Woodlore and Cultural History Class

Join Levi in exploring the vast history of tree use and cultural importance. Learn how trees have shaped the history of humanity. We will 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. Come discover why locust and pine win naval battles, how Judas turned the flowers red, and how the roller skating changed the industrial textile industry.

Please wear appropriate shoes for uneven terrain and bring water, a hat, bug spray, and whatever will make your class experience more enjoyable.

About the Instructor:
Levi O’Brien is an arborist/garden consultant, an expert on all things tree and wood related and, above all, an educator. He is on faculty at the New York Botanical Garden, a Graduate student at SUNY ESF studying Forest Pathology, and a green-woodworker. He spends most of his time avidly pursuing knowledge about dendrology, horticulture, ecology, arboriculture, and wood history and use, in order to make it available to the public.