East Coast Methuselahs: Black River Cypress Trees

Cape FearRiver Watch, in partnership with the Southeast Coastal Plain Office of The Nature Conservancy, is thrilled to announce a special educational presentation by Dr. David Stahle on the ancient cypress trees found along the Black River, one of the major tributaries of the Cape Fear River. Thanks to the efforts of The Nature Conservancy these trees are part of more than 14,000 acres of protected acres along the Black River.

When University of Arkansas Professor Dr.David Stahle came to North Carolina’s Black River in the early 1990s he was looking at the relationship between tree growth rings and climate. What he discovered were the oldest trees in the Eastern United States. Using an increment borer, which is essentially a hollow tube that takes a small cross section of a tree without harming it, Stahle’s team counted the growth rings of Black River bald cypress. The oldest of the trees sampled began life in 364 AD, but the researchers say there are probably others that are even older in the stand. Dr. Stahle is in North Carolina this month, visiting the Black River to do further research. He will talk about the ancient Black River trees and his ongoing research. 

Date: Friday, June 17

Time: 7pm-8:30pm

Location: **Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington

**If registration exceeds the capacity of CFRW space, an alternate space will be announced that can comfortably accommodate all guests.

Call 910-762-5606 with any questions.