Saturday 11-07-26 09:00 am (Eastern)
Location: Haggerty Education Center


Special thanks to Bartlett Tree Experts for their generous support of this event
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Registration, Coffee, Welcome.

10:00 AM Carl Hesselein, Pleasant Run Nursery, Allentown, NJ
Undeappreciated and Underused: Small Trees Living in the Shadows
When we think of understory trees and their use in tight spots and smaller landscapes we often head straight to the staples: Cornus florida, Cercis canadensis, Amelanchier sp., etc. But what are other options we can explore that can bring another suite of pollinators to our homes and parks? In this conversation we will explore some of the more fun, eclectic understory trees and large shrubs that have seemingly disappeared from the landscape.
Carl is the President of Pleasant Run Nursery in Allentown, NJ and a fifth generation nurseryman. Carl holds a degree in botny from Humboldt State University in northern California. After moving back east in 2010, he interned at Behnke Nursery and Stadler Nursery, both located in the DC metro area. In 2012, he interned at the renowned nursery, Hawksridge Farms, in Hickory, North Carolina under the tutelage of the great Rick Crowder.
11:00 AM Adam Wheeler, Broken Arrow Nursery, Hamden, CT
Exceptional Conifers for Adventurous Gardeners

Mr. Wheeler, Horticulture and Production Manager at Broken Arrow Nursery, will present an informative and engaging lecture that dives deep into the unique and exeptional side of the conifer world. Adam will highlight some of his current favorite conifers, with a special focus on selections that are new, rare, and unusual. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll gain valuable insight into the design potential, cultural requirements, and care techniques needed to successfully grow these striking specimens. Adam’s expert knowledge and passion for plants will leave you inspired to experiement with new forms, colors, and textures in your own garden.
Adam started working at Broken Arrow in 2004 after completing his BS degree in Urban Forestry and Landscape Horticulture at the University of Vermont. Adam manages plant propagation, container and field production and the acquisition and development of new plants. He is a past recipient of the Young Nursery Professional Award from the New England Nursery Associatrion. He loves to share his passion for plants through photography and educational outreach. As a result, he lectures widely on a variety of subjects and is also an adjunct lecturer at Naugatuck Valley Community College and Berkshire Botanical Garden. With his spare time, he enjoys cultivating his eclectic collection of rare and unusual plants, rock climbing and competitive giant pumpkin growing.
12:00 NOON – LUNCH – ASSORTED SANDWICHES

1:00 PM Dr. Charles D. Canham, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY
Forests Adrift: Currents Shaping the Future of Northeastern Trees
The northeastern United States is one of the most densely forested regions in the country, yet its history of growth, destruction, and renewal are for the most part poorly understood – even by specialists. In his talk, Dr. Canham helps us understand both the impermanence and the resilience of the northeastern forest ecosystems. We’ll explore critical threats that include logging, fire suppression, dsease, air pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
Dr. Canham is a senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; his expertise is in forest ecology and management and he studies the dynamics of forest ecosystems and how they respond to a wide range of human impacts.
2:00 PM Steven Kristoph. Steven Kristoph Nursery, Millstone Township, NJ
Trees in the Landscape, Importance and Selection for our Community and the Environment

Trees are the backbone of the landscape. When properly planted and maintained, their value is measured both economically and aesthetically. The cooling shade they provide is a given, but some of the other amenities include reducing runoff, intercepting particulates, and providing habitat for migratory songbirds and other animals. What may be considered most important though, is their ability to secquester carbon for years or longer.
Emerald Ash Borer, Bacterial Leaf Schorch, Spottend Lanternfly and now Beech Leaf Disease are wreaking havoc on some of our most popular and significant trees. It is time to look at what tree options there are for the landscape going forward. This discussion will highlight trees that remain strong and worthy of continued use and some lesser-inown species that are likely to play a key role in maintaining a beautiful, healthy and sustainable landscape.
Steven Kristoph owns and operates the Steven Kristoph Nursery, where he grows many types of ornamental treees, shrubs, and herbaceious perennials. Known for their expertise and quality, the Nursery has become a trusted destination for gardening enthusiasts. Steven has also been an adjunct instructor at Rutgers University for over 44 years.
For Questions, email mennist@arboretumfriends.net or lbencivengo@arboretumfriends.net
Continuing Education Credits have been applied for from ISA
This program has been approved by:
- The New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry Program for 4.0 NJUCF CEUs
- The New Jersey Board of Tree Experts for 4.0 CEUs
- This program is eligible for 4.0 Rutgers Master Gardener CEU
At the Symposium attendees will have the opportunity to shop for Dr. Canham’s book and for plants from some of the speaker’s nurseries.
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