Heritage Tree Center

Established in 2017 by the Newport Tree Conservancy in collaboration with Rogers High School and The Newport Project, the Heritage Tree Center is an emerging resource for the study, protection and propagation of some of Rhode Island’s most unique, historic, and at-risk heritage trees.

  At the center we are:

• Preserving the genetic lines of historic trees of cultural and natural significance,

• Propagating the next generation of heritage trees for public and private planting,

• Diversifying the genetic stock of Rhode Island native trees, and

• Engaging Newport students and the greater community in every stage of our work, helping students develop career-ready horticultural skills, establish strong connections with their community, and work with professional mentors.

The Center’s work is primarily carried out in a horticultural grow house called The Tree House, erected on the high school campus in December 2017. Additional propagation and classroom space at the high school is shared with our close partners, the students and teachers of The Newport Project.  The center is further supported by satellite nurseries at local arboreta which grow seedlings on until they are mature enough to grace a park or private yard. This expands our capacity beyond our grow space at the high school and provides additional deep engagement with the greater community.

This model program would not be possible without supporters  like you!

Heritage Tree Center Accession List
A diverse group of propagated and procured woody plant species, and a repository for some of Newport’s most historic plant genetics.