Join us to discuss the power of trees to save our lives and provide for our future!

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

Dr. Nadkarni will be joined in conversation by Dr. Casey Sclar, Director of the Commonwealth Arboreta Network and HO Smith Endowed Director for the Arboretum at Penn State, and Thomas A. Smarr, Jr., Executive Director of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens. This sets the stage for a dynamic conversation that follows, when Dr. 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, our horticulture industry, and state/federal partners in expanding our 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.

Location: Penn State Great Valley Conference Center Building - Musser Auditorium

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