Dogtown Tree Walk & Talk

Anyone curious about the trees and plants that fill our Dogtown woods is invited to join the free guided Tree and Woody Plant Identification Walk on Saturday, November 7, from 9 to 11 a.m., starting at the Plum Cove Elementary School parking lot, 15 Hickory St. in Gloucester. This event is organized by the nonprofit, 400 Trees.

Led by tree and shrub preservationist Chris Wood of Wood Arboricultural Consulting and Heirloom Tree & Shrub Care, this two-hour Walk & Talk will introduce us to the various woody plants found throughout the Dogtown and the greater Gloucester landscape.

The walk will explore both native and invasive species, including trees, shrubs, and woody vines, with a focus on practical skills for recognizing plants in the field.

Chris is an ISA-certified arborist, an ASCA-registered consulting arborist and earned bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in forestry conservation and conservation biology.

We will learn how to identify woody plants by examining key characteristics such as bark, buds, leaves, branching patterns, growth habits, and other field marks that can help distinguish species throughout the seasons.

Along the way, Chris will share insights into the ecology, habitat, and role of these plants in the local environment.

The walk offers an opportunity to develop a closer understanding of our natural landscape while learning skills that can be applied year-round in backyards, gardens, parks, and woodlands.

Participants should meet at the Plum Cove School parking lot by 9 a.m. The event is free, but advance registration is required. Space is limited to 20 participants.