Much Ado about May at Landis Arboretum – and Why Not!

Signature Plant Sale Fundraiser, Wildlearn, Eye-On & Paint-Out Head List

SCHOHARIE REGION (04/08/2009)(readMedia)-- Gathering momentum from its successful Rite of Spring Brunch & Auction and presentations at the Capital District Flower and Garden Show, the Landis Arboretum heads for new heights -- with its annual, signature Spring Plant/Book/Bake Sale fundraiser and innovative programs for May.

May 2, Saturday, 7 - 8:30 PM

WOODCOCK WALK

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

Early spring brings the mating song and dance of the American woodcock. We will explore the fields of the Arboretum to hear his song and observe his aerial dance. If we are lucky, we'll be able to sneak right up on him as he shows off to females. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

May 9, Saturday

10 - Noon at the Arboretum;

1 - 3 PM at 1185 Creek Road in Esperance

WILD LEARN AND WINSLOW OUTDOOR FAMILY ADVENTURE DUO

Join the Wildlife Learning Company at the Arboretum for a live animal presentation that includes local wildlife - including birds, reptiles, and amphibians - followed by an interactive guided nature walk. The program takes place at 10 AM - noon Location: Landis Arboretum, Lape Road, Esperance, NY.

Then experience the excitement of artistic equestrian JD Winslow in a workshop on the care and training of his unique riding horses, followed by a special acrobatic riding presentation. Location: 1185 Creek Road, Esperance, NY.

One fee includes admission to both presentations. Bring a picnic lunch. Reservations with payment or credit card by May 1. Members $8, non-members $10. Family of four: members $25, non-members $35.

May 9, Saturday, 10 AM - 1 PM

EYE ON: NATURE THROUGH THE CAMERA'S LENS

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

A photography class for all levels of proficiency,

The 548-acres Arboretum becomes a photographer's paradise in this dynamic three-part exploration of nature as seen though the camera's lens.

Led by nature photographer Bill Combs, Jr. and members of the Schoharie County Photographers Club, the informal three sessions are designed to engender excitement and a deeper appreciation of technique, patience and experience when nature is the dynamic subject of pursuit.

  • May: Look up: Avian life at Landis.
  • June: Look down! Explore the hidden wonders of the forest floor at the Capital Region's Arboretum
  • July: Look out and all around! Celebrate the abundance of Wildlife that makes the Arboretum a boundless source of inspiration and satisfaction for your mid-day photographic adventure.

Each 3-hour segment includes:

  • 90 minutes with camera in hand, exploring the natural splendors of the Arboretum.
  • 90 minutes of shared time as you display your images in a group setting, learn from shared suggestions and recommendations for improving technique, engaging nature, and expanding creative options. Held at the Arboretum's Harkness Library, which doubles as a classroom, art studio, workshop area.

Requirements: Enthusiasm; a digital camera, appropriate clothing (depending on season), and sensible shoes for the natural terrain of Landis. Bring a brown-bag lunch and a non-alcoholic beverage. Segments can be taken individually although participation in all three sessions will yield maximum satisfaction and learning. Cost: $25/session for members; $35/non-members.

Your Guides: Cobleskill resident Bill Combs Jr's interest in photography began in high school. What began as a hobby developed into a privilege, taking him to places he never would have visited otherwise-from countless hours exploring the wildlife of the exotic Everglades National Park in Florida to photographing the buffalo round-up in South Dakota and elk and bighorn sheep in the Rockies. Bill and his family often can be seen exploring the trails and rich natural resources of the Arboretum.

For more than a decade, the Schoharie Photo Club has provided common ground for regional photographers -- both amateur and professional. Members discuss their art, share techniques, display their images, and discuss their body of work. Members' work is displayed at the Cobleskill Fair each August as well as in group showings at the TriCounty Arts Council Gallery in Cobleskill. The Club hosts presentations by guest speakers and knowledgeable members on various topics during its monthly meetings. www.scphotoclub.com ; info@scphotoclub.com

May 9, Saturday, 11 AM - 3 PM

PAINT-OUT

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

Mohawk Region Chapter of the New York Plein-Air Painters will sponsor a "Paint-Out" on the grounds of the Landis Arboretum. Plein-air painting is practiced internationally and is growing in popularity. It refers to artwork, usually landscapes, created outdoors on site. Artists typically work in oils and create relatively small paintings that can be completed in a few hours using folding easels and lightweight, portable equipment. All materials are carried in and carried out by the artists with a careful respect of the environment. We are hoping for some fine spring weather (basically no heavy snow or driving rain, but everything else will be acceptable) and glorious flowering trees and shrubs. Artists can park at the Meeting House. We will reconvene at 3:30 for a casual group critique, refreshments, and a welcome chance to visit. Donations of paintings to the Arboretum's Acorn gift shop as well as paintings left for commission sale are encouraged, but not required. In the event of rain (as in downpour) the event will be postponed to the same time the following day, Sunday, May 10. To sign up, or for more information, participating artists can call Mary Beth Vought at 518-868-2807.

May 11-15, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM

ARBORETUM'S SIGNATURE SPRING PLANT/BOOK SALE SET-UP

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

Volunteers needed the week prior to the sale. Please call the Arboretum at 518-875-6935 for specifics. Lunch provided! Workers and bakers needed for plant sale weekend also.

May 15, Friday, 5 - 8 PM

MEMBERS' PREVIEW PARTY

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

By longstanding tradition, the Friday before the Plant Sale opens to the general public s designated as "Pick of the Pots" (PoPs), a member-only preview and plant sale. The light evening fare of festive finger foods will be provided by Dottie Gallo's Sweet Tooth Caterers (Esperance). Details will be announced in the Newsletter and at www.landisarboretum.org. Always a memorable event when old friends meet once again - and introduce new ones to an Arboretum tradition.

May 16 and 17, Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM

SPRING PLANT/USED BOOK/BAKE SALES and ARTISANS WAY FUNDRAISER

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

Out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials. Bake sale on both days. Free admission and free parking. Volunteers needed and welcomed. Artisan Information and Application form: http://www.landisarboretum.org/artisans_and_vols.html

May 22/23, Friday/Saturday, 9:30 PM

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

THE ALBANY AREA AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS (AAAA) meet regularly by the Landis Arboretum under the leadership of Alan French. The public is invited and attendance and parking are free. Experience this event for yourself!

Alan French and his wife, Susan, have been sharing the night sky with people at star parties in the Capital District for close to 40 years. French is a telescope maker, but also enjoys naked-eye astronomy. He is Vice President of Dudley Observatory's Board of Trustees and the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers.

The AAAA owns an 18 inch telescope, and members bring a variety of other telescopes to these gatherings, and are happy to share the views of deep sky wonders or offer help to those new to the hobby. Programs such as The Walk Among the Stars include constellation tours, the myths, and stories associated with the constellations, and hints on enjoying the night sky.

Visitors to the Arboretum event should bring something to sit on, and dress according to the season. A sweater is always a good idea for late evenings at Landis. Programs are cancelled if the sky is cloudy. Participants are encouraged to register by calling 518-374-8460 so that they can be notified if cloudy skies force a cancellation. Those who do not pre-register can call to check about two hours before the start time.

Free admission and parking - but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed.

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May 23, Saturday, 6 - 9 AM

EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

A walk for the beginning to serious birder. We will explore the Arboretum grounds to find resident and migrating birds. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person.

May 30, Saturday, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

PROJECT WILD/AQUATIC WILD

Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY; www.landisarboretum.org

Project WILD (Wildlife in Learning Design) and Aquatic WILD are among the most widely used conservation and environmental education programs today. This fast-paced workshop is designed for formal and informal educators, and will teach you how to integrate wildlife-focused activities of Project WILD and WILD Aquatic into your lessons, be they in the classroom, camp, after-school program, or nature center. Participants will receive two curriculum guides, which contain more than 200 activities for ages K-12. The workshop will include a range of activities from the guides and will take place indoors and out on the Arboretum's grounds. $20/participant. To register, call the Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043.

THE LANDIS ARBORETUM: MULTIFACETED, NATURAL JEWEL

Long a destination of choice among Capital District gardeners, environmentalists, nature lovers, hikers, perambulists, and birders, the Landis Arboretum may be one of the best-kept secrets among Capital Region residents.

What is an Arboretum anyway?

Arboreta serve as living museums. Collections of labeled plants are used not only for enjoyment and casual display but for critical examination and scientific study.

Arboreta...

  • Grow and keep labeled collections of woody plants which grow in a given locality;
  • Introduce plants into cultivation from the wild by selecting superior forms of indigenous plants or by importing and selecting plants from other climatically similar regions around the world;
  • Maintain accurate records of plant collections through herbarium samples, plant records, and maps of plantings;
  • Perform scientific investigations such as plants breeding;
  • Maintain library collections of relevant literature; and
  • Disseminate information to the public through educational programs, workshops, and publications.

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 Route 20 in historic Esperance, NY. There, with decades 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.

For more information about the Landis Arboretum and Adventures in Schoharie County:

http://www.catskillmtn.org/publications/articles/2008-05-spectacular-beauty-sustainable-fun.html

The Landis Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off Scenic designated Route 20 in Esperance, NY, a beautiful and easy drive from within the Capital Region. For more information, call 518-875-6935; http://landisarboretum.org. Directions: http://landisarboretum.org/map.html

Contact:

Thom O'Connor

L A N D I S, The Capital Region's Arboretum

PO Box 186, 174 Lape Rd., Esperance, NY 12066

director@landisarboretum.org; 518.875.6935

http://twitter.com/Landisdirector

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