Arboretum Defies Economy with Family-Affordable '09 Events, Classes

SCHOHARIE COUNTY, NY (01/28/2009)(readMedia)--

Long a destination of horticulturalists, environmentalists, "earth watchers," and birders, the Arboretum most often "rings a bell" of recognition because of its extraordinary plant sales - Spring and Fall -- that have become signature fundraising and friend-raising events and a seasonal clarion call to those who take pleasure in the treasures of garden and open-air spaces.

The Landis Arboretum, in fact, is a living museum and educational resources for the entire family. Its mission is to foster appreciation and understanding of trees and other plants and their importance in our environment. That mission provides the rationale for the more than 200 hours of educational courses, presentations, programs, and events at the Arboretum - as well as its well-respected quarterly Newsletter - all of which educate and inform its members and the public at large.

Beyond a mere staging area or garden for plants and trees, the Arboretum is a scientific entity which offers documented collections of labeled plants for enjoyment, casual display, critical examination and scientific study - all within the 548-acre site that straddles Schoharie and Montgomery counties. Arboreta...

• Grow and keep labeled collections of woody plants which grow in a given locality;
• Introduce plants into cultivation from the wild by selecting superior forms of indigenous plants or by importing and selecting plants from other climatically similar regions around the world;
• Maintain accurate records of plant collections through herbarium samples, plant records, and maps of plantings;
• Perform scientific investigations such as plant breeding;
• Maintain library collections of relevant t literature; and
• Disseminate information to the public through educational programs, workshops, and publications.

The Arboretum's vision of recognition and respect as a professional institution and community resource is reinforced by its growing reputation and standing with the American Public Gardens Association. Arboretum, is among select public gardens nationwide chosen to participate with The Chicago Botanic Garden, in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), and the University of Kansas, in phased initiative to develop a distributed database system for Web-based querying. Major funding for the project is provided by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Learning in the Service and Celebration of Nature 2009

February 8, Sunday, 10 AM - Noon

SECOND SUNDAY SNOWSHOE

Explore the Arboretum on snowshoes with ISA certified arborist and snowshoe king Fred Breglia. Along the way, you'll identify animal signs, discuss winter botany, and, in March, look for harbingers of spring. End the day with a hot beverage. Beginner and experienced snowshoers are welcomed. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair from Landis. (Call 518-875-6935 to reserve your pair early.) No snow? We'll take a hike. Free - but donations are always welcomed.

March 8, Sunday, 10 AM - Noon

SECOND SUNDAY SNOWSHOE

See February 8 for description. (Call 518-8875-6935 to reserve your pair early.) No snow? We'll take a hike. Free - but donations are always welcomed.

March 22, Sunday, Noon - 3 PM

ARBORETUM RITE OF SPRING

Join us with your friends and associates for the Arboretum's own passage into spring with a little March madness at our special brunch and auction. Seasonal music with special guests, the Oak Hill Kitchen Merrymakers. Tickets are only $25/person. Holiday Inn Express, just off I-88 Exit 23/Schoharie. Call 518-875-6935. Choose Option #2. Or click, landisfun@midtel.

March 27 - 29, Friday - Sunday

22^nd ANNUAL CAPITAL DISTRICT GARDEN & FLOWER SHOW

Show hours are Friday, from 10 AM - 8 PM; Saturday, from noon - 7 PM; and Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM. Volunteers are needed to enhance our presence and booth at the show. Join us! Volunteer at our booth as we put our best foot forward. McDonough Physical Education Center at Hudson Valley Community College, 80 Vandenburg Ave. (Rt. 4), Troy, New York 12180.

March 27/28, Friday/Saturday, 8:30 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Join the *Albany Area Amateur Astronomers (AAAA)* for star gazing under the dark Arboretum skies. A variety of telescopes will treat you to views of nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Fifteen minutes after the starting time, Alan French will hold an introductory program in the Arboretum's rustic Meeting House followed by a short, outdoor tour of the prominent constellations.

* March 27 & 28 (Fri/Sat) at 8:30 PM

* April 24 & 25 (Fri/Sat) at 9 PM

* May 22 & 23 (Fri/Sat) at 9:30 PM

* June 13 (Sat) at 10 PM

* July 17 & 18 (Fri/Sat) at 10 PM

* August 18 (Tues) at 7:30 PM: Club meeting (Meeting House) and star party

* August 21 & 22 (Fri/Sat) at 9:30 PM

* September 11 & 12 (Fri/Sat) at 8:30 PM

* October 16 & 17 (Fri/Sat) at 8 PM

* November 13 & 14 (Fri/Sat) at 8 PM

Alan French and his wife, Susan, along with other members of the AAAA, have been sharing the night sky with people at star parties in the Capital District for close to 40 years. Alan is a telescope maker, but also enjoys naked-eye astronomy. He is Vice President of Dudley Observatory's Board of Trustees and the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers. Susan writes the monthly "Deep Sky Wonders" column for Sky & Telescope magazine. AAAA members bring a variety of other telescopes to these gatherings, and are happy to share the views of deep sky wonders or offer help to those new to the hobby. The introductory program includes hints for enjoying the night sky, and the constellation tour includes some myths and stories.

Visitors to the Arboretum event should bring something to sit on, and dress according to the season. A sweater is always a good idea for late evenings at Landis, and it is always a good idea to bring some extra warm clothing. Programs are canceled if the sky is cloudy. Participants are encouraged to register by calling 518-374-8460 so that they can be notified if cloudy skies force a cancellation. Those who do not pre-register can call to check about two hours before the start time.

Open to all with free admission and parking - although donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcome. To check if a particular star party is happening, due to cloudy skies, or for more information about star parties or the AAAA, call 518-374-8460.

April 18, Saturday, 9 AM - 3 PM

SPRING WORKFEST

Bring your friends and your work gloves to Landis to prep the Arboretum for the season ahead. Come for part of the day or the full day. Light lunch. Heighten the experience and bring a favorite dessert to share. Just do it-and have some fun, lots of laughs, and free exercise among like-minded and environmentally conscious spirits like yourself. Can we count on you? 518-875-6935. Stay for the tour of the Old Growth Forest - see below:

April 18, Wednesday, 1 PM

OLD GROWTH FOREST TOUR AT LANDIS MARKS EARTH DAY 2009

Fred Breglia is Director of Horticulture and Operations for the Landis Arboretum, a 548-acre public garden in Esperance, NY. He also is co-founder and president of the New York Old Growth Forrest Association. Mr. Breglia is active in the New York State Big Tree Register and serves on both the New York State Big Tree Advisory Committee and the Capital District RELEAF Committee. He has nominated more than 15 state champion trees for New York State and several national champion trees registered with American Forest in Washington, DC. Join Mr Breglia for an insightful walking tour of the Arboretum's ancient forests in a proactive and invigorating Earth Day celebration. Free - but donations are always welcomed.

This free, family-focused Earth Day event is made possible through the generous underwriting support of KINTZ PLASTICS, INC. (www.kintz.com) Howes Cave, NY. KPI also is a proud sponsor of the Arboretum's 5K Cross-Country Classic. Look for the KINTZ PLASTICS ad in the white pages of our Newsletter. Support those who support us.

April 24 (Arbor Day), Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

PROJECT LEP

The Leopold Education Project is an innovative interdisciplinary program based on the classic writing of the renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold. The LEP curriculum was developed to teach the public about humanity's ties to the natural world and to provide leadership in the effort to conserve and protect the earth's natural resources. The goal is to instill a love, a respect, and an admiration for the land, leading to an ecologically literate citizenry with an intense consciousness of the earth and its inhabitants. Materials fee provides: LEP Teacher's Guide: Lessons in a Land Ethic (21 activities in more than 80 pages) and A Sand Country Almanac. Appropriate for formal and non-formal educators of grades K-12. $20 per participant. To register call Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043 and ask about scholarships available through the Schoharie County Conservation Association.

April 24/25, Friday/Saturday, 9 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

April 25, Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM

SPRING MIGRATION HAWK WATCH with HAWK IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP

Join us for a day on the look out for hawks in migration. The Arboretum offers a great view out over the Schoharie Valley, a natural corridor for hawks on the move. You can be part of the watch for as long as you want. There will be a Hawk Identification Workshop at 2:00 to help you hone your hawk watching skills. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

May 2, Saturday, 7 - 8:30 PM

WOODCOCK WALK

Early spring brings the mating song and dance of the American woodcock. We will explore the fields of the Arboretum to hear his song and observe his aerial dance. If we are lucky we'll be able to sneak right up on him as he shows off to females. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

May 9, Saturday

10 - Noon at the Arboretum, and

1-3 PM at 1185 Creek Road in Esperance

WILD LEARN AND WINSLOW OUTDOOR FAMILY ADVENTURE DUO

Join the Wildlife Learning Company at the Arboretum for a live animal presentation that includes local wildlife - including birds, reptiles, and amphibians - followed by an interactive guided nature walk. The program takes place at 10 AM - noon Location: Landis Arboretum, Lape Road, Esperance, NY.

Then experience the excitement of artistic equestrian JD Winslow in a workshop on the care and training of his unique riding horses, followed by a special acrobatic riding presentation. Location: 1185 Creek Road, Esperance, NY.

One fee includes admission to both presentations. Bring a picnic lunch. Reservations with payment or credit card by May 1. Members $8, non-members $10. Family of four: members $25, non-members $35.

May 9, Saturday, 10 AM - 1 PM

EYE ON: NATURE THROUGH THE CAMERA'S LENS

A photography class for all levels of proficiency,

The 548-acres Arboretum becomes a photographer's paradise in this dynamic three-part exploration of nature as seen though the camera's lens.

Led by nature photographer Bill Combs, Jr. and members of the Schoharie County Photographers Club, the informal three sessions are designed to engender excitement and a deeper appreciation of technique, patience, and experience when nature is the dynamic subject of pursuit.

May: Look up: avian life at Landis.

• June: Look down! Explore the hidden wonders of the forest floor at the Capital Region's Arboretum
• July: Look out and all around! Celebrate the abundance of Wildlife that makes the Arboretum a boundless source of inspiration and satisfaction for your mid-day photographic adventure.

Each 3-hour segment includes:

• 90 minutes with camera in hand, exploring the natural splendors of the Arboretum.
• 90 minutes of shared time as you display your images in a group setting, learn from shared suggestions and recommendations for improving technique, engaging nature, and expanding creative options. Held at the Arboretum's Harkness Library, which doubles as a classroom, art studio, workshop area.

Requirements: Enthusiasm; a digital camera, appropriate clothing (depending on season), and sensible shoes for the natural terrain of Landis. Bring a brown-bag lunch and a non-alcoholic beverage. Segments can be taken individually although participation in all three sessions will yield maximum satisfaction and learning. Cost: $25/session for members; $35/non-members.

Your Guides: Cobleskill resident Bill Combs Jr's interest in photography began in high school. What began as a hobby developed into a privilege, taking him to places he never would have visited otherwise-from countless hours exploring the wildlife of the exotic Everglades National Park in Florida to photographing the buffalo round-up in South Dakota and elk and bighorn sheep in the Rockies. Bill and his family often can be seen exploring the trails and rich natural resources of the Arboretum.

For more than a decade, the Schoharie Photo Club has provided common ground for regional photographers -- both amateur and professional. Members discuss their art, share techniques, display their images, and discuss their body of work. Members' work is displayed at the Cobleskill Fair each August as well as in group showings at the TriCounty Arts Council Gallery in Cobleskill. The Club host presentations by guest speakers and knowledgeable members on various topics during its monthly meetings. www.scphotoclub.com; info@scphotoclub.com.

May 9, Saturday, 11 AM - 3 PM

PAINT-OUT

Mohawk Region Chapter of the New York Plein-Air Painters will sponsor a "Paint-Out" on the grounds of the Landis Arboretum. Plein-air painting is practiced internationally and is growing in popularity. It refers to artwork, usually landscapes, created outdoors on site. Artists typically work in oils and create relatively small paintings that can be completed in a few hours using folding easels and lightweight, portable equipment. All materials are carried in and carried out by the artists with a careful respect of the environment. We are hoping for some fine spring weather (basically no heavy snow or driving rain, but everything else will be acceptable) and glorious flowering trees and shrubs. Artists can park at the Meeting House. We will reconvene at 3:30 for a casual group critique, refreshments, and a welcome chance to visit. Donations of paintings to the Arboretum's Acorn gift shop as well as paintings left for commission sale are encouraged, but not required. In the event of rain (as in downpour) the event will be postponed to the same time the following day, Sunday, May 10. To sign up, or for more information, participating artists can call Mary Beth Vought at 518-868-2807.

May 12-16, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM

ARBORETUM'S SIGNATURE SPRING PLANT/BOOK SALE SET-UP

Volunteers needed the week prior to the sale. Please call the Arboretum at 518-875-6935 for specifics. Lunch provided! Workers and bakers needed for plant sale weekend also.

May 15, Friday, 5 - 8 PM

MEMBERS' PREVIEW PARTY

By longstanding tradition, the Friday before the Plant Sale opens to the general public s designated as "Pick of the Pots" (PoPs), a member-only preview, and plant sale. The light evening fare of festive finger foods will be provided by Dottie Gallo's Sweet Tooth Caterers (Esperance). Details will be announced in the Newsletter and at www.landisarboretum.org. Always a memorable event when old friends meet once again - and introduce new ones to an Arboretum tradition.

May 16 and 17, Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM

SPRING PLANT AND BOOK SALE

Out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials. Bake sale on both days. Free admission and free parking. Volunteers needed and welcomed.

May 22/23, Friday/Saturday, 9:30 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

May 23, Saturday, 6 - 9 AM

EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK

We will explore the Arboretum grounds to find resident and migrating birds. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

May 30, Saturday, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

PROJECT WILD/AQUATIC WILD

Project WILD (Wildlife in Learning Design) and Aquatic WILD are among the most widely used conservation and environmental education programs today. This fast-paced workshop is designed for formal and informal educators, and will teach you how to integrate wildlife-focused activities of Project WILD and WILD Aquatic into your lessons, be they in the classroom, camp, after-school program, or nature center. Participants will receive two curriculum guides, which contain more than 200 activities for ages K-12. The workshop will include a range of activities from the guides and will take place indoors and out on the Arboretum's grounds. $20/participant. To register, call the Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043.

June 13, Saturday, 2 - 3:30 PM

WOODLAND TREE WALK

Enjoy a walk along the woodland trails of the Arboretum and learn how to identify our common trees. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

June 13, Saturday, 10 AM - 1 PM

EYE ON: NATURE THROUGH THE CAMERA'S LENS

See course description, May 9.

June 13, Saturday, 10 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

June 20, Saturday, 9 AM - noon (Rain date: June 21, Sunday, 9:00 AM - noon)

ALL ABOUT ROSES

This comprehensive three-hour course is packed with information, techniques, and tips that are designed to help insure successful rose culture in our cold North Country gardens. The setting for this educational experience is sure to please the senses as well. Participants will be surrounded by the sights and scents of over 200 roses within the two-acre perennial gardens. Rose varieties observed and discussed will range from the latest modern cold-hardy hybrids and English roses to the ancient and historic old garden roses and notable species varieties. A guided and narrated tour of the perennial gardens is included with the program. Complimentary beverage and light snack will be provided. The gardens have been featured in Woman's Day and American Rose magazines.

Instructor: Joanne Rosman. Location: Rosman Gardens, 1136 Enid Road, Summit, NY 12175. For additional course information and easy directions, phone 518-287-1701 or e-mail rosmans@midtel.net. Register by calling the Arboretum (518-875-6935) by June 14. Members $50; non-members $60.

June 20, Saturday, 4:30 - 8:30 PM

GARDEN PARTY

Twilight dinner. Live entertainment. Silent Auction. Cash bar. All under the Great Tent among the rolling hills of the sweeping Schoharie Valley countryside. $40/pp prepaid; $45 pp after June 10. To purchase tickets, call 518-875-6935. To donate to the silent auction, please call Donna Vincent at 518-469-1491. Always a night to celebrate and remember - especially with a table of friends!

June 20, Saturday, 9 AM - Noon

PRUNING: THE BASICS . . . AND BEYOND

Join Landis' Director of Horticulture and Operations Fred Breglia as he delves into the when, why, and how to prune trees and shrubs. Work and learn with an ISA certified arborist. If possible, participants should bring their own pruning tools and gloves since there will be a hands-on component to the program. Some of the Arboretum's pruning equipment will be available for use during the program. The Acorn Gift Shop at Landis has quality pruning tools for sale. Register by June 25. Members $35, non-members $50. All levels welcomed.

June 27, Saturday, 2 - 3:30 PM

HERPETOLOGY HIKE

Enjoy a walk about the Arboretum's fields, forests, and ponds in search of amphibians and reptiles. We hope to see several salamanders, frogs, snakes, and turtles as we learn about their habits and habitats. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

June 28, Sunday, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

NATIVE PLANTS AND BIODIVERSITY: A FIELD TRIP WITH ED AND ANNE

Bring a bag lunch and walk the Native Plant Trail with Ed Miller, curator, and Anne Donnelly, retired biology professor and Arboretum President. We'll talk about native plants and how to key them out - and about biodiversity, evolution, and how native plants sustain wildlife in our gardens. Bring your field guides and we'll help you use them, or use ours. Members $10, non-members $15.

July 11, Saturday, 10 AM - 1 PM

EYE ON: NATURE THROUGH THE CAMERA'S LENS

See course description, May 9.

July 11, 18, 25, and August 1, 2009. Four Saturday sessions: 9 AM - 11:30 AM

BOTANICAL DRAWING

You may be a gardener who "can't draw a straight line"-- or an artist who can draw all sorts of lines, a student of any age -- or just someone who would love to get a lot closer to the natural world. Learning to really look at plants and to understand what you are seeing is what this workshop is all about!

The four-Saturday workshop explores the art and science of drawing and painting plants. Plant structure, growth patterns, ecology, and botanical terminology alternate with rendering techniques to produce scientifically accurate plant portraits. We'll concentrate on the vascular plants and show methods of drawing them with pencil, pen and ink and the classical watercolor technique. We'll look at plants at a distance, and up close with microscopes and hand lenses, learn about measurement techniques, and discuss special problems in rendering, drawing from field notes, greenhouse plants, and herbarium specimens.

This workshop is open to all levels of artistic experience. CDs containing all of the text materials and PowerPoint presentations will be distributed at the first session. Conducted by Tressa Vellozzi, Keyserkill Studios, Inc. For more information and artist portfolio, go to www.keyserkill.com, click on "Art Workshops", or e-mail botany@keyserkill.com. Location: Library. Members $45, non-members $60.

July 12, Sunday, 2 - 3:30 PM

NATURE ART AT THE MEETING HOUSE

Stop by the Arboretum's Meeting House and create art inspired by nature. We'll make animal track t-shirts (each participant should bring a plain colored t-shirt), sun print book marks, leaf prints and natural dyes. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

July 18, Saturday, 11 AM - 3 PM

GARDEN TOUR

Join us for an exploration of some very special gardens in the Burnt Hills/Scotia areas of New York State's extended Capital Region. Alone or by the carful, this Arboretum classic is a must event for gardeners and a civilized day on road. Watch for details in early June on the Arboretum's website www.landisarboretum.org). Always affordable. Always fun. Informative, and colorful to boot! This is a day you won't want to miss.

July 17/18, Friday/Saturday, 10 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

July 25, Saturday, 2 - 3:30 PM

POND ECOLOGY

The pond ecosystem is full of life. Join us as we explore who is who, what they do, how they grow, and where they go in the pond environment. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

August 1, Saturday, 1:00 - 3:00 PM (Rain date: Sunday, August 2)

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES

Dragonflies love those hot summer days! You will learn what to look for, how to tell dragonflies from damselflies, how to recognize habitat preferences, and how to capture and identify using a field guide. We will walk around the various Arboretum ponds in different habitats and will capture, identify, and release these winged jewels. Leader: Anne Donnelly, official surveyor for the NYS Natural Heritage Program and Arboretum President. Donation, $5 per person.

August 8, Saturday, 2 - 3:30 PM

SEARCH FOR THE ARTHROPOD SQUAD

Who are the arthropods? Insects, spiders, centipedes and millipedes -- and the Arboretum is full of them. We'll search high and low to find these creepy crawlies and learn about who is who, what they do, how they grow, and where they go. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

August 15, Saturday, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

PROJECT WET

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is a collection of water-related activities that are hands-on, easy to use, and fun! Project WET explores the physical and chemical properties of water, water's impact on all life, our cultural and historic relationship to water, and issues relating to water use, conservation, pollution, and management. All participants receive a 500-page curriculum guide containing 91 activities. This workshop is appropriate for formal and informal educators of students grades K-12. $20/participant. To register, call the Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043.

August 18, Tuesday

CLUB MEETING (Meeting House) at 7:30 PM and PUBLIC STAR PARTY at 9:30 PM

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

August 21/22, Friday/Saturday, 9:30 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

August 29, Saturday, 9 - 10:30 PM

SOUNDS OF SUMMER NIGHT WALK

Katydids, crickets, frogs, owls, and maybe even coyotes, join in the summer night time chorus. We'll make use of our sense of hearing and fine tune our night vision to find these night time inhabitants of the Arboretum's forests and fields. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

September 12, Saturday, 2 - 3 PM

WHITE-TAILED DEER: A NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY

Learn about the largest herbivore of our fields and forest. We will look at its biology and ecology and how it has been used by people from earliest time to the present. A short nature walk looking for evidence of deer will be part of the program. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

September 11/12, Friday/Saturday, 8:30 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

September 14-18, Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM

PLANT SALE SET-UP

Volunteers are needed during the week prior to sale. Please call the arboretum at 518/875-6935 and for specifics. Lunch provided! Workers and bakers are also needed for plant sale weekend.

September 19, Saturday

5 K RUN

Capital Region runners of all ages and levels of proficiency will have the opportunity to run and compete while enjoying spectacular views of the Schoharie region countryside at this Arboretum classic. The cross country course traverses many notable sites at Landis - including the Pioneer and Woodland trails, the 400-year-old iconographic Great Oak, symbol of the Arboretum, the Fred Lape Memorial stone, and the beautiful Van Loveland Gardens. Awards: Male/Female-Top in each age group: Under 15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

KINTZ PLASTICS of Howe Cave will be the primary sponsor of the 5K event. Members of the Albany Running Exchange will provide the expertise and oversight to insure success for the race.

Race Day Registration: 8:30-9:30 AM. Free tee-shirts to the first 50 people registered before. Race start: 10 AM on the Meeting House lawn. Tot Trot: 11 AM.

Refreshments and tee-shirts will be available at the Meeting House after the race.

All proceeds to benefit Landis, the Capital Region's Arboretum.

The race will be held concurrent with the Landis signature Fall Plant and Book Sale.

For more information-including registration fees and forms visit www.landisarboretum.org.

September 19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM

ANNUAL FALL PLANT/BOOK SALE

Out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials. Bake sale on both days. Volunteers always needed and welcomed. Free admission and free parking.

September 20, Sunday, 2 - 3:30 PM

BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOP

Get ready for your wild winter bird guests with a workshop on bird feeding. We'll make a variety of bird feeders, learn about feeder set-up, and how to identify our visitors. Bring three identical, plastic, sports drink or juice containers to make a nifty bird feeder. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

October 3, Saturday, 3 - 9 PM

LAPE DAY CELEBRATION and VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PARTY

Fred Lape, a musician, poet, English professor, and writer, established the Arboretum in 1951. This year we will celebrate his 109^th birthday! The annual Lape Day ritual serves as an open-call to artists, poets, writers, crafters, and musicians of all kinds. Performance time will be allotted within the day's informal and flexible agenda.

At twilight we will honor the scores of volunteers who are the heart of the Arboretum. The Arboretum's vast dark, starlit sky will provide a natural closure to the events of the day. Be there as the fading embers of the ritual moonlit campfire and the whispered final strains of music cap a perfect day.

Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets, comfortable shoes, and bug spray. Refreshments will be sold. No rain date is scheduled. Admission and parking are free. Suggested donations of $5 person, $15 family are strongly encouraged to support Landis. Sign up early for a day you won't soon forget. 518-875-6925.

October 16/17, Friday/ Saturday, 8 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

October 17, Saturday, 2 - 3:30 PM

FALL FOLIAGE NATURE WALK

Enjoy a walk along the Arboretum's trails exploring the fall ecosystem and enjoying the changing foliage and learn about how plants and animals are preparing for winter. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

October 30, Friday, 7 - 8:30 PM

FULL MOON HALLOWEEN OWL PROWL

Join us as we prowl the Arboretum's woods listening for owls. We'll start in the Meeting House with a talk on owls and their behavior. Then it's into the woods to listen and, if we're lucky, look at owls. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

November 13/14, Friday/Saturday, 8 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details.

November 14, Saturday, 1 - 4 PM

STARTING OUT WITH HONEY BEES

If you have been thinking about honey bees, here is a beginning class for you. Since the beekeeper's year starts in the fall, now is the time to find out if beekeeping is right for you. This class will lay the groundwork so that you'll feel comfortable as a beginning beekeeper. It will be taught through a combination of lecture and video. You will learn how to buy and assemble equipment, where to place your hives, how to acquire bees, how care for your growing colonies, and how to prevent, identify, and treat diseases. Basic beekeeping has changed little over the past 150 years, but diseases and pests now make beekeeping even more of a challenge. Integrated Pest Management will be emphasized. Though the first summer's honey is mainly left for the bees to get through their first winter, harvesting will be touched upon briefly. The goal of this class is to help you begin beekeeping more confidently than if you were on your own. Class is limited to 12 people and will be held in the library.

Instructor: Anne Frey. Anne has had bees since 1989 and has been a beekeeper since 1994. From 2003 to 2007, she was president of the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers' Association. Members $35, non-members $45.

Multifaceted Jewel
As the Capital region's Arboretum, Landis is a multifaceted natural jewel. It now encompasses 548 acres of trees, shrubs, old growth forest and, of course, breath-taking vistas, and memorable gardens. Long a destination of choice among Capital District gardeners, environmentalists, nature lovers, hikers, bikers, and birders, the Landis Arboretum may be one of the best-kept secrets of the northern Catskills.

The Landis Arboretum includes a nationally recognized collection of oaks and is registered with the North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC). The Arboretum also is included in the New York State Route 20 Bluebird Trail, bringing even more birdwatchers to the site. The Arboretum's vast dark sky and wide horizons attract area astronomers to its meeting house and parking field for sky-watching events

Widening the Door to Natural Wonders for All - Every Day of the Year!

As the Capital Region's Arboretum, Landis serves all residents in the extended Capital Region, which includes (Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Ulster). Many regular visitors to Landis hail from Western Massachusetts, the Berkshires, Westchester, and western New York State. A 501 c 3 corporation, the Arboretum depends heavily of donations, grants, and fundraising events.

Ease of access from all points extends the geographic reach of the Arboretum: Central to NYS Wine and Spa Trails; the Arboretum benefits from its proximity to historic Sharon Springs, Old Stone Fort Museums Complex, Howe Caverns, the Iroquois Indian Museum, the refurbished Cave House, SUNY Cobleskill, and the reputed farms of Schoharie County.

Within under two miles travel distance from scenically designated Route 20 and the route I-88 corridor that links Albany with Cooperstown, Finger Lakes Regions and beyond, the Landis Arboretum is an accessible national treasure within easy reach of New York State's Capital Region.

The Landis Arboretum is open to all individuals and conducts all institutional operations in accordance with requirements of Title VI of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1963, as amended which bar discrimination on the basis of race, age, color, nationality, handicap, or place of residence. In the spirit of Landis Founder Fred Lape, the Arboretum also includes affectional preference in an attempt to reflect progressive times and ensure a welcoming environment for all.

The Arboretum conducts business in compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity requirements of Article 15A of the Executive Law. Whenever possible, the Arboretum attempts to meet the unique needs and expectations of special populations.

Run, Walk, Cheer for It
The Landis Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off scenic-designated Route 20 in Esperance, NY, a beautiful and easy drive from throughout the Capital Region.

The Arboretum's abundance of assets continues to find new admirers, supporters, and advocates each year:

• One of only three arboreta in eastern North America with old-growth forests. Landis has TWO!
• New York State's MOST COMPLETE Collection of Native Plants
• A nationally recognized collection of oaks of the Northeast;
• 8+ miles of hiking/walking trails; year-round programs;
• Classes, workshops, and special events for the entire family;
• The beautiful Van Loveland Gardens;
• The Arboretum's designation as a destination on NYS Route 20 Bluebird Trail;
• Where leaf-peeping turns to awe and Mother Nature hits her high notes!

Please Note: As a 501 (c) (3), non-profit corporation, the Arboretum depends heavily of grants, fundraising events, and donations. No one, however, is ever excluded from participating in the Arboretum's family fun events for lack of funds. Families and individuals who cannot pay the recommended donation of $5/person, are asked to contribute what they can - to enjoy the beauty and excitement of the Landis Arboretum, and to tell their friends about the joys of Landis, the Capital Region's Arboretum!

Posted Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 08:41 am by Landis Arboretum