Wednesday, July 8th 7:00PM to 8:30PM
This is a free event
For more information visit CNPS Monterey or https://chapters.cnps.org/montereybay/general-meetings/
Whether you’re a naturalist, educator, land steward, or simply someone who loves walking beneath trees…
this webinar course offers tools for seeing more—and caring more deeply—for the forests and woodlands that define California.
Arborists can earn 7.5 ISA CEU’s for participating in this series. Learn more
A guided journey through California’s native trees
Clear, approachable science focused on identification, ecology, and adaptation
Stories rooted in field experience, cultural history, and deep time
Visual learning tools including photos, range maps, and practical ID tips
Live Q&A and conversation each session
A deeper sense of connection, stewardship, and place
March 2 with Matt Ritter & Michael Kauffmann
An opening session that defines what makes a tree a tree—biologically, ecologically, and culturally—while setting the tone for curiosity, wonder, and connection.
March 9 with Michael Kauffmann
A deep dive into California’s extraordinary conifer diversity, exploring adaptations to fire, fog, snow, and drought, and meeting some of the oldest and rarest trees on Earth.
March 16 with Matt Ritter
An exploration of California’s broadleaf trees, from oaks and maples to desert specialists, with a focus on identification, form, and seasonal rhythms.
March 23 with Jared Farmer
This session slows the clock. Trees live across multiple tempos—annual rings, centuries-old trunks, millennia-old lineages. Through the concept of chronodiversity, we explore how long-lived trees connect ecology, culture, and ethics across deep time.
March 30 with Matt Ritter & Michael Kauffmann
A culminating session celebrating California’s biggest trees and forests, reflecting on their legacy, vulnerability, and what it means to care for giants yet to come.
REGISTER HERE or a backcountrypress.com
ALL SESSIONS ARE RECORDED AND AVAILABLE ANYTIME
Join professor and author Dr. Matt Ritter for an engaging evening celebrating California’s native trees. In his new book, California Trees: A Field Guide to the Native Species, Ritter profiles 95 remarkable trees, revealing the beauty, diversity, and stories behind the plants that shape California’s landscapes.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, in partnership with the Channel Islands Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, is pleased to host this illustrated talk exploring California’s rich natural history and the vital role native trees play in our ecosystems. Perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, and anyone curious about the living world around them.
Date: February 17, 2026
Time: 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Join movie goers at the Palm Theatre, in San Luis Obispo, CA, for the theater’s first “Science on Screen” selection, The Little Shop of Horrors (1986), a cult musical that turns one of nature’s strangest realities into darkly comic spectacle.
After the screening, Drs. Jenn Yost and Matt Ritter, joined by Gage Willey, Cal Poly’s Plant Conservatory Curator, will dig into the real science behind Audrey II and her carnivorous kin.
The discussion will explore how real carnivorous plants, like Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and sundews, evolved to trap, digest, and kill their prey, why these extreme adaptations exist, and what they reveal about plant ecology and evolution. By connecting the film’s outrageous premise to real biological strategies, the speakers will discuss how Little Shop of Horrors taps into genuine scientific fascination, blurring the line between pulp fantasy and natural history.
During the discussion, live carnivorous plants will be showcased in the auditorium.
General Admission; $20.00
Buy at the door, or online at thepalmtheatre.com
Join Dr. Matt Ritter at the Solvang Library (or via Zoom) on Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:00PM, as he speaks about our remarkable California native trees and to celebrate his new book California Trees, A Field Guide to the Native Species.
This event is presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Museum and the Solvang Library. Live lecture location: The courtroom adjacent to Solvang Library at 1745 Mission Drive
The event is free to the public.
For Zoom: Register for the screening at this link: California’s Native Trees
Webinar Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm (PST)
The Myrtaceae is a large plant family of flowering plants, primarily woody trees and large shrubs, concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions, especially Australia and South America. Members of this family make up some of the most common and important species in the California urban forest. Examples of the many economically important members of the family include Eucalyptus (timber, pulpwood, essential oils), Psidium guajava (guava fruit), Syzygium aromaticum (cloves), and Acca sellowiana (feijoa). Dr. Matt Ritter will delve deeply into the family and help participants identify the members of the family that they commonly encounter while working with trees in the California urban forest.
Bio:
Dr. Matt Ritter is an internationally recognized urban forestry expert, decorated professor, and teacher. He has spent two decades studying trees and has written several award winning books, and many scientific articles.
Registration Fee:
$ 20.00 member
$ 30.00 non member
CEUs:
1.5 Certified Arborist
Certified Tree Climber
Certified Urban Forest Professional
BCMA – Science
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025
Keynote Address - “Keep Trees Weird – Curiosity & Innovation in Arboriculture.” Dr. Matt Ritter
Dr. Ritter will explore patterns and trends in tree selection, offering guidance on fostering healthy urban forests in the Pacific Northwest amid climate change and declining biodiversity. What factors should guide species selection for new tree plantings? Considerations include carbon sequestration, aesthetics, water use, provenance, and cultural significance. He will address the potential of climate modeling to predict how underutilized urban tree species may perform under rising temperatures and variable precipitation. Dr. Ritter will also highlight the expansion of the web-based tree selection tool, SelecTree (selectree.calpoly.edu), to the Pacific Northwest, introducing new species suited for the region’s urban forests. Additionally, he will emphasize the vital role nurseries play in bringing new species into the urban landscape.
Bio: Dr. Matt Ritter is an internationally recognized urban forestry expert, decorated professor, and teacher. He has spent two decades studying trees and has written several award winning books, and many scientific articles. He is a botany professor in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California.
Join Dr. Matt Ritter—botany professor and author of the acclaimed new book California Trees—for a visually rich and inspiring celebration of the state’s iconic trees. From the towering redwoods of the northern coast to the otherworldly Joshua trees of the desert, California Trees takes readers on a journey through the state’s diverse landscapes, highlighting the remarkable variety of tree species that call it home. With his striking photography, humor, and botanical insight, Dr. Ritter will share the natural history of California’s largest and most storied organisms as well as their use and important in the urban forest. A book signing will follow the presentation.
9:00AM – 9:45 AM – California Trees, Matt Ritter, PhD., Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
9:45AM - 10:15AM – Break (Matt Ritter Book Signing)
A portion of all books sales will benefit the BRITTON FUND.
Friends of the Carmel Forest
July 19th, 2025
Tree Walk: 10:00-11:30
Lecture and Book Signing: 12:00-1:00
The tree walk will take place from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Highlights will include newly planted coast redwood groves. The goal of the tree walk and lecture is to highlight the importance of Carmel’s urbanized forest.
Admission for the tree walk is $35 per person, free for members.
To reserve a space, RSVP to treewalk@carmelforest.org and specify “Tree Walk.”
The lecture and book signing will be held at 12:00 pm at Forest Theatre. Dr. Ritter will present a visually rich and inspiring celebration of the state’s iconic native flora. From the towering redwoods of the northern coast to the otherworldly Joshua trees of the desert, his new book California Tree: A Field Guide to the Native Species takes readers on a journey through the state’s diverse landscapes, highlighting the remarkable variety of tree species that call it home. With his striking photography, humor, and botanical insight, Dr. Ritter will share the natural history of California’s largest and most storied organisms.
Admission to the lecture is $40 and includes lunch.
To reserve a seat, RSVP by Monday, July 14 to treewalk@carmelforest.org and specify “Lecture.”
California Trees: A Field Guide to the Native Species
Join Dr. Matt Ritter—botany professor and author of the acclaimed new book California Trees—for a visually rich and inspiring celebration of the state’s iconic native flora. From the towering redwoods of the northern coast to the otherworldly Joshua trees of the desert, California Trees takes readers on a journey through the state’s diverse landscapes, highlighting the remarkable variety of tree species that call it home. With his striking photography, humor, and botanical insight, Dr. Ritter will share the natural history of California’s largest and most storied organisms. A book signing will follow the presentation.
“A worthy addition to the library or backpack of any California tree fiend or friend.”
—Ken-ichi Ueda, iNaturalist Founder
“This book makes accessible what would otherwise be overwhelming. California Trees is a celebration of the state’s globally significant biodiversity.”
—Stephen C. Sillett, Kenneth L. Fisher Chair in Redwood Forest Ecology at Cal Poly Humboldt
California Trees with Matt Ritter
7:30 PM, May 1st, 2025
San Luis Obispo Vet’s Hall
Free Community Event
Dr. Matt Ritter will be discussing “Tree Names and Taxonomy. Where scientific names come from and why they change” in reference to his contributions in the Britton Fund's latest publication, Botany for Arborists. Proceeds from the meeting will go directly back into research and education through the Britton Fund.
CEUs
6.0 - CA/CTW/MS
3.0 - BCMA-P
3.0 - BCMA-M
The WCISA “Cultivating Competence” conference is focused on developing and nurturing the skills and abilities needed to perform the tasks required of an arborist on both the personal and professional level. This conference runs from April 29th to May 2nd.
Dr. Matt Ritter will be speaking at 3:30 on Tuesday, April 30th on the topic of “Better Tools for Understanding California’s Urban Forest.”
Register for this event HERE
Each year, the festival brings together educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, illustrators, editors, and those interested in children’s literature for a unique combination of full conference and small group sessions.
DR. MATT RITTER will be presenting his children’s book, SOMETHING WONDERFUL, in a breakout session, as well as book signings on both March 1st and 2nd. Exact schedule to be announced soon.
MARCH 1 & 2, 2024
REGISTER HERE
Join the Marin Conservation League on September 22, 2023 at 7:30 AM for a journey with Dr. Matt Ritter into the fascinating lives and captivating stories of the trees that shape our lives.
RESERVE YOUR TICKET HERE
Dr. Ritter’s presentation will be a photographic exposé of the lives and stories of some of the fascinating trees that define our cities. He will share recent research findings about the structure and function of California’s urban forest and discuss trends in tree selection in a time of climate change and decreasing biodiversity. He will show how data can be accessed and used to help California communities ensure the health of their urban forests into the future.
DR. MATT RITTER will be giving the keynote address and leading a tree walk in Balboa Park at The Professional Tree Care Association of San Diego and the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department event, INTO THE CANOPY.
August 18 &19, 2023
Balboa Park Club ~ San Diego, CA
Seminar: Friday, August 18, 2023, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Field Day: Saturday, August 19,2023, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American Rd W, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Continuing Education Units available at both the seminar and field day for:
ISA: Arborists and Tree Workers DPR: PCA, QAC, and QAL
TCIA: Certified Tree Care Safety Professionals
REGISTER HERE: REGISTRATION
DR. MATT RITTER will be speaking about the current state of California’s urban forests and what's being done to help keep them healthy for the future.
Registration is free.
AUGUST 7th, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Esri - Building Q Auditorium, 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373
REGISTER for in person attendance HERE
REGISTER for online attendance HERE
Participants will receive an email with a Zoom meeting link the day before the event.
Jointly sponsored by Esri and the University of Redlands.
APLD-GLA would like to envite our members to an in-person lecture July 11, 2023 at 4:00 pm.
We have teamed up with UCLA to present Dr. Matt Ritter at Hershey Hall at the UCLA Campus.
Dr Ritter has updated and re-issued his informative guide to the tree that shade our parks, green our yards and line our streets.
There will be copies of the new addition " A Californian's Guide to the Trees Among Us" for sale after the lecture.
Ritter will discuss patterns and trends in tree selection and considerations for helping to ensure a healthy urban forest in Los Angeles. His presentation will be a photographic exposé of the lives and stories of some of the fascinating trees featured in the recent second edition of his book “A Californian’s Guide to the Trees among Us,” a new natural history and identification guide to urban
and suburban trees in California. He will also share recent research findings about the structure and function of California’s urban forest and its future.Dr Ritter is an engaging speaker and this talk should be informative and thought-provoking
Please follow the link and reserve your ticket, seating is limited so dont miss out!
REGISTER HERE
Digging In: An Exploration of Arboriculture
Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture, 89th Annual Conference and Trade Show
“New tools from the Urban Forest Ecosystem Institute”
REGISTER AT: WCISA
On April 8th we are celebrating the book release and publication of Dr. Dave Keil’s flora of San Luis Obispo. Two decades in the making, and it’s finally in print!
This beautiful book will be available for the first time at this event.
We will also celebrate the grand opening of the new Cal Poly Plant Conservatory, a beautiful new glasshouse with our teaching and research plant collection.
To celebrate these two significant events and a wonderful rainfall year, we are hosting a series of field trips and an evening dinner celebration with a presentation by Dr. Keil.
Thursday, April 6th: Field trip to Arroyo de La Cruz and Northern Coastal SLO County led by Dr. Keil
Friday, April 7th: Join the Cal Poly Field Botany class for a reunion field trip through the serpentine hills of San Luis Obispo, led by Drs. Jenn Yost, Dave Keil, and Matt Ritter.
Saturday, April 8th: Field trip to Shell Creek and Carrizo Plain led by Dr. Keil.
Saturday evening, April 8th: Join us at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory for a book signing and open house. Dinner will be served with remarks by Dr. Peter Raven and a presentation by Dr. Keil. Books will be for sale and signed at the evening event.
All are welcome and encouraged to join us for any part or the whole event.
Details will be sent to those who RSVP using this form by March 15th. Or register with this QR code:
FOR REGISTRATION VISIT The Hawaii Island Landscape Association
In celebration of our milestone anniversary, Sonoma County Master Gardeners invite you to join us for our 40th Anniversary Lecture event featuring Dr. Matt Ritter, an acclaimed author, botanist, and professor. During his talk, "California's Native Plants and Urban Forests,” Matt will provide a fascinating botanical tour of California, with natural and cultural history stories of our most iconic plants. Tickets are limited, so buy yours today.
Lecture Details
Tickets are $20 per person. Click here to buy tickets.
Seating is limited. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Program starts promptly at 7 p.m.
Book signing and refreshments.
The Glaser Center: 547 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, 95401
Pay for parking at adjacent 7th Street parking garage.*
For questions, email: mgsonoma@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Ritter’s presentation will be a photographic exposé of the lives and stories of some of the fascinating trees featured in the recent second edition of his book “A Californian’s Guide to the Trees among Us,” a new natural history and identification guide to urban and suburban trees in California. He will also share recent research findings about the structure and function of California’s urban forest and its future.
Biology Professor Matt Ritter will be speaking at The Mountain Air about his two books, California Plants: A Guide to Our Iconic Flora and A Californian’s Guide to the Trees among Us. Please join him for an evening to learn more about the plants you see on the trail and everyday on the streets.
July 19th, 2022
6:30—7:30 PM
The Mountain Air
667 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
The 2022 Annual Meeting and Luncheon will be held on May 12, 2022, at the Madonna Inn, and will feature Matt Ritter, PhD, distinguished Cal Poly Botany Professor and one of California’s premier plant experts. Dr. Ritter is the author of California Plants: A Guide to Our Iconic Flora and A Californian’s Guide to the Trees among Us. His other books include Rainwalkers and Something Wonderful.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME. REGISTER BY APRIL 25TH, 2022.
11:30 Meet and Greet
12:00 Meeting and Lunch
1:00 Guest Speaker—Matt Ritter, Q&A, Raffle
10:30AM—An Analysis of California Native Trees: Why They Are Not Always Appropriate for Urban Forest Planting, Matt Ritter, PhD.
8th California Oak Symposium, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
Monday, March 21, 2022
Tour will depart between 8-9 AM and return between 4-5 PM.
Pre-registration will be required for each tour. Registration information will be available closer to the tour date. Click the picture below for the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources event page for more information.
Sustaining and Conserving Oaks in Different Landscapes
Location: Cuesta Ridge, San Luis Obispo
Dr. Matt Ritter, California native plant and oak expert, will guide participants on a field trip of the Cuesta Ridge oak diversity hotspot. Participants will get great views of the San Luis Obispo area while seeing nearly half of California’s oak species on one short trip. We will drive along Cuesta Ridge, making various stops for short walks on relatively flat areas.
Urban Tree Care Conference: Healthy Arborist, Healthy Trees, Thriving Communities
February 11, 2022
Advance your understanding and training while obtaining continuing education units (CEUs) from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Friday February 11th, “Branching Patterns & Shape: How Wood Forms”
Dr. Matt Ritter, Professor, California Polytechnic State University. Flowering trees and conifers form wood and support branches in different ways. Leaves are not borne on all trees in the same way. Genetically determined characteristics in trees can help us identify, plant, prune and maintain them properly. If we know a tree’s biology, we can predict what to expect as it matures.
Friday February 11th, “Water in Trees: Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Stress”
Dr. Matt Ritter, Professor, California Polytechnic State University. Water can move three-hundred feet up to the top of the tallest trees, yet the trees don’t burn a single molecule of energy doing so. In this session, we’ll learn how trees transport water, use it for photosynthesis and respiration, and how these mechanisms are affected by water shortages.
FREE EVENT, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Dr. Ritter will describe his 20 years working to understand patterns and change in California’s diverse urban forests. He will describe research involving the California Urban Forest Inventory project and SelecTree. Climate change has and will continue to affect the state’s urban areas. Can we predict how urban tree species will respond to increasing temperature and variable precipitation? Ritter will discuss patterns and trends in tree selection and considerations for helping to ensure a healthy urban forest for California cities in a time of climate change and decreasing biodiversity. What should we consider when choosing a tree species for planting? Carbon sequestration potential, aesthetics, water use, provenance, and culture all play a role.
9:30am Morning Refreshments & Networking
10:00am-1:00pm Walking Tour
1:00pm Taco Truck
Growing Healthy Roots | David Teuschler
Climate Change and California | Dave Muffly
New Oaks | Dave Muffly
New Eucalyptus and Other Subtropicals | Dr. Matt Ritter
Other Cool Trees | David Teuschler, Dave Muffly, Dr. Matt Ritter
