Discover trees through two distinct but complementary perspectives in this special partnership between Mt. Cuba Center, Longwood Gardens, and expert tree educator Levi O'Brien.
At Mt. Cuba Center, enter a naturalist setting and explore the rich folklore and cultural significance of trees through stories. Then, at Longwood Gardens, sharpen your observational skills and learn the art and science of tree identification in one of the region's most diverse living collections. Together, these programs offer a deeper understanding of trees; not only how to recognize them in the landscape, but also how to appreciate the roles they have played and will continue to play in shaping our world.
Register for either session individually or enjoy a special discount when enrolling in both.
Woodlore, Cultural and Historical Uses of Trees
Saturday, September 12, 1:00-4:00 pm
Mt. Cuba Center
Every tree has a story.
Join Levi O'Brien for a captivating exploration of the ways trees have shaped human culture, technology, folklore, and history. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Cuba Center's natural landscapes, discuss and observe how the physical and aesthetic characteristics of each tree, its wood, and other component parts, have led to its place in each culture that has encountered it.
Discover why locust and pine win naval battles, how Judas turned the flowers red, and how roller skating changed the industrial textile industry. A captivating look at the intersection of nature, history, and our native canopy.
Part natural history, part storytelling, and part cultural exploration, this program offers a fresh perspective on the trees that surround us every day.
Access to the gardens is included with your ticket on the day of the program.
Tree Identification Guided Tour
Sunday. September 13, 1:00-4:00 pm
Longwood Gardens
Put your observational skills into practice as you marvel at Longwood Gardens' world-class tree collections with tree expert Levi O'Brien.
Building on the curiosity sparked by the Woodlore program, or serving as a standalone exploration, you'll learn the essential skills used to identify a wide variety of trees.
Through guided observation, you'll examine leaves, bark, branching patterns, growth habits, and site conditions while developing a practical framework for recognizing common regional species. Beyond basic identification, Levi will introduce more advanced clues such as succession patterns, suckering behavior, and ecological context.
Whether you're a gardener, naturalist, land manager, or simply tree-curious, you'll leave with new confidence in recognizing and understanding the trees around you.
Access to the Gardens is included with your ticket on the day of the program.
