'Branching Out: The Power of Trees, Forest Ecology and Community Health' March 8

A panel discussion with ecologists and horticulturalists about the power of trees to save lives and provide for the future
Ecologist Nalini Nadkarni wears a helmet and holds a rope for climbing trees and exploring tree ecology

For her entire professional life, renowned ecologist Nalini Nadkarni has pioneered climbing techniques to study “what grows back” after ecological disturbances occur in the rainforest canopy. Nadkarni — also known as “Queen of the Forest Canopy” — was appointed National Geographic Explorer at Large in 2023.

Credit: https://www.nalininadkarni.com/

Community members are invited to attend an event at Penn State Great Valley on Saturday, March 8, at 5 p.m. to discuss the power of trees to save lives and provide for the future.  

For her entire professional life, renowned ecologist Nalini Nadkarni has pioneered climbing techniques to study “what grows back” after ecological disturbances occur in the rainforest canopy. Nadkarni — also known as “Queen of the Forest Canopy” — was appointed National Geographic Explorer at Large in 2023. 

Nadkarni will be joined in conversation by Casey Sclar, director of the Commonwealth Arboreta Network and H.O. Smith Endowed Director for the Arboretum at Penn State, and Thomas A. Smarr Jr., executive director of Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens. This sets the stage for a dynamic conversation to follow, when Sclar will invite attendees and panel to envision the future of Penn State’s Commonwealth Arboreta Network and its critical role for Pennsylvania's public gardens, the state's horticulture industry, and state/federal partners in expanding tree canopies for resilience in Penn's Woods. 

Proponents, stakeholders, legislators and staff; industry professionals representing nursery, garden and landscape enterprises; as well as those who value trees for many reasons, are all encouraged to attend. 

Register here.