BRISTOL – Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum has been recognized by the Rhode Island Tree Council for hosting 30 trees ranked among the largest and most significant specimens of their species in Rhode Island.
The arboretum’s newly certified inventory includes 21 first-place Rhode Island State Champion Trees, as well as four second-place and five third-place trees, according to the organizations.
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The designations are part of the Rhode Island Tree Council’s Helen Walker Raleigh Champion Tree program, which evaluates trees based on factors that include height, crown spread, and cultural or historical significance.
The recognized trees include species from the United States and abroad, including giant sequoia, Japanese cedar, Oriental spruce, Chinese wingnut, Manchurian walnut, European hornbeam, dove tree and weeping hemlock. Officials said the collection reflects the diversity of trees maintained on the Bristol property.
The recognition comes as Blithewold marks the 100th anniversary of its designation as an arboretum.
Dan Christina, director of horticulture at Blithewold, credited Assistant Grounds Manager Dan Daley and intern Logan Fournier for helping document and measure the trees that received certification. Christina said the inventory will provide opportunities to share information about the arboretum’s collection through future educational and member publications.
Blithewold is a 33-acre historic estate on Narragansett Bay that includes a mansion, gardens and an arboretum. The site is open to visitors year-round and offers tours, exhibitions and educational programs.
The Rhode Island Tree Council is a nonprofit organization focused on tree conservation, urban forestry and public education throughout the state.
Veer Mudambi is the special projects editor of the Providence Business News. He can be reached at mudambi@pbn.com.
