Gathering Growth: Working to Visually Preserve the Legacy of Significant Trees

Join us and the FI Conservancy at the Museum for an illustrated talk by photographer archivist Brian Kelley on his work documenting the oldest and largest trees in the U.S. through Gathering Growth Foundation. Rooted in the belief that conservation is as much cultural as it is scientific, Kelley’s work seeks to create a deeper public connection to the natural world. His images serve not only as documentation, but as acts of remembrance, grounded in the idea that before a landscape can be protected, it must first be known, and before it can be known, it must be remembered.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm (please note later time than our usual talks)
Place: At the Museum, 2nd floor and virtual, via zoom

Brian Kelley received his BFA in photography from the School of Visual Arts. He is dedicated to visually preserving the legacy of trees and forests while raising awareness about their protection. In 2019, he founded the Gathering Growth Foundation to expand his work beyond champion trees, building a growing archive of significant trees and forest landscapes across the United States. To date, the foundation has documented over 1,300 trees and is currently completing its first publication, Gathering Growth Vol. 1: New York.

Kelley’s extensive work in still-life photography continues to support his artistic pursuit of providing to the cultural archive of American ephemera and landscape—including other long-term projects such as The National Park Service Brochures Archive and the Archive of NYCTA Artifacts. Kelley was born in Horseheads NY, and currently lives in Lumberland, NY.

This program is co-hosted by
the Fishers Island Conservancy and the Henry L. Ferguson Museum