscape design.

Tour of Downing Park in Newburgh, Liberty Street, Safe Harbor

Downing Park is an Olmstead and Vaux park named in honor of Andrew Jackson Downing.