About this Event
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
