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

This will be an encore presentation by Newberry, professor emeritus from University of South Carolina Upstate, who will provide gimmicks to help attendees identify some of the more common tree species growing in the local area. Newberry presented on this topic in May, and has offered to return to help guests test their knowledge and learn more skills in the field.

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. 

Those who attended the first presentation in May are asked to bring their handouts.

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 for 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.      

Those interested in learning more about the lecture and venue may contact Pam Torlina at Conserving Carolina at 828-697-5777, ext. 300, or email pam@conservingcarolina.org.  

More information about Walnut Creek Preserve is available at walnutcreekpreserve.com. 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