The Ember List

The Secret Lives of Maples Walk

Saturday, November 7 · 11 AM – 12:30 PM · Sonoma Botanical Garden (Quarryhill), 12841 HWY 12 Glen Ellen, CA 95442

About

The Secret Lives of Maples Walk There's far more to maples than syrup and the Canadian flag. Sonoma Botanical Garden is home to an extraordinary collection representing nearly one-quarter of the world's known maple species. Join us for a captivating walk through this remarkable collection as the trees reach their spectacular peak of autumn color. Along the way, you'll discover surprising maple diversity—from evergreen species to an astonishing range of leaf shapes, forms, and habitats. You'll also uncover one of the genus's best-kept secrets: the remarkably diverse and sometimes fluid reproductive strategies of maples, offering a fascinating glimpse into the complexity and ingenuity of the natural world. Whether you're a devoted tree enthusiast or simply curious about these iconic plants, you'll come away with a whole new appreciation for the secret lives of maples. This walk will be led by Alan Porter, whose lifelong passion for plants has shaped decades of learning and exploration. Following his early retirement, Alan joined the staff of the Botanical Garden at UC Berkeley, where he further developed his expertise in horticulture and botanical education. A longtime volunteer at Sonoma Botanical Garden, he has led countless tours and created a series of engaging specialty walks that invite visitors to discover the Garden's collections from fresh and fascinating perspectives. Saturday, November 7, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $10 for members, $20 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden's Welcome Center.

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