RCA Reflections talk to examine common (and not-so-common) NY trees

The next installment of Rice Creek Associates (RCA) Reflections will feature an expert talk on “Some Common (and Not-so-common) Trees of New York and Their Use in the Landscape” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at SUNY Oswego’s Rice Creek Field Station.

In this free public session, Don Leopold, a Distinguished Teaching Professor from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, will cover the ecology, aesthetics and landscape use of some of the native trees of New York. 

Many different tree species can be planted at any location, depending on site characteristics and desired aesthetics – such as size, form, flowering, fruiting, fall color and unusual bark. Some even provide exceptional food value to people, and the best tree species and rationale for their selection will be discussed, organizers said.

Leopold has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers and seven books including the “Textbook of Dendrology,” “Native Plants of the Northeast –- A Guide for Gardening and Conservation,” “Trees of New York State” and “Wildflowers of the Adirondacks.”

His research primarily focuses on drivers of diversity and rarity at micro to macro scales; the restoration of unique plant communities on highly degraded sites; and applications of this research to sustainable, urban landscapes and green solutions.

Leopold earned his Ph.D. in forest ecology from Purdue University in 1984 and joined SUNY ESF’s Department of Environmental and Forest Biology in 1985, where he teaches dendrology and other courses. 

The event will also stream live via Zoom link available on Rice Creek’s events page at oswego.edu/rice-creek.

Rice Creek Associates is a community of like-minded people who share a passion for nature and a desire to support Rice Creek Field Station. Formed in 1986, RCA supports Rice Creek Field Station's mission by expanding the scientific, educational, and recreational opportunities at the Field Station through community involvement. 

For more information, including a link to join RCA for as little as $5 or $10, visit the RCA website.