Acclaimed National Geographic photographers, Diane Cook and Len Jenshel will share their latest photography project and stunning new book, Wise Trees, at the New Canaan Nature Center on Sunday, December 3rd as part of the 2017-18 Eat, Drink and Learn Series. The public program and book signing begins at 4 pm in the Sturgess Room at 144 Oenoke Ridge Road. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets at $20 per person are available at www.newcanaannature.org/events or by calling 203-966-9577.

Cook and Jenshel, in their lively and humorous style, will share their photographs and extraordinary stories as well as speak about the research involved in finding their subjects. For fellow photographers, they also will discuss the behind-the-scenes details in taking the pictures.

Diane and Len spent over two years traveling to more than 70 sites across five continents to photograph some of the world’s most historic and inspirational trees. While they did not set out to make an environmental statement with their photographs, Cook and Jenshel definitely expanded their perspective during this project.

“Trees can live without us, but we cannot live without them. They are essential to the survival of our species – and have been for millennia,” they state in their book. “It would be a grave mistake to take trees for granted…It is our hope that by paying tribute to their beauty, significant stories and all the wisdom they have to impart, we can appreciate not only their role in our past, but also how crucial they are to our future.”

The more than 50 remarkable trees highlighted in Wise Trees are examples of “the landscapes of complexity where nature and humanity converge,” which Cook and Jenshel love to photograph.  Often historical events and tragedies have shaped these trees, but also the trees also have provided a means of comfort, ritual and a humbling reminder of our co-dependence. Among these inspirational trees are the sacred fig tree in India which is a direct descendent from the tree under which Buddha attained enlightment, the 9/11 Survivor Tree, a Callery Pear nursed back to health and replanted at the Memorial, and Isaac Newton’s apple tree, the tree that inspired the laws of gravity.

Diane Cook and Len Jenshel are two of America’s foremost photographers, and have been contributing to National Geographic Magazine for 20 years. Their previous books include Aquarium (2003), Hot Spots: America’s Volcanic Landscape (1996) and Travels in the American West (1992). Their work is represented in more than 100 museums and major collections worldwide.

New Canaan Nature Center Executive Director, Bill Flynn notes, “This wonderful community program is incredibly synergistic with the other environmental education work we do here on site and Miss Bliss’ original mission when she gifted the property in 1960 to be used as a nature center and arboretum.” Miss Bliss herself planted a number of specimen trees, many of which remain today, including large weeping beeches, Chinese chestnuts, a variety of cypresses and American linden trees, giving rise to the name of her estate, Lindenwood. In addition, she left acres of forest, which now include trails to wander. “All our trees, too, have stories to tell and remain in the memories of those who have passed through this beautiful property.“

The New Canaan Nature Center is a not-for-profit environmental education organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to respect, protect, and enjoy the world of nature. The grounds are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, and the Visitors Center and other facilities are open Monday –Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. Visit www.newcanaannature.org for current program and event information.