Landis Arboretum, Howe Caverns Roll Out 2008 Events;

ESPERANCE, NY (02/08/2008)(readMedia)-- Two Schoharie County destinations offer a world of adventure, education, and wonder -- within an easy, beautiful drive from anyplace in the northest. Come. Play. Learn. Stay.

March 5, April 2, To Be Announced, Wednesdays, 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. The course consists of three modules. Instructor: Jeff Schworm, owner of The Nursery at Liddledale. Location: Library and Greenhouse. Registration by January 30. * 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. $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 10, Sunday, 1–3 pm 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. End the day with a hot beverage in the Meeting House. 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.

February 16, Saturday, 2–3:30 pm WINTER ECOLOGY WALK The woods are alive in winter. Venture out and enjoy it. Dress in layers for the old and bring snow shoes if you wish. We’ll be on the look out for the tracks and traces of woodland inhabitants. We will also search for winter bird life and discuss tree and plant identification in winter. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5.

March 8, Saturday, 7–9 pm NATURALISTS’ TRIP TO BRYCE CANYON AND ZION This is the second in our author/travelogue series with Arboretum members sharing. George Steele presents a slide show on the natural history of the desert southwest/canyon country. Location: Library. Suggested donation: $5.

March 9, Sunday, 1–3 pm 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, look for harbingers of spring. End the day with a hot beverage in the Meeting House. 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.

March 22, Saturday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm FLYING WILD (New York Power Authority, Gilboa) Flying WILD is an exciting new program developed in 2002 that introduces middle school students to bird conservation through classroom activities and school bird festivals. The program supports educators by providing interdisciplinary, standards-based opportunities to engage students in real-world learning that helps them understand the importance of migratory birds and their conservation. The materials contain more than 40 activities and an extensive guide to planning a student-led bird festival in 360 pages. Materials are funded by Return a Gift to Wildlife in New York State. Preference for this workshop is given for formal and non-formal educators working with students grades 6–9. $20 per participant Register: Contact Wildlife Learning Company by March 12. 607-293-6043.

April 4, Friday, 8:30 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

April 12, Saturday, 7–9 pm BOTANICAL THRILL SEEKING IN OAXACA, MEXICO The ultimate guided field trip! We traveled a wide range of habitats and elevations, from desert, dry tropical deciduous forest, tropical deciduous forest, thorn forest and tropical rain forest. There were some spectacular (and grueling) hikes. My fellow participants were a varied lot in their interests, personalities, and backgrounds, but all had an interest in plants, (although some rather narrow). Group dynamics can be very entertaining! Orchids, cycads, cactus and succulents; costumes and culture; and roadside mescal stills. Come for a sample. Presenter: Anne Donnelly. Location: Landis Library. Suggested donation: $5.

April 19, 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.

April 26, Saturday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm PROJECT WILD Project WILD (Wildlife In Learning Design), is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. The goal of this curriculum is to assist students of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment to result in informed decisions, responsible behavior and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment. Aquatic WILD is an extension of the original Project WILD that addresses aquatic wildlife and serves as an invitation to explore and understand the fascinating world of water and the aquatic habitats it supports. Two curriculum guides are provided at no charge to participants: WILD, containing more than 120 activities in 525 pages and Aquatic WILD, containing 50 activities in 260 pages. Materials are funded by Return a Gift to Wildlife in New York State. This workshop is appropriate for formal and non-formal educators of grades K–12. $20 per participant. To register, call the Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043

April 26, Saturday, 10-4 SPRING MIGRATION HAWK WATCH with a HAWK IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP at 2–3:30 pm. 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 pm to help you hone your hawk watching skills. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

April 29, Tuesday, 6–8 pm SOIL FERTILITY & TRACE ELEMENTS Get the most from the least. Minerals are the foundation of soil fertility. We pay attention to major and organic minerals, but are still learning about the key roles of trace elements and micro-organisms to create enzymes, hormones, DNA, and bio-regulator molecules. Evidence is emerging—plants and animals need, not 32, but all 90 elements, many at parts per trillion. Learn to get the most from the least for your soil, your plants—and your health. Instructor: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

May 2, Friday, 7–8:30 pm FROG FROLIC Spring time brings the awakening of frogs and their search for mates. We will explore the Arboretum’s ponds and woods listening and looking for frogs and other spring animal life. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5. May 2, Friday, 9:30 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

May 6, Tuesday, 6–8 pm L.I.F.E.: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOOD SUPPLY How will we put fertility in our soils and feed our communities with oil prices exceeding $100/barrel? Our human future requires a sustainable society, and food is the foundation for community and economy. A Locally integrated Food Economy (LIFE) offers strategies to develop sustainable regional food systems. Learn now how to help create a food system able to adapt to the challenges of our future. Instructor: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

May 12–16, 9 am–5 pm (Monday–Friday) 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 and speak to Vicki for specifics. Lunch provided! Workers and bakers needed for plant sale weekend also.

May 13 (class repeated July 15, September 16),Tuesdays, 6–8 pm CONFRONTING OUR CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE Soil Fertility, Carbon Pollution & Renewable Energy Micro-organisms, the least of all life, created Earth’s atmosphere and gave us our climate. Reversing climate change means putting carbon back in the soil. Renewable energy produced from plant biomass yields a charcoal by-product that can sequester carbon in soil to hold water and minerals, and provide habitat for microbes. Gardeners, farmers, landscapers, and foresters can all help reverse global warming and create a foundation for sustainable society and food supply. Instructor: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

May 16, 5–8 pm, Friday. Details, TBA. MEMBERS’ PREVIEW PARTY

May 17–18, Saturday–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 24, Saturday, 6–9 am EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK A walk for the beginning to serious birder. We will explore the Arboretum grounds to find resident and migrating birds. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

May 24, Saturday 9:30–11 am INTRODUCTION TO GEOCACHING We will meet at the Arboretum’s Meeting House for an introduction to this sport. Learn how to use GPS coordinates to locate the “caches.” This will be a multi-cache event highlighting some of the Arboretum’s gems. Bring your GPS if you have one, but come even if you are lacking equipment! Leader: Gina Nielsen. Suggested donation, $5.

May 24 (class repeated July 12), Saturdays, 1–4 pm REDISCOVER SACRED SPACE Living waters—living landscapes. Water is essential to life. Every body is a water body. Thus, every creature has an inner sense to find water. The Earth is nested in a matrix of magnetic flux, weaving together the land’s special spaces and energy places. Finding these unique resources in the land allows us to be more conscious and connected and make wiser use of our homes, farms, and the community of life. Find sacred space in your land—and in your heart. Workshop leader: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

May 31, Saturday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm Project WET Project WET is a collection of innovative, water-related activities that are hands-on, easy, and fun! Project WET is about people’s relationships to water. This thorough water education program also addresses water’s chemical and physical properties, quantity and quality issues, aquatic wildlife, ecosystems, and management strategies. Created in 1995, the curriculum contains 91 activities in more than 500 pages. Materials are funded by NYS DEC Division of Water Resources. Appropriate for formal and non-formal educators of grades K–12. $20 per participant. To register, call the Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043

June 6, Friday, 8–9:30 pm MOTH WATCH The evening will be full of moths and other insects as we attract them in with mercury vapor light. Marvel at the sheer numbers, amazing camouflage, and interesting life history of an insect that raises more ire than admiration. With luck we will see luna, cecropia, and hawk moths, some true gems of the insect world. Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation: $5.

June 7, Saturday, 9:30 am–4:00 pm THE LEOPOLD EDUCATION PROJECT The Leopold Education Project is an innovative interdisciplinary educational program based on the classic writings 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 and 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); A Sand County Almanac; LEP Task Cards; LEP Journal; Environmental Heroes and Heroines; and Blue Ribbon Quotes (set of 14 laminated posters). Appropriate for formal and non-formal educators of grades K-12. $20 per participant. To register call Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043.

June 14, Saturday. Details, TBA. SUMMER SOLSTICE SOIREE GARDEN PARTY

June 15, Sunday, 2–3:30 pm FATHER’S DAY HERPETOLOGY HIKE Celebrate Father's Day with an enjoyable 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. Suggested donation, $5

June 27, Friday, 10 pm and June 28, Saturday, 10 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

June 28 (class repeated August 23), Saturdays, 1–4 pm THE 6th SENSE: Awaken Your Intuitive Mind The 6th Sense allows us to perceive energies not accessible to our five physical senses. We all have this ability, but few places teach its development, and modern culture discourages it. Yet this sense has many practical uses in farming, healing, communication, relationships, earth awareness, and spiritual development. We will explore a dozen ways to use this intuitive mode of perception. Workshop leader: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

June 28, Saturday, 9 am–12 noon (Rain Date: June 29, Sunday, 9 am–12 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. Register by calling the Arboretum (518-875-6935) by June 14. Members, $50; non-members, $60. 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.

July 6, Sunday, 9 am–12 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. $35 members, $50 non-members. All levels welcomed.

July 11, Friday, 8:30–10 pm BAT ECOLOGY EXPLORATION The Arboretum’s fields, forests, ponds and buildings offer great habitat for bats. We'll be on the looking and listening for them as we learn about their place in the ecosystem. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

July 12, 19, 26 & August 2, Saturdays, 9–11:30 am Second Section (if required) same dates; 1–3:30 pm BOTANICAL DRAWING Professional botanical illustrator Tressa Vellozzi will teach participants the basics of botanical drawing using pencil, pen, ink, and watercolors. Tressa enjoys sharing her techniques of observation and fondness for plants with artists of varying skill levels. Individual attention will be given to all students. Class size is limited. Complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks provided. Register by calling the Arboretum 518-875-6935 by July 1. $45 members, $60/non-members. Instructor: Tressa Vellozzi. Location: Keyserkill Studio, 331Keyserkill Road, Middleburgh, NY 12122. For directions and additional information phone, 518-827-5719, or go to www.keyserkill.com: click on “Art Workshops.” E-mail: botany@keyserkill.com

July 15 (class repeated September 16), Tuesday, 6–8 pm CONFRONTING OUR CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE Soil Fertility, Carbon Pollution & Renewable Energy Micro-organisms, the least of all life, created Earth’s atmosphere and gave us our climate. Reversing climate change means putting carbon back in the soil. Renewable energy produced from plant biomass yields a charcoal by-product that can sequester carbon in soil to hold water and minerals, and provide habitat for microbes. Gardeners, farmers, landscapers, and foresters can all help reverse global warming and create a foundation for sustainable society and food supply. Instructor: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

July 18, Friday, 7–8:30 pm KNOW YOUR TREES We’ll help you to be able to answer the question—“What’s that tree?” You’ll learn how to use a tree key, the tool botanists use to identify trees, while also investigating how trees fit into the ecosystem and are used by us. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5. Participants will meet in lower parking lot.

July 25, Friday, 9:30 pm and July 26, Saturday, 9:30 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

August TBA GARDEN TOUR

August 9, Saturday, 2–3:30 pm WIGGLY WATER WONDERS 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. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

August 19, Tuesday, 7:30 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY (Club meeting followed by a Star Party) Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

August 23, Saturdays, 1–4 pm THE 6th SENSE: Awaken Your Intuitive Mind The 6th Sense allows us to perceive energies not accessible to our five physical senses. We all have this ability, but few places teach its development, and modern culture discourages it. Yet this sense has many practical uses in farming, healing, communication, relationships, earth awareness, and spiritual development. We will explore a dozen ways to use this intuitive mode of perception. Workshop leader: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

August 23, Saturday, 8:30–10 pm NATURE TUNES AND TALES CAMPFIRE Join us around a campfire to participate in a traditional sing-a-long. There’s a twist though: these songs and stories are nature tunes and tales that shed light on the wonders of our natural world. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

August 23, Saturday, 9 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

August 30, Saturday, 8:30 am–10 pm LAPE DAY/2nd ANNUAL 5K FAMILY FOREST RUN/WALK Open call to runners, musicians, poets, and rockers, for Combined 5K Family Classic Run/Walk and Lape Day open mic. Details to follow.

September 5, Friday, 8:30–10 pm COYOTE HOWL The coyote, beloved by some, despised by others, is the largest predator of our woods and fields. Learn about how this interesting animal fits into the ecosystem as we try to entice it to howl for us. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

September 8–12 PLANT SALE SET-UP Volunteers needed during the week prior to sale. Please call the arboretum at 518/875-6935 and speak to Vicki for specifics. Lunch provided! Workers and bakers are also needed for plant sale weekend.

September 13–14, 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 16, Tuesday, 6–8 pm CONFRONTING OUR CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE Soil Fertility, Carbon Pollution & Renewable Energy Micro-organisms, the least of all life, created Earth’s atmosphere and gave us our climate. Reversing climate change means putting carbon back in the soil. Renewable energy produced from plant biomass yields a charcoal by-product that can sequester carbon in soil to hold water and minerals, and provide habitat for microbes. Gardeners, farmers, landscapers, and foresters can all help reverse global warming and create a foundation for sustainable society and food supply. Instructor: David Yarrow. $35 members, $45 non-members. To register, call the Arboretum.

September 20, Saturday, 2–3:30 pm FALL FLOWER WALK Goldenrods and asters make up most of our fall flowers. We’ll study them and anything else that’s blooming as we walk about the Arboretum’s fields. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

September 26, Friday, 8 pm and September 27, Saturday, 8 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

October 5, Sunday, 2–3:30 pm NATURE FOR SCOUT AND YOUTH GROUPS Children participating in scout and youth organizations have nature and ecology badge opportunities. This walk will help them meet requirements that have them exploring and learning about the natural environment. Children need not attend with their troop. It is recommended that groups call ahead so that we can plan for larger numbers. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5

October 24, Friday, 7–8:30 pm 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. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.

October 24, Friday, 8 pm and October 25, Saturday, 8 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

October 25, Saturday, 9 am–3 pm FALL 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—bring a favorite dessert to share. Just do it. Have fun, lots of laughs, and free exercise among like-minded and environmentally conscious spirits like yourself. Can we count on you? 518-875-6935.

November 21, Friday, 8 pm PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers

Thom O’Connor, L A N D I S, The Capital Region's Arboretum, 518-875-6935 director@landisarboretum.org

2008 SPECIAL EVENTS at HOWE CAVERNS 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave, NY. 12092, 518-296-8900

There’s always something special to do and to see at Howe Caverns, a destination for family fun for generations. During 2008, Howe Caverns has some very special events planned for everyone to enjoy.

Howe Caverns is located halfway between Albany and Cooperstown and is open all year, closing only for Thanksgiving and Christmas days. For additional information about special events and overnight getaways, or for a virtual tour of the great cave, visit www.howecaverns.com or call 518-296-8900.

February 2/14-2/16 A Valentine Sweetheart Getaway Enjoy our special Valentine’s Package – a romantic getaway featuring our fabulous Lantern Tour, candy, champagne, flowers and overnight accommodations.

2/14-2/23 Lantern Tours Light Up Winter 5:30 p.m. Here’s your chance to explore the great cave by lantern light. These special tours will be available daily and show Howe Caverns in a very different light – the way Lester Howe and his guests first saw it in 1842. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate. The cost is $27 per person (tax included) and reservations are required.

March 3/2 Lantern Tour Benefit 5 p.m. We’re going under to raise funds for Marathon for a Better Life that helps Schoharie County residents with cancer. Through May, Howe Caverns is offering special Lantern Tours one day of each month, with proceeds benefiting this charitable endeavor. Marathon for a Better Life assists Schoharie County cancer patients with mammograms; travel to and from treatments, wheelchair ramps and insurance. Also taking place on April 6 and May 4.

3/28 - 3/30 Maple Weekend at Howe Caverns Celebrate New York State Maple Weekend with us. We’re partnering with Maple Hill Farms (just down the road) for the sweetest and first harvest of the year – maple syrup. This event is one the entire family will enjoy. The getaway includes two adult tickets for a traditional tour of Howe Caverns and overnight accommodations in the Howe Caverns Motel with a sweet maple surprise package waiting for your arrival. Admission to the Maple Hill’s Open House is free. Tour the sap house to see how sap becomes syrup. Sample some treats, including sugar on snow. Take a hayride in the woods as you celebrate the sweetest harvest of all. For more information and reservations call Howe Caverns at 518-296-8900 or click here. Visit Maple Hill Farm online at www.maplehillfarms.biz.

April 4/6 Lantern Tour Benefit Marathon for a Better Life, 5 p.m. For details, see March 2.

4/19 Earth Day at Howe Caverns 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A family fun experience during school break. There is no better place on Earth to discover the wonders of the world beneath your feet. The Great Cave is open for Traditional Tours and regular admission prices apply. Plant some flower seeds. Try out the squeezebox to discover what caving in the wild is like. And, for the first 100 guests, there will be free baby trees. Special overnight packages are available.

4/25 & 4/26 Howe Sweet A Weekend Celebrating the 43rd Annual Schoharie County Maple Festival. For a family fun adventure, plan to visit Howe Caverns and to enjoy the Maple Festival on this very special weekend. Maple Festival is an all day, free, family event on Saturday at the nearby Cobleskill Fairgrounds. The festival features a parade, crafters, rides, children’s entertainment, music, maple demonstrations and more. Pancakes with real New York State maple syrup are available all day. Just down the road from Howe Caverns, visit Maple Hill Farm with a free tour of their sap house. Watch the sap become syrup and sample some maple treats. A special overnight package at the Howe Caverns Motel includes a schedule of maple events, two adult tickets for a traditional caverns tour and maple treats in the room. Join us for this very sweet celebration in Schoharie County.

May 5/4 Lantern Tour Benefit, Marathon for a Better Life, 5 p.m. For details, see April 6.

5/10 & 11 Mother’s Day, Pamper Mom with a perfect weekend at the Howe Caverns Motel, with its spectacular views in a relaxing rural setting. A special overnight package includes a tour of the cave for Mom, flowers and a voucher for Mom to redeem for our homemade fudge, plus a 20% discount on Gift Shop items.

5/10 Howe’s Hill Challenge, Marathon for A Better Life, 8 a.m. This 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk challenges participants to walk or run downhill along the scenic road leading to Howe Caverns and then back up the hill, to raise funds for this organization that assists local cancer patients.

5/17 & 5/18 Discovery Days, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Special commemoration of the 166th anniversary of Lester Howe’s discovery of “The Great Wonder Down Under” and the reopening of the cave in 1929. Enjoy our expanded historic displays in the Visitors Center. Schoharie County residents are invited to take a Traditional Tour, free of charge (with proof of residency), to re-discover the wonders at Howe Caverns during Discovery Days.

5/23-5/26 Visit the Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology, 12 Noon to 5 p.m. The new Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology, just down the road from Howe Caverns, opens to visitors this weekend. See the restored site of one of Lester Howe’s great hotels. Views of the natural entrance to the cave are available at the museum site. June 6/15 Cavalcade of Cars & Father’s Day Barbecue, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 100 antique and performance vehicles are expected at the 8th annual car show on the Howe Caverns Estate. Free. And, what could be better than to treat Dad to a great barbecue while he enjoys the car show. Overnight lodging packages available.

October 10/24 26th Annual Halloween at Howe Caverns Ticket sales from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This annual charity benefit takes visitors on a journey below the earth’s surface into the great “haunted cave” filled with monsters and giggles. 2008 proceeds benefit the Schoharie County ARC. $10/adult, $5/child 12 and younger. (Because this is a benefit, no coupons or discounts apply.)

November 11/8 & 9 Veterans Day Weekend 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A salute to past and present members of the U.S. Military and families of those on active duty. All current and past members of the Armed Forces and members of families who have someone on active duty will be admitted to tour the caverns for $5 by showing proof of service. All those who come in uniform will tour free. Special overnight lodging packages available.

11/21-23 Howe Helps Share the Bounty 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Thanksgiving Weekend, visitors to Howe Caverns receive one half-priced admission ticket for a Traditional caverns’ tour with each donation of a canned food item given to help restock Schoharie County food pantries. Canned items only, please.

December 12/6&7 and 12/13&14 Crafts & Carols Weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Howe Caverns hosts the happiest of holiday happenings during these two weekends. Featuring unique crafts produced by local artisans, music by local choral groups, photos with Santa and much more. Overnight packages available.

MEDIA CONTACT:Kathy Condon, Condon Communications, PHONE: 518-436-1103 FAX: 518-436-7346, E-MAIL: kcondon@netheaven.com

Wildlife Comes to Arboretum The Landis Arboretum recently announced a dynamic partnership with Otsego County-based Wildlife Learning Company (Hartwick, NY). From the perspective of Arboretum Education Committee Chair Anne Donnelly, the synergy created by the shared vision of the Landis Arboretum (LA) and the Wildlife Learning Company (WLC) can be expected to bring a rich diversity of educational opportunities to teach and to learn about nature through seasoned educational professionals working within the spectacular 548-acre Arboretum.

Wildlife Learning Company, Inc. is a full-service environmental education company offering services and products to schools, libraries, environmental organizations and members of the general public. WLC promotes conservation through education and strives to connect people to nature by providing programs and products that foster an appreciation of the natural environment, impart an understanding of how natural systems function, and create a desire for people to explore the natural world further and take personal responsibility for its protection and care. Wildlife Learning Company provided programs to more than 6,000 participants last year. For more information: Susan O’Handley, Vice President, Wildlife Learning Company, Inc., 107 East Hill Road, Hartwick, NY 13348, (607) 293-6043 • Fax: (607) 293-6675; message@wildlearn.com, www.wildlearn.com.

To learn more about the Landis Arboretum (www.landisarboretum.org) : 518-875-6935/Fax: 518-875-6394, PO Box 186, Lape Road, Esperance, NY 12066-0186 -- one-and-one-half miles north off Route 20. info@landisarboretum.org

Posted Friday February 08, 2008 at 09:39 pm by Landis Arboretum