Plant Sale, 5K Run Highlight Fall Activity at Landis

ESPERANCE, NY (08/30/2010)(readMedia)-- Fall is the perfect time to visit to the George Landis Arboretum. The autumn foliage provides a stunning backdrop to the Arboretum's recreational, horticultural, and educational offerings. The 548-acre site in the picturesque Schoharie Valley is the Capital Region's arboretum and public garden.

Two events highlight the fall season at the Arboretum:

Annual Fall Plant / Book / Bake Sale

The annual Fall Plant / Book / Bake Sale will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Out-of-the-ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials are featured, with an emphasis on native plants. There will be a mini-farmer's market with a selection of seasonal and locally grown flowers and produce. Sample the cider – the ideal accompaniment to the goods at the Bake Sale. The always popular Book Sale will be held in the Farmhouse. The exhibit of Samuel E's sculpture in the gardens is complete. Free admission and parking. 10% member discounts.

Volunteers are needed for the event and set-up during the week prior to the sale. Contact Susan Sagendorf, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518) 234-8970 or ssagendorf@yahoo.com.

5K Forest Run

Capital Region runners of all ages and levels of proficiency will compete in Landis' fourth annual 5 K Forest Run on Saturday, September 18. The cross country course includes views of the landmark 500-year-old Great Oak and vistas of the Schoharie Valley, as well as woods and wild meadows and the Van Loveland Perennial Garden's late summer blooms. Registration 8 – 9 AM. The start gun goes off at 9:30. Run -- and then check out the Fall Plant / Book / Bake Sale. For more information, including registration fees and forms, visit www.landisarboretum.org.

Other fall programs include:

Fall Concert Series

An inaugural Fall Concert Series on the new stage at the back of the 1830s English-style Barn. Featured performers: Hard Cider and Ol' Rot Gut, Friday, September 10, 6 – 90 PM. Dick Solbert – The Sun Mountain Fiddler, Friday, September 24, 6 – 8:30 PM.

The series continues into October with: Sodbuster and the Blank, Friday, October 1, 6 – 9 PM. Ryan McGiver and Friends, Friday, October 8, 6 – 8:30 PM. Bentwood Rockers and Wild Mountain, Sunday, October 10, 4 – 6:30 PM.

Donation: $5 members, $10 non-members.

Note that the Public Star Party follows on September 10 and October 1.

Public Star Party

Join Alan French and the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for stargazing through a variety of telescopes at nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets and more, on Friday and Saturday, on September 10 and 11, 8:30 PM. Alan will begin with an introductory program in the Meeting House followed by a short outdoor tour of the prominent constellations. Public Star Parties are cancelled if the skies are mostly cloudy. Call Alan at (518) 374-8460 if in doubt about the weather or for more information. Free parking and admission, but donations to the Arboretum are always welcome.

Paint-Out

The Mohawk Region Chapter of the NY Plein-Air Painters will sponsor their second annual Paint-Out on the grounds of the Arboretum on Saturday, September 11, 11 AM – 3 PM. 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 out of doors. In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled at the same time on Sunday, September 12. To sign up, or for more information, call Mary Beth Vought at (518) 868-2807.

NY Raptors

Fall raptor migration is under way – just in time for NY Raptors, on Wednesday, September 15, 4 – 5 PM. Meet several permanently inured birds of prey and learn about the importance of these magnificent birds in our world. Instructor: Jeff Handley of the Wildlife Learning Company, Members: $5/person, $15 for family. Non-members: $10/person, $25 for family.

Early Morning Bird Walk

Join SUNY Cobleskill professor Barbara Brabetz for an Early Morning Bird Walk, on Saturday, September 19, 6:30 AM. Explore the Arboretum's grounds to locate both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. Bring a bag breakfast – and be first in line for the Plant Sale! Coffee will be provided. Members: $5/person, $15 for family. Non-members: $10/person, $25 for family.

Finding Your Way in the Woods

Learn how to explore our wild environments without getting lost. Science Educator George Steele leads Finding Your Way in the Woods on Saturday, September 25, 2 – 3:30 PM. A variety of navigational methods will be taught, including map and compass, reading the lay of the land, and using the latest GPS technology. GPS units will be provided. Members: $5/person, $15 for family. Non-members: $10/person, $25 for family.