February Brings Plant Propagation, Ecology Walk to Landis Arboretum

ESPERANCE, NY (01/17/2008)(readMedia)-- True to its reputation as a year-round wonderland and center of educational excellence, the Landis Arboretum is preparing to launch two events in the weeks ahead:

Feb 6, March 6, and April 2, 6:30–9 pm

LANDIS ARBORETUM PLANT PROPAGATION COURSE

This course is a mix of practice and discussion with the intention that participants will emerge well equipped with expertise and interest to begin a plant propagation program at Landis. Instructor: Jeff Schworm, owner of The Nursery at Liddledale (Duanesburg) and Landis Trustee. Location: Library and William T. Raymond Greenhouse at the Arboretum.

The course consists of three modules.

  • Module 1: Overview of plant physiology and plant propagation techniques including: cuttings, seed germination, layering, grafting, and tissue culture.
  • Module 2: Principles and practices of plant propagation including familiarization with Landis facilities. Participants will practice techniques in the greenhouse and propagation room.
  • Module 3: Continuation of hands-on learning with discussion of an on-going plant propagation program at Landis Arboretum.

Cost: $50 for three modules. Participants who pre-agree to put their newly acquired knowledge to use within the next six months as a greenhouse volunteer will be admitted free of charge. Learn and do at the Landis Arboretum.

February 16, Saturday, 2–3:30 pm

WINTER ECOLOGY WALK

In spite of the fact that many do not venture out, the woods are alive in winter! Science educator and Amsterdam resident George Steele will be at your service on this leisurely and fun look out for the tracks and traces of woodland inhabitants.[Mr. Steele is a seasoned, award-winning environmental education consultant. His programs are welcomed offerings at children’s summer camps, museums, nature centers, outdoor education centers, state agencies, libraries and schools throughout the northeast.]

Participants will also search for winter bird life and discuss tree and plant identification as revealed in the stark countryside at the Landis Arboretum. Free – although a $5 free-will donation does help offset the care and maintenance of the Arboretum Trails. Dress in layers for the cold and bring snow shoes if you wish.

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.

Additional Background on the 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

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