Welcome Spring at Landis Arboretum

ESPERANCE, NY (04/01/2010)(readMedia)-- April showers bring…plenty to do at the George Landis Arboretum in Esperance. Day or night, Landis has an activity for you in the month of April.

Come out to the country and find out more about our furry or feathered friends with two enlightening programs led by our knowledgeable instructors:

New York Wildlife

Meet several live animals found in New York State and learn about the role of wildlife in our world and our history. This introduction to native fauna will be made on Wednesday, April 7, 1 – 2 pm in the Landis Meeting House by Jeff O'Handley of Wildlife Learning Company. Cost to members is $5, non-members, $7. For more information: www.wildlearn.com.

Spring Hawk Watch/Hawk Identification Workshop

The Arboretum offers sweeping views of the Schoharie Valley, a natural corridor for hawks on the move. On Saturday, April 24, from 10 am – 4 pm, Science Educator George Steele will lead a hawk watch. Stay for as long as you like. From 2 – 3:30 pm, he will conduct a Hawk Identification Workshop to help you hone your hawk-watching skills. Cost for members: $5/person, $15/family; for non-members, $10/person, $25/family.

Check out the night sky and its celestial delights in our next program!

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, April 9 and 10, at 8:30 pm. Alan will begin with an introductory program in the Meeting House followed by a short outdoor tour of the prominent constellations. Star parties are cancelled if the skies are mostly cloudy. Call Alan at 374-8460 if in doubt about the weather or for more information. Free parking or admission, but donations to the Arboretum are always welcome.

Ready to dig in and start gardening? Register in advance for this hands-on program at Landis:

Propagation is Rewarding

On Saturday, April 10, 10 am – noon (Rain date: Sunday, April 11, 10 am – noon), Cindy King will lead this session at the Arboretum library. Beginning with a brief talk about the advantages of producing garden plants from seeds, spores, and cuttings, the class will then take cuttings from pre-selected Arboretum shrubs and pot them up to bring home for their own gardens. Bring your own clippers if you have them (some will be available), dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a bag lunch and drink if you want to chat and eat after the program. The class will be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, but will still be held if there is light precipitation. Call the Arboretum at (518) 875-6935 to register with your name, address, and e-mail. Cindy will contact registrants directly. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

Did you know that the Arboretum is home to ancient forests? Celebrate Earth Day by exploring the trails of Landis with our resident arborist, Fred Breglia. If you've got questions about trees, Fred has answers!

Old Growth Forest Tour Kicks Off Earth Day 2010

Fred Breglia, Director of Horticulture and Operations at Landis will conduct a walking tour of the Arboretum's old growth forests on Friday, April 16 from 1 – 2 pm. Bring a brown-bag lunch and come to Landis for an invigorating walk and Fred's many insights on this special place. His credentials include co-founder and president of the NYS Old Growth Forest Association, involvement with the NYS Big Tree Register, and service on the NYS Big Tree Advisory Committee. The program is free, but donations to the Arboretum are always welcome.