Trees for a Changing Climate

As trees face increasing threats from climate change and novel pests and diseases, it is essential to adapt our practices to protect and sustain our landscapes. Join the Mt. Cuba Center’s director of horticulture for an insightful discussion on strategies to safeguard their garden’s tree canopy. George Coombs will explain their strategic approach to choosing resilient species, including the models and thought processes behind it, their list of recommendations, and the methods that will be used to track tree resilience over the coming decades.

This event is a partnership sponsored by Haverford College Arboretum, the Hardy Plant Society, and Henry Botanic Garden. At 2:00 p.m. there will be a free campus tour given by Haverford College Arboretum horticulturists. This lecture will take place in Sharpless Hall at Haverford College Arboretum and will be accompanied by light refreshments.

Speaker Biography: George Coombs is the director of horticulture at Mt. Cuba Center, where he guides the care and development of one of the preeminent native plant gardens in America. To date, his efforts have focused on making Mt. Cuba’s gardens more accessible to a growing number of guests and ensuring the long-term resilience of the garden. Prior to his current role, George managed Mt. Cuba’s trial program, publishing several research reports and helping bring new cultivars of native plants to market.