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Author Headshot of Matthew Fleming with Book Cover The Tree Book and Smithsonian Institute Logo

The Stories, Science, and History of Trees - A Virtual Chat

With Smithsonian Gardens Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming

2025-04-08 14:00:00 2025-04-08 15:00:00 America/New_York The Stories, Science, and History of Trees - A Virtual Chat Join us for a virtual chat with Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, into the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world. Reading Public Library -

Tuesday, April 08
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-04-08 14:00:00 2025-04-08 15:00:00 America/New_York The Stories, Science, and History of Trees - A Virtual Chat Join us for a virtual chat with Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, into the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world. Reading Public Library -

Join us for a virtual chat with Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, into the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world.

Join us as Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming, guides us through the secret world of trees as is revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world—The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees.

Register to attend and ask the presenter questions!

Trees occur naturally throughout the world and have been a part of human history for almost as long as humans have existed. Used for shelter, tools, fuel, and food, they also help supply the atmosphere with oxygen and form astonishingly diverse ecosystems, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Now the intricate world of leafy woodlands and abundant rainforests is revealed in this extensive visual guide to trees, exploring their key scientific traits and their ecological importance, as well as their enduring significance in human history and culture. From ancient oaks and great redwoods to lush banyans and imposing kapoks, The Tree Book reveals the anatomy, behaviors, and beauty of these incredible plants and habitats in detail. 

Combining natural history and a scientific overview with a wider look at the history, uses, symbolism, and mythology of trees, this book is a new kind of guide to these fascinating organisms. Register today to learn more about the beautiful world of trees!

About the Presenter:

Matthew Fleming has been a horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Facility in Suitland, Maryland since 2010. In addition to serving as a supervisory horticulturist, he manages three greenhouses with nearly a thousand tropical specimens that are displayed throughout the many Smithsonian gardens and landscapes along the National Mall during the warmer months. He has given talks on a wide variety of plant-related topics at the Smithsonian ranging from indoor pests to overwintering tropical plants.  Prior to coming to the Smithsonian, Matt was a purchasing agent and garden center assistant manager for a full-service landscaping firm.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences where he studied Horticulture and Landscape Contracting. 

This program is brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Thank you, Friends!

Check out more upcoming virtual author talks and enjoy recordings from past events by exploring our Friends Speaker Series page.

Reading Public Library

rdg@noblenet.org
Phone: 781-944-0840

Hours
Mon, May 19 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, May 20 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, May 21 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, May 22 1:00PM to 9:00PM
Fri, May 23 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 24 Closed
(Memorial Day Weekend)
Sun, May 25 Closed
(Memorial Day Weekend)


About the Library

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To ask questions about accessibility or request accommodations, please contact the library at rdgadmin@noblenet.org.

If the Reading Public schools are closed due to snow, all Children's programming will be canceled.

Upcoming Events

Thu, May 22, 10:00am - 11:30am
Pleasant Street Center - Upstairs Television Room

Cancelled
Thu, May 22, 10:00am - 10:30am
Memorial Park - Memorial Park

Thu, May 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Reading Public Library - Children's Program Room

Thu, May 22, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Public Library - Conference Room

Fri, May 23, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Reading Public Library - Studio

Fri, May 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Reading Public Library - Outdoor Patio

Tue, May 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Reading Public Library - Conference Room

Tue, May 27, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Memorial Park - Memorial Park

Wed, May 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Reading Public Library - Conference Room

Wed, May 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Thu, May 29, 10:00am - 10:30am
Memorial Park - Memorial Park

Thu, May 29, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Reading Public Library - Children's Program Room

Sat, May 31, 11:15am - 11:45am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 02, 10:00am - 11:30am
Reading Public Library - Studio

Mon, Jun 02, 10:00am - 10:45am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 02, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Tue, Jun 03, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Public Library - Studio

Wed, Jun 04, 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Reading Public Library - Children's Program Room

Wed, Jun 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Reading Public Library - Local History Room
This event is full

Sat, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 09, 10:00am - 10:45am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 09, 10:00am - 11:30am
Reading Public Library - Studio

Mon, Jun 09, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 09, 2:30pm - 8:00pm
Reading Public Library - Studio,Teen Space

Mon, Jun 09, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Reading Public Library

Tue, Jun 10, 2:30pm - 8:00pm
Reading Public Library - Studio,Teen Space

Tue, Jun 10, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Reading Public Library - Conference Room

Wed, Jun 11, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Reading Public Library - Studio
Registration opens Wednesday, May 28 2025 at 12:30pm

Thu, Jun 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Public Library - Conference Room

Fri, Jun 13, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Reading Public Library - Studio

Sat, Jun 14, 11:15am - 11:45am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 16, 10:00am - 10:45am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 16, 10:00am - 11:30am
Reading Public Library - Studio

Mon, Jun 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Reading Public Library - Local History Room

Mon, Jun 16, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Mon, Jun 16, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Public Library - Studio
Registration opens Sunday, June 1 2025 at 7:00pm

Tue, Jun 17, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Reading Public Library - Conference Room

Wed, Jun 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Wed, Jun 18, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Reading Public Library - Children's Program Room

Fri, Jun 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)
Registration opens Friday, June 6 2025 at 9:00am

Fri, Jun 20, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Reading Public Library - Outdoor Patio
Registration opens Friday, June 6 2025 at 3:30pm

Fri, Jun 20, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Reading Public Library - Library Lawn

Sat, Jun 21, 11:15am - 11:45am
Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)