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The Stories, Science, and History of Trees w/Smithsonian

Gardens Greenhouse Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming
2025-04-08 13:00:00 2025-04-08 14:00:00 America/Chicago The Stories, Science, and History of Trees w/Smithsonian 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. Please Register Virtual -

Tuesday, April 08
1:00pm - 2:00pm

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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. Please Register

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. 

Please Register for link to program.

Live Virtual Author Talks - This new series through Library Speakers Consortium offers live online talks by bestselling authors of books in a variety of genres. Participants receive a link to the program when they register. Please see https://libraryc.org/gailborden to register and also view recorded videos of past speakers.

AGE GROUP: | Virtual Live | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Nature & Science | Adult Programs |

TAGS: | |

Virtual
Phone: 847-742-2411
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Upcoming Events

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Mes de la Herencia Hispana - Muestra de arte - México - Puerto Rico
Sat, Sep 12, All day
Main Library
Celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con la muestra de arte de México y Puerto Rico – Honrando Nuestras Raíces.
Shred Event and Food Drive - State Senator DeWitte and Rep. Dan Ugaste
Sat, Sep 12, 9:00am - 11:00am
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Parking Lot
Drive through the Rakow Branch parking lot and leaving your shredding to our elected officials! You do not even leave your vehicle.
Mexico & Puerto Rico Art Display
Sat, Sep 12, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Main Library
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a beautiful collection of artwork created by local artists that highlight the cultural richness and traditions of Hispanic communities.
Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2 - Hollywood Costumes Exhibit
Sat, Sep 12, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Main Library
The Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2: Hollywood Costumes exhibit returns with more than 20 new, one-of-a-kind costumes worn by legendary stars including Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and more.
Nuestras Historias - Hispanic Heritage Project - Celebrating Hispanic Culture & Community Exhibit
Sat, Sep 12, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Main Library
A documentary, traveling exhibit, and community project preserving the stories and contributions of Elgin area’s Hispanic community.
Cancelled
Getting Started with Arduino
Sat, Sep 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library
Learn the basics of programming with Arduino hardware. Sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials.
Developmental Playgroup - Best for ages 0-5
Sat, Sep 12, 10:00am - 11:00am
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
An inclusive playgroup for children who receive or are considering therapy services. Children play while families meet and find support. Best for ages 0-5, siblings welcome. Registration required.
French Conversation Group
Sat, Sep 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Main Library - Grove Room
Practice or improve your conversation skills with other French speakers. This discussion group will be in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere facilitated by a volunteer.
Celebración del Mes de la Hispanidad - Honrando nuestras raíces
Sat, Sep 12, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
¡Únete a esta Celebración de la Herencia Hispana con la participación de invitados especiales, música, bailes! En español e inglés. ¡No te lo puedes perder!
Guitar Performance - Daniel Jablo
Sat, Sep 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Library - Lobby - Piano
Guitar performance in the lobby by volunteer community member.
Giggles with Grandparents
Sat, Sep 12, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Awning,Rakow - Lawn
Come celebrate National Grandparents Day! Enjoy stories, songs, and movement with fun activities for children and the grandparents they love.
Mes de la Herencia Hispana - Muestra de arte - México - Puerto Rico
Sun, Sep 13, All day
Main Library
Celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con la muestra de arte de México y Puerto Rico – Honrando Nuestras Raíces.
Nuestras Historias - Hispanic Heritage Project - Celebrating Hispanic Culture & Community Exhibit
Sun, Sep 13, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library
A documentary, traveling exhibit, and community project preserving the stories and contributions of Elgin area’s Hispanic community.
Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2 - Hollywood Costumes Exhibit
Sun, Sep 13, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library
The Glitz, Glam, Gorgeous 2: Hollywood Costumes exhibit returns with more than 20 new, one-of-a-kind costumes worn by legendary stars including Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers and more.
Mexico & Puerto Rico Art Display
Sun, Sep 13, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a beautiful collection of artwork created by local artists that highlight the cultural richness and traditions of Hispanic communities.
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 1:00pm - 1:15pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Corridor
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
This event is full
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 1:15pm - 1:30pm
South Elgin Branch
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 1:30pm - 1:45pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Corridor
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
This event is full
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 1:45pm - 2:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Corridor
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 2:00pm - 2:15pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Corridor
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
This event is full
Teen Volunteer Session - Book Sale Setup
Sun, Sep 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library
Join us as we set up for our semiannual book sale! Please meet us in the Meadows Community Rooms.
This event is full
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 2:15pm - 2:30pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Corridor
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
This event is full
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 2:30pm - 2:45pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Corridor
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
Read to Rover: South Elgin Branch - South Elgin Branch
Sun, Sep 13, 2:45pm - 3:00pm
South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Corridor
Practice your reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Registration required. NOW for all ages!.
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