Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) welcomes Dr. W. John Kress, Distinguished Scientist and Curator Emeritus at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, to talk about the importance of our connection to trees. In the last five years that Dr. Kress spent writing a book on the trees of North America, it was the warmest on record as the planet endured the highest temperatures it has experienced for thousands, if not millions, of years as a result of human activities. Why have so many humans altered their relationship to Nature and become destructive to the Earth’s environments, especially over the last three hundred years? The lack of respect and disregard for the natural world by a significant segment of our society has never been greater. This book and this talk are aimed at helping us regain a relationship and respect for Nature through our connection to trees. Topics will include the value of trees, the ecology and evolution of trees, the diversity of trees, and the conservation of trees. Registration is $22 per person. For more information or to register, please call 802-867-0111 or visit our website at greenmtnacademy.org.