A residential, field course focusing on the conservation, culture, ecology and management of ancient, venerable and large old trees predominantly from regional perspectives but informed by experiences elsewhere. The course will be taught by Michael Gaige at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Virginia.
Purpose: This four (4) day course will be an opportunity for people to gain experience in recognizing large old trees and understanding their role as important elements for biodiversity and cultural/historical heritage. By the end of the course, participants will have learned: how to recognize ancient trees, why they are important, how to manage them to enhance their longevity and how they fit in a global context. Topics will include: where, when and what trees grow old, how trees are or are not able to live for a long time, field marks for identifying old trees and how old trees function as habitat for other organisms including fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates. The course will also address the conservation and management of old trees and issues specific to them.
Eligibility: This field course is ideally suited to professionals and others with an interest in trees and learning to recognize old trees and understand their value. Ecologists, botanists, foresters, land managers, landscape architects, and other tree professionals, as well as artists, educators, students and tree enthusiasts are welcome to apply. NOTE: It is helpful for potential applicants to have a basic understanding of trees and the ability to identify a few species or genera by leaves and/or bark. This is NOT an arboriculture course. Arborists may benefit from learning more about old trees in general, however the course will not detail specific pruning schemes or other treatments, except in very broad terms. This course will be limited to 12 participants.
Instructor: Michael Gaige is an independent consulting ecologist from upstate New York. His work explores the intersection of natural and cultural history using field evidence and archives to reconstruct land use history. Michael works with organizations, design groups, and private landowners on historical ecology inventories, park and landscape design projects, and conservation planning for natural areas. He has an affinity for large old trees, their ecological values and the stories they tell about landscape change. Michael holds an MS from Antioch University and BA from Prescott College and has taught field studies programs at several colleges and universities for more than 15 years.
About OSGF: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a philanthropic foundation based at the former primary estate of the late Paul and Rachel Mellon, who were major philanthropists in the U.S. of the arts, humanities, and sciences in the second half of the twentieth century. OSGF is located in the northern Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains region (ca. one-hour drive from Washington, D.C.). Led by Sir Peter Crane, the Foundation’s inaugural President, OSGF supports residencies for artists and scholars. It is becoming a new center of excellence and stimulation of all things botanical, from fundamental research in plant evolution and conservation, to horticultural and plant conservation practice, to the history and art of plants gardens and landscapes.
Accommodation and Travel Information: Participants will be accommodated with all meals and private lodging on site at Oak Spring.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the Washington, D.C. area. If flying, please book flights to Dulles International Airport. International applicants are welcome, but fluency in English is necessary. Closer to the start date, our Programs team will assist with coordinating travel arrangements to the Oak Spring Garden Foundation site, as necessary.
Dates and Duration: The course runs for four (4) days with participants arriving on Monday, October 21, 2024 and leaving on Friday, October 25, 2024. Participants should plan to arrive between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Monday, October 21, 2024.
Course Fee: $950 is all-inclusive and covers full tuition, lodging on-site for four nights in our comfortable suites, and all meals on-site (from dinner on Monday through breakfast on Friday). A limited number of full or partial Fee Waivers are available for this course.
Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by Michael Gaige and OSGF staff.
Application Deadline: Applicants will be accepted to this course on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of July 3, 2024. Applicants who apply by July 3, 2024 should expect to be notified no later than July 18, 2024. Applications will continue to be reviewed and accepted until the course is full.