Viles Arboretum is proud to host a talk in the Tree Talks series, which pairs tree identification with local history, and community project.

Join Viles Arboretum, the Maine Forest Service, the Maine Tree Farm Program, and Maine Woodland Owners for a unique guided walk exploring both natural and cultural history in the Cony & Knight Cemetery.

Maine Forest Service District Forester Allyssa Gregory and retired forester Andy Schultz will lead participants through an engaging exploration of tree identification alongside observation and discussion about the meanings behind historic headstone symbols. 

From weeping willows and clasped hands to lambs and urns, gravestone carvings from the 18th and 19th centuries often carry symbolic meanings - expressing grief, faith, hope, and remembrance. These quiet markers tell stories about the values, beliefs, and lives of those buried in the cemetery and reflect artistic trends of their time.

We're excited to welcome you to this thoughtful walk through one of Augusta's lesser-known historic spaces - where stories of the land and the people are rooted together. 

• To ensure an inclusive and engaging experience, registration will be limited to 20 participants.
• Walk begins and ends in the Education Barn at Viles Arboretum.

About the Guides

Allyssa Gregory is the Maine Forest Service’s District Forester for the MidCoast and chair of the Town of Thorndike’s Cemetery Committee. She assists with regulatory issues related to NRPA and FPA, leads educational workshops, and offers in-person visits to landowners with 10+ forested acres. She obtained a forestry degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Her professional background includes rural forestry, urban forestry, horticulture, and structure firefighting. Allyssa is involved with the Tree Farm program as a certified inspector and serves as chair for Knox & Waldo Counties. She is a member of the Maine Old Cemetery Association and is a Project Learning Tree facilitator.

After graduating from the University of Maine School of Forest Resources in 1976, Andy Schultz began his career as a forester. He has worked in the private sector as a lumber grader for a small sawmill, and a field forester for International Paper Company. He also worked as a Landowner Outreach Forester for the Maine Forest Service. Most recently, he has worked as an independent consulting forester. Retired now (almost,) he continues to enjoy walking and talking in and about the Maine woods.

Join Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District and Viles Arboretum as we host Maine Forest Service District Forester Jared Gregory on a walk through Viles Arboretum to learn about some key species of Maine's forests.

We will learn what makes species unique, including:

• Distinctive features
• Ecological niches
• Cultural importance
• Insect and disease concerns
• Use as forest products
• Stewardship implications

All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the "Forest Trees of MaineCentennial Edition - 1908 to 2008" guide to continue your tree identification journey.

Light refreshments will be provided before we head out and we explore the diverse treespecies of the arboretum.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to enhance your knowledge of Maine's woodlandecology while enjoying the beautiful grounds of Viles Arboretum! Space is limited to 24 attendees, so register today.

You may call 207-626-7989 to register by phone, Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30am-4:30pm.

Join us for a guided, nature walk that will encourage you to slow down and reconnect with nature. During each forest bathing walk you'll be invited to engage in activities like silent observation, mindful breathing, and guided reflection, designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. 

These walks are designed for everyone, regardless of fitness level, and no prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to embrace the calming and grounding benefits of nature. Walks are 15+ unless indicated that it is a family walk. Children over the age of 4 must be registered.

Location: Meet at the Trail Map Kiosk

About the Instructor

Constance Woodworth is a certified Forest Therapy Guide from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Program based in California and is currently studying to become a Maine Master Naturalist.