Nature
Talks + Tours

Arboreal Giants: The Hunt for New York's Oldest Trees

When

Sat, Nov 8, 2025 2:00PM – 3:00PM

Where

Armor Hall

Price

Free

with admission to the grounds

Photographer and archivist Brian Kelley founded the Gathering Growth Foundation in 2019, an organization dedicated to the visual preservation of some of the oldest and largest trees in the United States. Since 2021, Kelley has focused his efforts on locating and documenting the most significant trees across New York State, with the goal of publishing a book that brings attention to these ancient and often overlooked natural giants. Hear about Brian’s adventures searching out these venerable giants in farms, woodlands and suburban landscapes as you view their portraits. Join Brian for a morning walk to see some of Wave Hill’s most significant trees.

Registration encouraged but not required. Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.

Wave Hill House and Armor Hall are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.

Brian Kelley

Brian Kelley

Brian Kelley (b.1988) moved to New York City in 2006 and received his BFA in photography from the School of Visual Arts. Kelley’s extensive work in still-life photography continues to support his artistic pursuit of providing to the cultural archive of American ephemera and landscape—including a variety of long-term projects, such as Gathering Growth Foundation, a visual archive of the oldest and largest trees in the U.S., The National Park Service Brochures Archive, and the Archive of NYCTA Artifacts. Kelley was born in Horseheads, NY, and currently lives in Lumberland, NY.