Richard T. Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum will present a virtual talk to the Beltsville Garden Club on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. A Zoom invitation will be sent to members before the event. His subject is “An Arboreal Amble: A Curated Walk Among Magnificent Trees of the World”. Dr. Olsen, who has graciously spoken to us in the past, will provide a welcome glimpse of exotic plants and warm climates.

Dr. Olsen’s premise is that trees are truly among the most noble and wonderful organisms on the planet. In lieu of another garden talk on what you should grow or how to grow it, his presentation is simply intended as an excuse to join him as he shares his experiences with trees and other woody plants from around the world. He will conduct a photographic virtual tour of cultivated and non-cultivated landscapes highlighting incredible tree specimens, botanical curiosities, and the beautiful diversity of trees.

In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Olsen has been a research geneticist at the National Arboretum, guiding urban tree breeding and plant genetic resource programs. Dr. Olsen has degrees in horticulture from North Carolina State University (BS & PhD) and the University of Georgia (MS).