Conserving Carolina for a free lecture on tree identification presented by Gillian Newberry on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 

Newberry, professor emeritus from University of South Carolina Upstate, will provide unique gimmicks to help visitors identify some of the more common tree species growing in the area. Participants will get a hands on look at species discussed by viewing examples from the herbarium housed at the Nature Center, as well as from fresh material gathered from nearby trees. Handouts will also be provided and can be taken home to help with future tree identification.

After the presentation, those that are interested are invited to join Newberry for a walk around the preserve to test their knowledge and solidify what they learned during the presentation.

After teaching botany 40 years at the USC Upstate, in retirement, Newberry has written and recently published two new books: “Tales from a Wandering Mind” and “A Year of Waiting.” She has also compiled a digital collection of photos compiled from years of teaching and being in the field.

The lecture is part of Conserving Carolina’s monthly Speaker Series at Walnut Creek Preserve.      

For more information or directions from another location, contact Pam Torlina at Conserving Carolina at 828-697-5777, ext. 300 or email pam@conservingcarolina.org. 

The next program at Walnut Creek Preserve will be held on June 9 when wildlife biologist Rob Gudger will present “Wolf Tales – The Truth about Wolves.” Rob will be bringing a live wolf, so children are encouraged to attend.

The program will take place at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at 10:30 a.m.

For more information about Walnut Creek Preserve, visit www.walnutcreekpreserve.com. Please note, Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).

– Submitted by Pam Torlina