Stroll explores mysteries of trees
Some of the trees in Harris Shoals Park in Watkinsville are twisted into fanciful shapes or have bulbous growths, gaping holes or zigzag pairings with other trees.
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This Saturday, a guided walk to learn more about such oddly shaped trees will be led by John Ritzler, an arborist who co-owns a company called New Urban Forestry. The walk, which begins at 9 a.m., is part of the "Saturday Strolls at Harris Shoals" series organized by the Oconee Democrats.
Ritzler will lead a mile-or-so walk around the park while discussing the forces that shape trees into odd contortions. He said observers can learn a lot about environmental conditions of the past by studying what he calls "anomaly trees."
Ritzler grew up in Marietta, where he was drawn to nature - and trees especially - at an early age. "You can't help but notice the role that trees play when you're outdoors," he said.
Ritzler now is an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. He formerly worked for the U.S. Forest Service, but after spending time out West he decided to return to Georgia to start a company in Athens that works to preserve what he calls "urban forests" in cities and towns.
His company specializes in protecting the health of urban trees so vital for leafy shade, aesthetics and treehouses in neighborhoods. He stresses that trees do far more, however.
"In addition to the r
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