Why We Need Oaks and How to Save Them with Doug Tallamy | in person

On Thursday, January 15 at 7pm ET, join Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies for a book talk on The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees, presented by ecologist and New York Times bestselling author Doug Tallamy.

Using the months of the year as a backdrop, Tallamy showcases the myriad of life that depends on oaks, from caterpillars and other insects — and the birds that feed on them — to a cast of acorn-eaters. He also details the many ecosystem services that oaks provide. These long-lived trees are champions at storing carbon, and their enormous root systems help stabilize soils and buffer floods.

Oaks are in decline due to the combined stress of climate change, drought, and pests and pathogens. Tallamy writes, “We cannot casually accept the loss of oaks without also accepting the loss of thousands of other plants and animals that depend on them.” Optimistically, he shares how restoring oak populations is possible and that there is no shortage of places to plant them, if we work together.

The event is free and open to all; registration is required. Attend in person at our Lovejoy Auditorium in Millbrook, NY, or watch a live stream online. For our in-person guests, there will be a book signing after the talk. Merritt Bookstore will offer copies of The Nature of Oaks for sale in our lobby.

Cary’s public lectures are made possible, in part, by support from Harney & Sons Fine Teas. Additional sponsors for this lecture include Millbrook Garden Club, Ulster Garden Club, City Garden Clubs of New York, Rye Garden Club, Fort Orange Garden Club, Southampton Garden Club, and West Hampton Garden Club.