Arboretum Expands Education Committee & Calendar of Courses/Events for 2008

ESPERANCE, NY (01/24/2008)(readMedia)-- Spurred by a recent partnership with Otsego County-based Wildlife Learning Company, Schoharie County's Landis Arboretum has expanded both its 2008 Calendar of events and courses and its Education Committee.

In addition to retired SUNY biologist Anne Donnelly who serves as Committee Chair, and career environmental education professional and Wildlife Learning Company Vice President Susan O’Handley, the Committee's members include:

• Arboretum Board Chair Barbara Brabetz, a regular guest on National Public Radio's WAMC’s Vox Pop Science Show and chair of Natural Sciences Department at SUNY Cobleskill;

• Award-winning nature photographer Bill Combs, Jr., of BCC Photographic & Design Services. Mr. Combs plans to combine lectures and practicum in nature photographer at Landis in 2008. His images are readily available at www.landisarboretum.org, and www.FloridaWildlifePhotos.com;

• Alan French, Vice President, Dudley Observatory Board of Trustees, and Vice President, Albany Area Amateur Astronomers;

• John M. McKeeby, Director of highly respected Schoharie River Center (Esperance, NY (www.schoharierivercenter.org), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educational and cultural programming about the Schoharie Creek and the communities which make up the Schoharie River Valley;

• Gina Nielsen, a longtime Landis member and multi-faceted educator whose background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Science Education;

• Gerald Peters, longtime educator, Arboretum Trustee and Treasurer, and current Treasurer of the New York State Reading Association;

• Steve Ramsey, Arboretum supporter and Community Relations Manager, New York Power Authority, Blenheim/Gilboa facility, and

• Science educator George Steele, a popular award-winning environmental education consultant who since 1992 has spearheaded a wide range of programs for children’s summer camps, museums, nature centers, outdoor education centers, state agencies, libraries, and schools throughout the northeast.

According to Arboretum Board president Barbara Brabetz, “In today’s economic environment, our Education Committee joins our Trustees in the concerted commitment to explore alternatives to our traditional approach to programming -- and to help the Arboretum to toward promoting the Arboretum’s 548-acres as a dynamic, living laboratory and classroom in which other organizations stage their educational programs. Our expanded, all-volunteer committee already has made major contributions to the future of educational endeavors at the Arboretum. We look forward to an exciting year ahead.”

Year-round Multi-faceted Jewel

The Landis Arboretum 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 Arboretum is central to the New York State Wine and Spa Trails and in close proximity to historic Sharon Springs. And, it is a natural stop for those traveling to the high-volume tourist attractions between the Albany, Cooperstown, and Finger Lakes Regions.

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 grounds of Landis are open daily, year-round, from dawn until dusk. www.landisarboretum.org, info@landisarboretum.org, 518-875-6935.

The George Landis Arboretum

The Landis Arboretum may well be the northern Catskill Region’s best-kept secret. With centuries of history and the riveting beauty inherent in the Arboretum’s world-class, global collections, generations of extraordinary plantings continue to impart their secrets to its visitors. http://www.catskillregionguide.com/articles/article.php?id=995

For more information: Anne Donnelly, Chair, Education Committee, Landis Arboretum, PO Box 186, Lape Road, Esperance, NY 12066, (518) 875-6935/(518) 875-6394, info@landisarboretum.org, www.landisarboretum.org

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