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: The Myrtaceae Family: Eucalyptus, Guava, and Beyond featuring Matt Ritter, Ph.D.

Online Event
Wednesday, December 3, 2025

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 

Register Here or at https://www.wcisa.net/meeting/11205

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.

Register HERE

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.

Register HERE

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.”

For more information visit Friends of Carmel Forest at www.carmelforest.org.

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

Botany for Arborists

Rohnert Park Community Center
Friday, August 9, 2024

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 

REGISTER HERE

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

Tools for Understanding California’s Urban Forest

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.

Date and time:
Friday, September 22 · 7:30 - 9:30am PDT

Location:
McInnis Park Club Restaurant
350 Smith Ranch Road San Rafael, CA 94903

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 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

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

CALIFORNIA URBAN FORESTS CONFERENCE: LEAD WITH TREES

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.

Rancho Mirage, CA
September 30, 2022
More info and registration HERE

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

2022 Western Chapter ISA Conference & Trade Show

10:30AM—An Analysis of California Native Trees: Why They Are Not Always Appropriate for Urban Forest Planting, Matt Ritter, PhD.

REGISTER HERE

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.

2021-2022 UCLA PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES, MILDRED E. MATHIAS BOTANICAL GARDEN

FREE EVENT, REGISTRATION REQUIRED

California’s Urban Forests in a Changing Environment

Dr. Matt Ritter, PhD • 5:00pm UCLA La Kretz Garden Pavilion

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.

REGISTER HERE

New Trees for a Changing Climate & Growing Healthy Roots at Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery

A walking tour of Devil Mountain's growing grounds guided by David Teuschler, Dave Muffly, and Dr. Matt Ritter. Lunch to follow.

Free Event, Registration Required

David Teuschler, Dave Muffly, and Dr. Matt Ritter will guide a walking tour of Devil Mountain’s growing grounds with a focus on new tree selections for a changing climate and growing practices that build a superior root system. A taco lunch will immediately follow the tour.

3 CEUs available for I.S.A. Certification holders.

9:30am Morning Refreshments & Networking

10:00am-1:00pm Walking Tour

1:00pm Taco Truck

Tour Topics

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

Register HERE

INVEST IN THE GROUND UP, TREES FIRST, WOOD NEXT

October 14, 2021

Register Here FREE event, donations accepted

Co-hosted by the California Urban Forests Council & the Urban Wood Network

Dr. Matt Ritter

Botanist, author, and professor, Dr. Matt Ritter has been working with us on our CIRCLE4.0 grant, looking at underutilized species that could become great urban trees. As a scientific author, his publications attempt to foster a sense of appreciation for California’s unique flora. Many of us have a copy of A Californian’s Guide to the Trees Among Us and California Plants: A Guide to our Iconic Flora, on our shelves. This session examines what tree species could become great urban trees in different regions around California with the changes to our climate.

Connect with municipal arborists, urban forest managers, urban wood enthusiasts, landscape design professionals, planners, and non-profits from across California for this unique educational and networking experience held online this October.

Join the virtual sessions to gain insights, strategies, and inspiration designed exclusively for the urban forest and urban wood sector.

2021 NEA BIG READ WITH MATT RITTER: THE BOTANY OF TREES.
“JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL PROGRAM ALL ABOUT TREES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT.”
TO REGISTER EMAIL: SAMANTHA.SMITH@OCCR.OCGOV.COM.
NEA BIG READ IS A PROGRAM OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTS MIDWEST.