Join us as a Tree Corps volunteer by helping to plant care for young trees in Aquidneck Park!

Please join us in helping care for the beech collection at 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.

No experience necessary, come get to know Tree Corps. Want to join us more regularly? Each week, we will be caring for Newport's city trees by mulching, pruning, and watering as needed. Volunteers are needed weekly for this recurring opportunity to make a difference in Newport's urban forest. 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.