Join Chris Fletcher, Certified Arborist & Arborist Representative at Bartlett Tree Experts and Beth Brantley, Ph.D., Plant Pathologist at Bartlett Tree Experts as they share a lecture with dialogue on the local history of Newport trees, beech trees, and present challenges (including the beech leaf disease present on our campus) and opportunities on our landscapes.

Chris Fletcher has a life-long passion for the trees of New England. Raised in Bristol, Rhode Island, he spent much of his childhood with his father, a naturalist, visiting the woods of Mount Hope. These outdoor experiences made him acutely aware of the forest in its functional, cultural, and aesthetic qualities. Chris followed his passion to earn a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Design, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the science and aesthetics of arboriculture. Following graduation, Chris spent twelve years with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation writing tree preservation reports to protect local tree populations during road construction projects. In addition to his position as an Arborist Representative for Bartlett, Chris is entrusted with the care of Bristol's historic Juniper Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, where he helps preserve older specimen trees. He also offers seasonal lectures on plant diagnostics, landscape history, and cultural trends within the arboricultural industry. Chris is a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. His 25 years of experience in tree care make Chris well versed in Bartlett's scientific approach to tree care.

Beth Brantley is a Research Scientist and the Northeastern Technical Support Specialist with Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, conducting research in arboriculture and providing diagnostic support and public engagement through outreach and presentations. Her interests include tree risk assessment, beech leaf disease, wood decay, plant growth regulation and silviculture.

Beth taught forestry, plant biology and related courses at Penn State Mont Alto for more than 20 years prior to joining Bartlett Tree Experts in 2019. She also worked as a Forest Pathologist for the USDA Forest Service in the 1990s. Beth has a PhD in Plant Pathology from The Pennsylvania State University, MF in Forest Resource Management from Duke University and a BS in Biology from Stetson University. She is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification instructor.