Upcoming Events

Miantonomi Reforestation Project

NTC needs volunteers for our largest planting effort of the year!

Save the Date: Friday, October 25th & Saturday, October 26th, 2024

Time: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Miantonomi Park in Newport, the city's largest forest, is facing a significant threat from invasive understory species, which have taken over about 80% of the park's mature forest area. Invasive plants like English oak, Japanese knotweed, and bittersweet are dominating the landscape. The Newport Tree Conservancy (NTC), in collaboration with the Newport Public Services Department and volunteers, has been working over the past seven years to control these species through mowing and removal programs.

To further restore the forest, the NTC has secured funding for a reforestation project on a half-acre plot in the park's Southeast corner. With aging native trees and failing English oaks, the park's ecosystem is at a critical point. The NTC has already planted over 300 native trees, including Red Maple, Black cherry, and Red Oak between 2019 and 2023. These efforts aim to re-establish native tree populations and stabilize the ecosystem for future generations.

The Miantonomi Reforestation Project has seen increasing volunteer participation, with 69 volunteers contributing 345 service hours in 2020, and 80 volunteers providing 235 hours in 2021. The NTC continues to encourage community involvement in these ongoing restoration efforts.

Click below to register as a volunteer for the Miantonomi Reforestation Project!

Arboretum Tour: Broadlawns*

Date: September 18th, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Registration:

• NTC members: $25 ($5 off with membership code)
• Non-members: $25

Broadlawns is an expansive early 19th-century bayside property, offering stunning views and an inspiring collection of trees, including several majestic beech trees dating back to the 1800s. A meadow path winds down to the historic "Point of Trees," a navigational landmark featured on old maps. This grove of English elm trees is one of the most unique green spaces in Newport.

Other noteworthy features include noble Turkish trees, massive rhododendrons, impressive Yoshino Japanese cedars, and an array of flowering trees and shrubs.

Register now for this event by clicking on the link below.

Arboretum Tour: Salt Marsh*

Date: Wednesday October 2nd, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Registration:

• NTC members: $25 ($5 off with membership code)
• Non-members: $25

Salt Marsh Arboretum is a species diverse landscape bordering on the restored salt marshes of Gooseneck Cove. Estate gardener Devin Skelly will join us for an engaging look at the intensive restoration efforts made, involving the reestablishment of native species. Devin will show us around the arboretum, describe the horticultural and restorative work he has done, and showcase the plant collection. Highlights of the arboretum include a paperbark maple grove, young giant sequoia trees, a collection of buckeyes (Aesculus), and the rare wheel tree (Trochodendron aralioides).

Register now for this event by clicking on the link below.

Arboretum Tour: Second Wind*

Date: October 4th, 2024

Time: 10:00 am -11:30 am

Registration:

• NTC members: $25 ($5 off with membership code)
• Non-members: $25

This Ocean Drive Neighborhood gem on 2.7 acres includes Gingko plantings, forested wetland featuring native serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)and Red Maple (Acer rubrum), and the owner’s Heritage Collection – specimen trees planted in honor of members of the family inspired by favorite trees planted along Bellevue Avenue. This vibrant, whimsical property is a must see!

Registration is now open. For more information or to register click "Learn More" below!

* These events require standing/walking for the duration of the activity.

Other things of note

Commemorative Tree Program

A commemorative tree is a wonderful way to memorialize a loved one or celebrate a special event while also contributing to the health and vibrance of Newport’s urban forest. Tree locations are made available based on planting needs around Newport, and limited to select sites displayed on the interactive map on the webpage. We've got lots of great locations and trees to choose from, and fall is a fantastic time to plant!

Please keep in mind that all tree requests must be received by October 1st.

Click below to browse available planting sites:

Fall Tree Program

NTC's Fall Free Tree program gives Newport residents the chance to enhance their landscape free of charge, all while adding a new generation to the city's urban forest.

Applications for this program are now open. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to residents of Newport’s Health Equity Zone and first-time recipients.

Click the button below for more information, or to request a tree:

By joining the Newport Tree Conservancy as a member, you are supporting a wide range of initiatives that benefit our community and our shared tree canopy: