Leaf-Peeping, Star Gazing at Landis Arboretum

ESPERANCE, NY (10/05/2007)(readMedia)-- Leaf-peeping gives way to awe at the extraordinary Landis Arboretum: an unforgettable place where visitors of every age marvel at the everyday- and-exotic treasures of this world-class collection of trees and shrubs from around the globe set against the spectacular vistas of legendary Schoharie Valley.

Fun-for All

The autumn weather offers an excellent opportunity to walk the beautiful grounds of the Arboretum or to take advantage of its more than eight miles of walking/hiking trails. Visitors to the Landis Arboretum are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and to wear sensible shoes and attire appropriate for the natural terrain of the Arboretum. Visitors will experience the sights and scents of autumn as never before along the well-marked Landis Lape Trail -- and the more than 8-miles of hiking trails within the 548-acre Arboretum.

Stars Bring Excitement

THE ALBANY AREA ASTRONOMERS meet regularly at the Landis Arboretum Meeting House for its dark skies and good horizons. At public star parties telescopes are set up to show guests sights in the night sky. The Walk Among the Stars programs include constellation tours, the myths and stories associated with the constellations, and hints on enjoying the night sky. Star Parties and A Walk Among the Stars programs are canceled if the skies are mostly cloudy.

Registration is encouraged by calling Alan French at 374-8460 so we can call you if an event is canceled. You can also call to check about two hours before the start time if you did not register. No admission; free parking.

• October 13 (Saturday) 7:30 pm, A WALK AMONG THE STARS, Constellation Tour

Other October Events at Landis

13 (Saturday), 9 am – 3 pm FALL WORKFEST Bring your friends and your work gloves to Landis to get the grounds ready for winter. Come for part of the day or the full day. Light lunch provided. Bring a dessert to share. Call/confirm: 875-6935.

20 (Saturday), 2–3:30 pm MEET THE AUTHOR Author Anita Sanchez (The Teeth of the Lion: The Story of the Beloved and Despised Dandelion) presents an outdoor walk to study some common plants and their lore, including the dandelion, their historical uses in medicine and as food. Suggested Donation, $5. Arboretum Library.

26(Friday), 7–8:30 pm FULL MOON HALLOWEEN OWL PROWL End the Family Program Season with our traditional Halloween Owl Prowl. Learn about our common owls— where they live, what they sound like, and what they do. Then take a short walk into the woods to see if we can hear one. Free will donation. George Steele, Science Educator

The Landis Arboretum. World-class collection of trees, plants, shrubs on 19th century farm of founder Fred Lape. Sweeping vistas. Ponds. 8+ Miles of hiking/walking trails. Wildlife. One of only three arboreta in eastern North America with old-growth forests. Registered with the North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC).

Outstanding Calendar of educational programs – with kids of all ages in mind! The always-beautiful Van Loveland Perennial Gardens. Designated site on NYS Route 20 Bluebird Trail.

Where Leaf-peeping turns to awe and Mother Nature hits her high notes! Perfect for astronomers. Individual/family interest and fun.

Central to NYS Wine and Spa Trails; near historic Sharon Springs. En route between the Albany, Cooperstown, and Finger Lakes Regions. A national treasure within the Capital District region.

174 Lape Rd, Esperance, NY. Sign for Landis on Route 20; follow for 1.5 miles. From North: I-87 S to NYS Thruway W to 25A. I-88 west to exit 24 – Duanesburg. Route 20 west six miles through Duanesburg to Esperance, NY.

Open daily, dawn to dusk. Admission free: A sugggested donation of $5/person encouraged to defray operating costs. 518-875-6935. info@landisarboretum.org; www.landisarboretum.org.

Visitors encouraged to bring themselves – and sensible shoes.

The Arboretum’s beauty will leave visitors breathless – whatever the time of year!!

Posted Friday October 05, 2007 at 08:35 am by Landis Arboretum