Volunteer Event Tree Corps: Aquidneck Park

The park, which contains nearly 40 beech trees representing 8 different cultivars, is a

beautiful and relaxing open space in the heart of Newport. Several majestic trees have

come down in the park over the last several years, and shade is at a premium.

Starting in 2022, many of the beech trees located in the park became infected with a

new and destructive pathogen, known commonly as Beech Leaf Disease. The

problematic culprit behind this issue is a microscopic nematode (Litylenchus crenate

subsp. mccannii) that causes foliage abnormalities, eventually progressing to the tree

failing to leaf out, leading to fatality.

Beeches that are growing vigorously under favorable conditions will handle the

nematode better than stressed trees. That is where the people come in. In 2022, NTC

staff and volunteers put forth a grand effort to provide each beech tree in Aquidneck

Park with a large mulch circle. The mulch is helpful for a variety of reasons: It keeps the

soil moist and cool, suppresses weeds, provides for food for the soil, and nutrients for

the tree as the mulch breaks down.

We are seeing the benefits of this mulching effort in 2024, with the beeches looking

happier with more complete leaf formation than we saw in 2023. But now, the trees are

in need of a fresh layer of mulch. Please help us continue to give these trees the proper

love and care to preserve them in this iconic park by volunteering with our Tree Corps

program.

Volunteers receive NTC T-shirts. Tools will be provided, and experience is not necessary.

Please dress for the weather. Bring your own water, gloves and snacks. No open-toed shoes.

Local street parking available. Additional parking available at Bellevue Gardens Shopping Center (two hours free with validation).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Aquidneck Park/ The Hut, 300 Spring Street, Newport, United States