Creative Spirits: Evergreen - The Remarkable Story of the Trees That Shaped Our World

Creative Spirits: Evergreen - The Remarkable Story of the Trees That Shaped Our World Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 6 - 8pm $35 per person Location: The Main House Check-In: Begins at 6pm at the Main House All tickets final sale. Guests under age 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Register Now! Raise a glass and discover the extraordinary story hidden within one of nature's most familiar trees! Join acclaimed author and Cornell University professor Trent Preszler for an evening inspired by his new book, Evergreen, an illuminating journey through the history, culture, and ecology of the evergreen tree. Far more than a symbol of the holiday season, evergreens have built nations, fueled industries, inspired traditions, and shaped the landscapes - and lives - we know today. Through captivating stories that span towering western forests, Midwestern Christmas tree farms, southern sawmills, and the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Preszler reveals the surprising ways these remarkable trees have influenced our world. Along the way, he'll explore the enduring connections between people and nature and why the future of these trees matters now more than ever. Whether you're passionate about horticulture, fascinated by history, or simply love a great story, this engaging evening promises fresh perspectives, lively conversation, and a newfound appreciation for the trees that surround us. Stay after the talk for audience Q&A, a book signing, and themed cocktails inspired by the evening's journey through the evergreen landscape. Trent's book, Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America, will be available for purchase at the event. Event Schedule 6pm: Doors open 6 - 6:30pm: Self-guided exploration of the first floor of the Main House. Visit the Pop-Up Shop and purchase Evergreen or browse our selection from some early holiday shopping! During this time, guests will also enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail: The Evergreen Spritz, a sparkling botanical cocktail inspired by the forests that shaped our world. Gin, elderflower, fresh lemon, and a splash of Prosecco, finished with fragrant rosemary. 6:30 - 7:30pm: Presentation from Trent Prezler, followed by Q & A 7:30 - 8pm: Book Signing About Trent Preszler Trent Preszler is a professor of practice in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and director of the Henry David Thoreau Foundation's Planetary Solutions Initiative. His first book, Little and Often: A Memoir, hit #1 on the Amazon Books Best Seller list and was named a USA Today Best Book of the Year in 2021. His second book, Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America, was longlisted for the 2026 PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Preszler grew up on a cattle ranch in South Dakota and attended a one-room schoolhouse on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. After college at Iowa State University, he served as a White House intern for President Bill Clinton. He holds an MS in agricultural economics and a PhD in horticultural biology from Cornell University. A former winemaker and wooden boatbuilder, Preszler's life was profiled in a documentary that won a New York Emmy Award in 2017. More about Creative Spirits: A Lecture & Libations Series Unlock a world of boundless creativity with our exclusive new series, where art, design, history, horticulture, and architecture collide! You'll engage with industry visionaries and pioneers in these dynamic fields and immerse yourself in captivating lectures and innovative ideas, all while sipping on a signature themed cocktail designed to elevate each experience. For questions, please contact Communications and Marketing Manager, Kayla Cheshire, at kcheshire@plantingfields.org By registering for this event, you consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. By registering for this program, you are also agreeing to receive email communications from Planting Fields Foundation. If you have any concerns, please contact us at kcheshire@plantingfields.org Thank you to our partners: Thank you to our generous in-kind sponsor: ®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.