Moths, Nature Tunes ‘n’ Tales, and Wildflowers for Dad

ESPERANCE, NY (05/31/2007)(readMedia)-- For wanderers and wonderers, the Landis Arboretum offers something different, new, and educational for the entire family. June is no exception.

MOTH WATCH, June 1, 9 –10:30 pm (Friday) The evening is full of moths and other insects as we attract them with a 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 of the gems of the insect world. George Steele, Science Educator

FINDING YOUR WAY, June 3, 2–3:30 pm (Saturday) If compasses confuse you and you are unsure what GPS means, join us for a leisurely afternoon examining the different ways of navigating through the woods. Susan A. Carver, Educator.

FATHER’S DAY WILDFLOWER WALK, June 17, 2–3:30 pm (Sunday) Celebrate Father’s Day with an enjoyable walk through the Arboretum’s fields and forest in search of wildflowers. George Steele, Science Educator

DISCOVER SACRED SPACE, June 10, 1–5 pm (Sunday) Learn to read the land’s subtle energies. Hidden in the landscape are special places of enhanced energy, spiritual presence, and holistic connection to the earth. Through dowsing, we can become aware of these sacred spaces, explore their features, and enjoy their heightened energies. Learn to find these extraordinary places and incorporate them into your gardens, landscaping, and spiritual connection to the Earth. Register by June 5. $15 members, $25 non-members. David Yarrow, Turtle Eye Land Sanctuary.

PRUNING: THE BASICS AND BEYOND, June 23, 9 am, 1 pm (Saturday) Join Landis’s Director of Horticulture and Operations Fred Breglia as he delves into the when, why, and how to prune trees and shrubs. If possible, participants should bring their own pruning tools and gloves since there will be a hands-on component to the program. Some of Landis’s pruning equipment will be available for use during the program. The Acorn Gift Shop here at Landis has quality pruning tools for sale. Register by June 18. $35 members, $50 non-members. Fred Breglia, Director of Horticulture and Operations

NATURE TUNES AND TALES CAMPFIRE, June 30, 8:30–10 pm (Saturday) It has become a tradition to do a campfire sing-a-long on one of the summer’s full moon nights. Join us for a night of nature tunes and tales by the campfire light. George Steele, Science Educator

Star Struck

A WALK AMONG THE SUMMER STARS, Saturday June 9, 9:30 pm Alan French will lead you on a tour of the spring constellations featuring Cygnus (the swan), Hercules the strongman, and Scorpius (the scorpion) and tell some of the legends associated with the constellations. Alan will also provide valuable hints for enjoying the night sky with the eye alone. Please bring something to sit on and dress warmly. The program is canceled if the sky is cloudy. Participants are encouraged to register by calling 518-374-8460 so we can call you if cloudy skies force a cancellation. All programs are free.

Star Party, Friday June 15, 10 pm; Saturday June 16, 10 pm THE ALBANY AREA ASTRONOMERS meet regularly at the Landis Arboretum meetinghouse for its dark skies and good horizons. On sun/ moon picnic dates, the club’s special solar telescope is used to provide a safe view of the sun. Lunar and star-gazing is continued after dark. Visitors are welcome to join the club’s activities; bring a blanket and a picnic supper if you wish. For more information, visit www.timesunion.com/communities/astronomy. To check if a particular star party is happening or not (due to cloudy skies), call 518-374-8460.

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