Arboretum Rolls Out Family Fare for Summer through September

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Wildlife at the Arboretum, photography by Bill Combs, Jr.

ESPERANCE, NY (06/29/2007)(readMedia)-- As kids of all ages come out for summer play, the Landis Arboretum offers an array of family-focused, fun, and educational events.

TUESDAY TICKLERS Each month Landis offers a nature exploring program, for children between 4 and 5 years old. These programs are designed to tickle a child’s curiosity about the natural world with hands-on activities. Each program runs from 10:30–11:30 a.m. , and takes place both indoors and outdoors. During the warm weather, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at Landis after the program. Registration deadline will be the Friday before the program. Fee: $5 members, $10 non-members. • July 17, Ponds • August 15, Insects

July 7, 2-3:30 p.m. (Sunday) HERPETOLOGY HIKE The Arboretum’s fields, forests, and ponds offer a great habitat for amphibians and reptiles. We’ll be on the look out for salamanders, newts, frogs, toads, turtles, and snakes as we learn about their habits and habitats. George Steele, Science Educator

July 15, 2–3:30 p.m. (Sunday) NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT Join us for a new family program. We’ll give you a list and set you off on the search of the Arboretum’s grounds for some of nature’s treasures. Everyone will be a winner as we explore and learn about nature. George Steele, Science Educator

July 28, 2–3:30 p.m. (Saturday) ROCKIN’ ROCKS! Come examine real fossils and various types of rocks in Landis’s stonewall, and “make” a fossil as we explore the fascinating world of geology. Susan A. Carver, Educator

August 4, 2–3:30 p.m. (Saturday) POND ECOLOGY Come learn about the life of the pond. Mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and freshwater shrimp will be among the many small invertebrates that we will capture and observe. George Steele, Science Educator

August 12, 2–3:30 p.m. (Sunday) MY TREE, MY HOME We’ll wander along the Woodland Trail with magnifying glasses to look for insects and other small animals in the tree canopy, leaf litter, and rotting logs. Susan A. Carver, Educator

August 25, 2–3:30 p.m. (Saturday) SEARCH FOR THE ANTHROPOD SQUAD Who are the arthropods? Insects, spiders, centipedes and millipedes—and Landis are FULL of them. We’ll search high and low for these creepy crawlies. George Steele, Science Educator

September 15 – 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PLANT, BOOK& BAKE SALE Annual Fall Plant/Used Book/and Bake Sale, Friday and Saturday, a.m. in the natural splendor of the rolling Schoharie countryside in autumn.

September 1 (Saturday) 10 a.m. until the fun stops! The First Annual Arboretum 5K Cross- County Forest run Run /Compete for Family Fun! Achieve your Personal Best! AND enjoy the spectacular views of the Schoharie countryside at the beautiful Landis Arboretum. Prizes awarded to runners in each age group in this timed event. All proceeds to benefit the non-profit Landis Arboretum. Race start: 10 a.m. , Meeting House lawn. Race Day Registration: 8:30 a.m. --9:30 a.m. For more information: 518-231-2290.

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 among Capital Region residents.

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

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. For more information, call 518-875-6935; www.LandisArboretum.org.

Editors, Please Note: George Steele is a seasoned, award-winning environmental education consultant since 1992 working with a wide range of programs including children’s summer camps, museums, nature centers, outdoor education centers, state agencies, libraries and schools throughout the northeast.