About this trip: On this excursion, you will rediscover nature in your own backyard and learn how to connect to the place we call home through the natural world. You will meet your Master Naturalist guide by Naturalists’ Gate and make your way to The Rambles, which park designer Frederick Olmsted considered his greatest accomplishment in the park. You will then start your journey in dendrology – the field of botany dedicated to trees – as you learn about the basics of tree identification. Through the rest of your stroll, you will visit through various sections of the park, stopping along the way to identify a total of 20 trees through lively conversation and storytelling, which will help you commit them to memory. More than just a wealth of great trivia and exercise, you are guaranteed to never view our city quite the same way again!

Your Guide and Interpreter: Carey Russell is a certified Master Naturalist and holds a masters degree in forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University where he also taught classes in dendrology. He has worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the Nature Conservancy, and the Khangai Nuruu National Park in central Mongolia. Nothing makes him more excited than finding entertaining and empowering ways of sharing natural history, which makes us feel even more at home in the places where we live.

• Check-in time: 8:45 a.m.
• Departure time: 9 a.m.
• Return time: approx. 12 p.m.

• Athletic shoes
• Weather-appropriate, moisture-wicking, athletic clothing (no cotton)
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Pack

• Snacks
• At least 1 liter of water
• Sunscreen
• Extra layers to adjust for changing weather conditions
• Notebook and writing utensil (optional)