Arboretum Hosts Activities Every Week in June

ESPERANCE, NY (05/28/2010)(readMedia)-- The Landis Arboretum invites you to enjoy a full month of activities in June. Come to Esperance and experience one or more of the educational programs and special events.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Garden Party on Saturday, June 19, 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Dinner at Twilight, live music, cash bar, silent auction, garden sculpture by Samuel E, and priceless views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Bring your friends for an unforgettable night under the Great Tent at Landis. Get discount tickets until June 10 for $40 per person, pre-paid; or $45 after June 10. Buy tickets securely online at www.landis.arboretum.org or call (518) 875-6935. To donate items for the silent auction, contact Donna Vincent at (518) 469-1491.

The wonders of the season are everywhere, from dawn to dusk and beyond. Expand your understanding of the natural world with the Arboretum's cadre of educators:

Moth Watch

The nocturnal habits of many species of moths often cause them to travel about unnoticed. On Friday evening, June 4, 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Science Educator George Steele will set up a light to attract moths and see who might show up – perhaps Luna, Polyphemus, Io and a variety of sphinx moths, as well as other insects of the night.

The program will include a discussion of moth ecology, behavior, and the role they play in our environment. Cost for members: $5 per person, $15 per family; non-members: $10 per person, $25 per family.

Pond Ecology

Explore the mysteries of the pond's ecosystem with George Steele – find out who lives there, what they do, how they grow, and where they go. Another fun and educational program for the whole family at Landis, this will take place on Saturday, June 19, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Cost for members: $5 per person, $15 per family; non-members: $10 per person, $25 per family.

The Microscopic World of the Arboretum's Ponds

How much do you really know about the four ponds at Landis? Join Biology Teacher Gina Nielsen on a tour of these ponds to collect samples for viewing under the microscope. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy a conversation pondside after the program, to be held on Wednesday, June 30, 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Cost for members: $5 per person, $15 per family; non-members: $10 per person, $25 per family.

Who can resist the beauty and wonder of the evening sky in summer? If you haven't been to one of the Arboretum's famous Public Star Parties, June offers the perfect opportunity on Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12, at 10:00 pm. Alan French and the Albany Area Astronomers bring a variety of telescopes for your chance to observe nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and more after an introduction at the Meeting House. Note: star parties are cancelled if the skies are mostly cloudy. Call Alan at (518) 374-8460 if in doubt about the weather or for more information. Free parking and admission, but donations to the Arboretum are always welcome.

The resources of the Landis Arboretum include the expertise of ISA certified arborist Fred Breglia, Director of Horticulture and Operations. Fred will be offering a two-part course on pruning during the month of June. All levels of knowledge/experience are welcome:

Pruning Workshop #1, Tuesday, June 22, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The first of two sessions, this class will focus on promoting plant health through proper pruning. Fred will be discussing the essentials of when, why, and how to prune trees and shrubs with in-depth lecture including hand-outs and a pruning calendar. Register by June 20 for this program; participation in both sessions is recommended but not mandatory. Cost for members: $25; non-members, $40.

Pruning Workshop #2, Tuesday, June 29, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The second of two sessions, this will be a hands-on workshop with arborist Fred Breglia. Some of the Arboretum's pruning equipment will be available for use during the program, but participants are encouraged to bring their own pruning tools and gloves. The Acorn Gift Shop at Landis also has quality pruning tools for sale. Register by June 20 for this program; participation in both sessions is recommended but not mandatory. Cost for members: $25; non-members, $40.

NEW AT LANDIS! Dog Stroll, Saturday, June 12, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, sponsored by the Schoharie County Animal Shelter

The Arboretum is proud to host its first trail walk to benefit the shelter. Bring your leashed dog for a short or long designated walk at Landis. Your registration fee includes a tee shirt commemorating this inaugural event. Highlights will include blessing of the animals, frisbee and newspaper throwing competitions, vendors, and much more. To register, call (518) 296-8938 or (518) 424-0132.

Brownie Eco-Explorer Badge

On Saturday, June 12, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Brownie troops will have the opportunity to learn about the ecology of the plants and animals living in the Arboretum's woodland habitats with Instructor Gina Nielsen. This will be a "try-it" event, and troops are encouraged to picnic on the grounds after receiving their badges. Leaders, please register your troops early (class size is limited to 25 participants), and no later than June 4, by calling (518) 875- 6935. Cost: $10 per girl (includes badge). Location: Landis Welcome Center

* www.landisarboretum.org * (518) 875- 6935 *