Landis Arboretum Workshops and Activities for 2012
2nd Sunday Snowshoe
Sunday, February 12, noon – 2 PM
Learn about the different types of snowshoes and all the basic skills you need to “walk on snow”. A limited number of adult and children’s snowshoes are available for loan, or bring your own – or your sleds! The Farmhouse will be open with hot cocoa, coffee, and home-baked goodies. Dress for the weather and wear a sturdy boots. No snow? We’ll take a hike.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY; Meet at the Farm House Welcome Center; free parking in the lot across from the entry gates.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Kitchen Gardening: Getting Started and Saving Money
Saturday, February 25, 1 – 3 pm
Join us to learn about site preparation, use of containers, and choosing the right herbs and vegetables for your site, growing from seed or seedlings, feeding your plants, harvesting – all you need for a successful garden.
Instructor: Master Gardener Laura Scoones
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Library; free parking in the lot across from the entry gates.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Thinking outside the bed – the garden bed that is!
Saturday, March 17, 10 – 11:30 am; bad weather date, March 24
Learn about square foot gardening, raised beds, lasagna gardening, Topsy Turvey pots, and vegetable varieties for container growing. Especially good for space challenged gardeners.
Instructor: Susan Pezzolla, Albany County Cooperative Extension Community Educator for Horticulture
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Library; free parking in the lot across from the entry gates.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Public Star Party
Friday, March 23, 8:30 pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field.
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, March 24, 8:30 pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Rite of Spring
Sunday, April 1, Noon – 3 pm
Celebrate the vernal equinox at the Settles Hill Tree Farm Restaurant, at 1123 Settles Hill Road, Altamont (just off Route 20) with an afternoon of fine food, live music, and silent and open auctions to benefit Landis Arboretum’s programs.
Location: The Tree Farm Restaurant, 1123 Settles Hill Road, Altamont
Members and Non-members: $25 per person, with a limited number of tables for eight available for $175.
Fred Breglia on Vox Pop
Thursday, April 5, 2-3 pm
Tune in to WAMC Radio’s call-in program for great information on all things horticultural provided by Landis’ Director and Arborist Fred Breglia and other experts. If you miss the show, you can catch up on archived shows at WAMC.org.
Spring Workfest
Saturday, April 14, 10am – 4pm; rain date April 21
Help Landis Arboretum prepare for the season ahead. Come for some or all of the day; bring your lunch and a dessert to share if you can – hot coffee, tea, cocoa, & water will be provided.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, meet at the Welcome Center to sign in. Contact us at info@landisarboretum.org for more information.
Public Star Party
Friday, April 20, 9:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, April 21, 9:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the
opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Little Green Thumbs: Sowing the Seeds of Gardening
Sunday, April 22, 1 – 3 pm
Parent/Grandparent and child teams can join Master Gardener Laura Scoones to explore how to start and maintain a garden as a family. Each child will leave with two seedlings that can be transplanted after they return home. Children ages 5 and older are invited. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Taught at the kids’ level, the goal is to ignite enthusiasm for growing food.
Instructor: Master Gardener Laura Scoones
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Library; free parking in lot across from the front gate
Members: $15/family; Non-members: $25/family
Spring Migration Hawk Watch; (Hawk Identification Workshop 2 – 3:30 pm)
Saturday, April 28, 10 am – 4 pm
Look-out for hawks in migration! Join us to scan Schoharie Valley, a natural corridor for hawks on their way north, from the excellent vantage of Landis Arboretum. Stay as long as desired; a Hawk Identification Workshop at 2:00 will help you hone your hawk identification skills.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Edible Wild Plants: Spring
Sunday, April 29, 10 – 11:30 am
Learn basic principles of plant ID, discuss which field guides can help you avoid mistakes, and go afield to try tasting a variety of wild foods during this indoor/outdoor class focused on wild spring greens for fresh salads and some nutritious teas as well.
Instructor: Science Educator Anita Sanchez
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Fred Breglia on Vox Pop
Thursday, May 3, 2-3 pm
Tune in to WAMC Radio’s call-in program for great information on all things horticultural provided by Landis’ Director and Arborist Fred Breglia and other experts. If you miss the show, you can catch up on archived shows at WAMC.org.
Early Morning Bird Walk
Saturday, May 12, 6 – 9 am
Birders at any level may join Science Educator George Steele at Landis Arboretum to find resident and migrating birds including Eastern Bluebird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Baltimore Oriole and Chestnut-sided Warbler and many others.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Landis Arboretum’s Signature Spring Plant and Book Sale Set Up
Tuesday – Thursday, May 15-17
Volunteers are needed the week prior to the sale. Lunch will be provided! Workers and bakers are also needed for plant sale weekend.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY. Contact volunteering@landisarboretum.org for specifics and sign-up.
Landis Arboretum Plant Sale Pick of the Pots Preview Party (POP)
Friday, May 18, 5-8pm
All are invited to the “Pick of the Pots” (POPs) preview and plant sale. Complimentary beverages and snacks will be provided.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY. For more information, see www.landisarboretum.org or call 518-875-6935.
Spring Plant and Book Sale
Saturday, May 19, 10am-4pm
Come to Landis Arboretum for out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials, as well as a book sale, bake sale, and complimentary soil testing by Cornell Cooperative Extension (bring one cup of dry soil in a plastic bag for soil testing). Browse our Farmhouse gallery where you’ll find gorgeous watercolor paintings donated by a wonderful generous member available for sale (10% discount for members!). Admission and parking are free.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY. Contact info@landisarboretum.org for more information.
Spring Plant and Book Sale
Sunday, May 20, 10am-4pm
Come to Landis Arboretum for out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials, as well as a book sale and bake sale Browse our Farmhouse gallery where you’ll find gorgeous watercolor paintings donated by a wonderful generous member available for sale (10% discount for members!). Admission and parking are free.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY. Contact info@landisarboretum.org for more information.
Public Star Party
Friday, May 18, 9:30 pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, May 19, 9:30 pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Sounds of Spring Night Walk
Friday, May 25, 8 – 9:30 pm
Explore the fields and forests of Landis Arboretum on a nature walk, looking and listening for the animal life awakening at this time of year as they start their yearly cycle of growth and reproduction. Dress for the weather and the possibility of muddy trails.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY; meet at the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Big as All Outdoors: Using Nature to Meet Common Core Competencies in the Elementary Classroom
Saturday, June 2, 10 am – Noon
Teachers must now meet Common Core Competencies; learn how to design nature into instruction around the Core for engaged learners and successful outcomes. The instructors will share examples of instructional plans, student work samples, and student feedback on the activities they’ve used in teaching literacy, mathematics, and science skills at Bethlehem’s Glenmont Elementary School.
Instructors: Veteran elementary teachers Grace Bennett & Mariesa Jozwiak
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY The Library; free parking in the lot across from the front gate
Members: $5/person,; Non-members: $10/person.
Making “Concrete” Garden Containers from Hypertufa
Saturday, June 2, 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Hypertufa is an artificial stone that’s easy to make. Roll up your sleeves to play in the mud with us, and you will walk away with a great garden container or maybe even two. Most supplies will be provided through the materials fee, but participants will need to bring a 3 foot by 3 foot square of plywood to build and carry your creations home on, rubber gloves to protect their hands, and an apron to cover their clothing, plus any pretty stones or worn glass, shells, or pieces of broken crockery to embed in their designs if desired. Wear clothes and shoes you’re willing to get dirty. Preregistration is required for this class. Come on, let’s have some fun!
Instructors: Wendy Kass and Wilma Jozwiak
Members: $40; Non-members: $55; Materials fee for both members and non-members $15
Location: The Library, with free parking in the lot across from the main gate.
Fred Breglia on Vox Pop
Thursday, June 14, 2-3 pm
Tune in to WAMC Radio’s call-in program for great information on all things horticultural provided by Landis’ Director and Arborist Fred Breglia and other experts. If you miss the show, you can catch up on archived shows at WAMC.org.
Public Star Party
Friday, June 15, 10:00 pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY. Meet at the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field.
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, June 16, 10:00 pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers at Landis Arboretum for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY. Meet at the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Capturing Nature: Digital Camera Nature Photography
Saturday, June 16, 10 am – 12 pm,
Learn to use your basic digital camera to capture beautiful memories in the natural environment at Landis Arboretum. Please bring your digital camera with you; be sure you have fully charged batteries and sufficient memory available in the camera, and bring your camera’s instruction manual if possible.
Instructor: Master Gardener Laura Scoones
Location: The Library, Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Garden Party
Saturday, June 16, 4:30- 8:30 pm
Join us at Landis Arboretum for a twilight dinner, live entertainment, silent auction, and cash bar, all under the Great Tent among the rolling hills of the sweeping Schoharie Valley countryside.
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, next to the Barn; free parking in lot across the road and in field next to Meeting House
Members and Non-members: $40/person before June 10, $45 after June 10; To purchase tickets, call (518) 875-6935.
Fathers’ Day Nature Hike
Sunday, June 17, 2 – 3:30 pm
Bring your dad for a healthy walk exploring Landis Arboretum looking for nature’s secrets including plants and animals that tell nature’s stories of who is who, what do they do, how do they grow and where do they go.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY; meet at the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $10/family Non-members: $25/family
Secrets of Woodlot Management
Saturday, June 23, 10 AM – 2:45 PM
Woodlot owners will learn how to make their properties more valuable, productive, accessible, beautiful, and healthier in this in and outdoor presentation, including how to double the value of annual growth, reduce taxes by as much as 80%, battle current threats to woodlots, and the five most important things to do next. Please bring a brown bag lunch and dress for the weather.
Instructors: Graduate foresters, woodlot owners, and NY Forest Owner’s Association members Carl Wiedemann and Tom Wolfe
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Library; free parking in the lot across from the front gate.
Members: Landis Arboretum and/or NYFOA: $35, Non-members: $45.
Pruning: The Basics . . . and Beyond!
Saturday, June 30, 9am – 12pm
Join Landis’ Director and ISA certified arborist Fred Breglia to learn the when, why, and how to prune trees and shrubs. All levels welcomed. If possible, participants bring pruning tools and gloves for the hands-on component; a limited number of pruning tools will be available to borrow.
Instructor: Arboretum Director and ISA Certified Arborist Fred Breglia
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, intThe Library; free parking in the lot across from the front gate
Register by June 25. Members $35, Non-members $50.
Wading for Wiggly Water Wonders
Saturday, June 30, 2 – 3:30pm
The pond ecosystem is full of life. Join us as we scoop up pond creatures and learn about their names and life cycles. Wear old sneakers that you won’t mind getting wet as we wade into the Arboretum’s ponds.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Fred Breglia on Vox Pop
Thursday, July 5, 2-3 pm
Tune in to WAMC Radio’s call-in program for great information on all things horticultural provided by Landis’ Director and Arborist Fred Breglia and other experts. If you miss the show, you can catch up on archived shows at WAMC.org.
Propagation I: Growing New Plants from Hard and Soft Woody Perennials
Saturday, July 7, 10am-Noon
Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Cindy King and Ed Radle, retired DEC biologist will discuss various types of propagation of woody plants and ferns, then go outside to collect cuttings from Arboretum shrubs and plant them to take home. Participants will receive a folder of descriptive handouts on propagation. Dress for the weather. Class size limited to 10.
Instructor: Cindy King
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY, in the Greenhouse and Library, with free parking in the lot across from the main gate
Members: $10; Non-members: $20
Using Map & Compass
Saturday, July 7, 2 – 3:30pm
Be safe in the woods if the battery dies in your GPS! Learn how to use of topographic maps and navigate with a magnetic compass, then test those navigation skills with a simple compass navigation game.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: Landis Arboretum 174 Lapel Road, Esperance, NY. Meet at the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
The Finnegan’s Wake Music Festival @ Landis Arboretum
July 7, Saturday, 5:00 PM – ?
What a great place to kick back with friends and listen to wonderful live music! Join us for a great lineup of local musicians playing in our intimate setting of the Landis Meeting House. We’ll announce the band lineup later in the year, but you can be sure they’ll be great – you can check the Finnegan’s Wake website at http://finneganswakemusic.org for updates. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you wish to sit outside – we’ll open the wall of the Meeting House to let the music roll. It’s great fun to bring a picnic basket and bottle of wine, too, if you wish.
Location: The Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members and non-members suggested donation: $10
Public Star Party
Friday, July 13, 10:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, July 14, 10:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Mid-summer Night Hike
Saturday, July 21, 9–10:30pm
Join us to use your night vision and rabbit ears to find our nocturnal neighbors the bats, frogs and all the summer night time creatures that live in the ponds, fields and woods.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
The Mettawee River Theatre Company at Landis
Saturday, July 28, 8 pm
The Mettawee River Theatre Company presents COMMUNICATIONS FROM A COCKROACH – Archy and the Under Side, drawn from the Archy and Mehitabel sketches written in the 1920’s by noted humorist and poet Don Marquis. Archy is a free-verse poet reincarnated as a cockroach who expresses himself by jumping on the keys of Don Marquis’ typewriter, and Mehitabel is an alley cat with the soul of Cleopatra. They and their lowlife acquaintances face the bewildering challenges of the modern world with humor and a sturdy spirit of determination. The performance incorporates wide array of puppet critters operated by actors in full view of the audience – from fleas, tarantulas and crickets, to an ancient Egyptian mummy – a colorful population from the nooks and crannies of early 20th century New York.
Location: Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY (follow signs on the grounds). See website or call the Arboretum at 518-
875-6935 for alternate location in case of storm.
Please see the website at www.landisarboretum.org for information on registration and admission fees
Fred Breglia on Vox Pop
Thursday, August 2, 2-3 pm
Tune in to WAMC Radio’s call-in program for great information on all things horticultural provided by Landis’ Director and Arborist Fred Breglia and other experts. If you miss the show, you can catch up on archived shows at WAMC.org.
Dragonflies & Damselflies
Saturday, August 4, 1–3pm
Learn what to look for, how to tell dragonflies from damselflies, recognize habitat preferences, capture, and identify these winged jewels in the various Arboretum ponds.
Instructor: Anne Donnelly, dragonfly surveyor for the NYS Natural Heritage Program
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY. Meet at the Farmhouse, with free parking in the lot across from the main gate.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Public Star Party
Friday, August 10, 9:30pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, at the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Herpetology Hike
Saturday, August 11, 2– 3:30pm
Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles; join us for an enjoyable walk about theArboretum’s fields, forests and ponds, where we hope to see several salamanders, frogs, snakes and turtles as we learn about their habits and habitats.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, at the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Public Star Party
Saturday, August 11, 9:30pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, at the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Annual Meeting of the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers and Public Star Party
Thursday, August 16, 7:30pm
Guests are welcome; weather permitting, the meeting will be followed by star gazing using a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. a short, outdoor tour of the prominent constellations. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
The Arthropod Squad
Saturday, August 25, 2–3:30pm
Insects and their arthropod relatives are the most numerous of all living animals. Join us as we capture them with sweep nets and learn about their names and life habits and habitats.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Exploring the Old Growth Forest
Sunday, September 2, 10am–3:30pm
Arboretum’s old growth forest is a great place for a walk back in time to enjoy the start of leaf color change and learn about the “what’s and why’s” of tree growth. This program will be an extended hike to the newest areas of the Arboretum, so pack a lunch, bring extra water and dress in layers for the weather.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY. Meet at the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Propagation: A Winter Tale
Saturday, September 8, 10am-Noon
The Arboretum’s Propagation Queen Cindy King explains the intricacies of collecting and storing seeds, bulbs, and corms; managing dormancies and over-wintering; and so on. All participants will go home with a pot of seeds all ready to winter over outside and a folder of pertinent information. Dress for comfort and the weather, and bring garden gloves and a trowel.
Instructor: Cindy King
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Library, with free parking in the lot across from the main gate
Members: $10; Non-members: $20
Beekeeping, Part II
Sunday, September 9, 12:30–4:30pm
Intermediate Beekeeping is second level class, for those who took Beginner Beekeeping or have had a hive at least since the spring of 2012. This class will cover hive manipulation and inspection (when/why/how to inspect inside the colony), identifying stages of brood and their importance, life cycles of honey bees, wax creation, common problems, why bees sting and how to minimize stings.
Instructor: Anne Frey
Location: Begins at Anne’s bee yard (weather permitting), finishes at the Landis Arboretum Library. Registrants will be sent
information on bee yard location and on how to check on weather. Please provide an email address if possible.
Members: $35; Non-members: $45
Landis Arboretum Fall Plant and Book Sale Set Up
Wednesday – Friday, September 11-14, 9am-4pm
Volunteers are needed during the week prior to the sale. Lunch will be provided. Workers and bakers are also needed for the plant sale weekend. Contact info@landisarboretum.org for more information or volunteering@landisarboretum.org to sign up to work.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY
Fred Breglia on Vox Pop
Thursday, September 13, 2-3 pm
Tune in to WAMC Radio’s call-in program for great information on all things horticultural provided by Landis’ Director and Arborist Fred Breglia and other experts. If you miss the show, you can catch up on archived shows at WAMC.org.
Public Star Party
Friday, September 14, 9:30pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Landis Arboretum Fall Plant and Book Sale
Saturday, September 15, 10am-4pm
Out of the ordinary trees, shrubs and perennials are the hallmarks of this sale, which includes a bake sale on both days. Volunteers are always needed and welcome. Contact info@landisarboretum.org for more information, or volunteering@landisarboretum.org to sign up to work.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY
Members and Non-members: Admission and parking are free.
Landis Arboretum Fall Plant and Book Sale
Sunday, September 16, 10am-4pm
Out of the ordinary trees, shrubs and perennials are the hallmarks of this sale, which includes a bake sale on both days. Volunteers are always needed and welcome. Contact info@landisarboretum.org for more information, or volunteering@landisarboretum.org to sign up to work.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY
Members and Non-members: Admission and parking are free.
Public Star Party
Saturday, September 15, 9:30pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Autumnal Equinox Campfire Sing-A-Long
Saturday September 22, 8–9:30 pm
Celebrate the equinox with a nature tunes and tales gathering around a campfire. Join in a participatory song, stories and movement program that teaches about the wonders of nature.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Edible Wild Plants: Fall
Saturday, October 6, 10–11:30am
During this indoor/outdoor class we’ll learn basic principles of plant ID, discuss which field guides can help you avoid mistakes, and go afield to try tasting a variety of wild foods featuring the fruits of harvest time such as berries, nuts and seeds ; we’ll try a variety of wild snacks and staples as well as pine needle and sumac teas.
Instructor: Anita Sanchez, Science Educator
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Paint-Out at Landis Arboretum
Saturday, October 6,
10am–3 pm Rain Date: Sunday, October 7
The Mohawk Region Chapter of the New York Plein-Air Painters will sponsor a “Paint-Out” on the grounds of the Landis Arboretum.
Artists can park and meet at the Meeting House at 10am and reconvene at the Meeting House at 3:00 pm for a casual group critique, refreshments, and an opportunity to chat. If you’d like, bring a snack to share for the after-event get-together.
There is no charge for this event, and parking is free in the field adjoining the Meeting House, but donations to the Arboretum are always welcome!
To sign up, or for more information, participating artists can contact Marilyn Fairman, Signature Member New York Plein-Air Painters and founder of the Mohawk Region Chapter NYPAP at wallkillart@msn.com or (518) 736-2249.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, at the Meeting House. Free parking in the adjoining field Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Fred on Vox Pop
Thursday, October 11, 2-3 pm
Tune in to WAMC Radio’s call-in program for great information on all things horticultural provided by Landis’ Director and Arborist Fred Breglia and other experts. If you miss the show, you can catch up on archived shows at WAMC.org.
Public Star Party
Friday, October 12, 8:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, October 13, 8:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Botany for Plant Lovers
Saturday, October 13, 1pm–3 pm
Did you ever wonder why leaves turn color in autumn? Why do plants grow towards light? What is the relationship between photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration? What do those mysterious numbers on the fertilizer bag mean to a plant?
We’ll use basic botany to explain some of these mysteries, mostly as an outdoor field trip if weather permits, so dress for the weather.
Instructor: Anne Donnelly Professor (emeritus) SUNY Cobleskill
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, at the Library, with free parking in the lot across the road from the main gate
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Nature Art
Saturday, October 13, 2–3:30pm
Try your hand at nature-inspired art including solar prints, leaf art, animal track t-shirts (please bring a plain colored t-shirt for your art), recycle paper making and plaster animal track making.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House, with free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Halloween Owl Prowl
Saturday, October 27, 7–8:30pm
Join us at the Meeting House for a talk on owls and their behavior, then it’s into the woods for our annual prowl to listen for and, if we’re lucky, look at owls – Great-horned, Eastern Screech or Barred.
Instructor: Science Educator George Steele
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field.
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Winter Sowing: Getting Going the Easy Way with Recycled Individual Greenhouse Seeding
Saturday, November 3, 10–11:30am
Learn how to use recyclable containers to make mini-greenhouses that need no indoor space and allow growth of hardy seedlings for pennies. Learn the basics, including types of containers, planting medium, timing for setting up various types of seeds, and transplanting in the spring.
Instructor: Wilma Jozwiak
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Library; free parking in the lot across the road from the entry gates
Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.
Public Star Party
Friday, November 9, 8:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, November 10, 8:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Starting Out with Honeybees
Sunday, November 11, 12:30-4:30pm
Novice beekeepers will learn how to buy and assemble equipment, where to place your hives, how to acquire bees, how to care for your growing colonies, and how to prevent, identify and treat diseases. Because diseases and pests now make beekeeping even more of a challenge, Integrated Pest Management will be emphasized. Though the first summer’s honey is mainly left for the bees to get through their first winter, harvesting will be touched upon briefly. The class will lay the groundwork so that you’ll feel comfortable as a novice beekeeper, and will be taught through a combination of lecture, video and hands-on instruction. The goal of this class is to help you begin beekeeping more confidently than if you were on your own.
Class size is limited to 12 people; reservations required. Call the Arboretum at 518-875-6935 or register online at www.landisarboretum.org
Instructor: Anne Frey.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Farmhouse; free parking in the lot across from the front gate
Members: $35. Non-members: $45.
4th Annual Wine Tasting at Grapevine Farms
Friday, November 16, 5:30–7:30pm
Wines from New York’s finest vineyards will be featured along with delicious hors d’oeuvres in an exclusive tasting at Grapevine Farms to benefit Landis Arboretum. Learn more about the winemaking process from vintners representing their vineyards at this event and shop Grapevine Farms’ famous holiday collections.
Location: Grapevine Farms, 2372 State Route 7, Cobleskill, NY 12043. Admission at the door or advance tickets available from Landis
Arboretum. Call the Arboretum at 518-875-6935 for more information or to register.
Members: $10; Non-members: $15.
Decorating with Native Greenery
Saturday, November 24, 9am-Noon
The instructor will guide participants through this make and take adventure to create wreaths and swags. Registration fee includes greenery, ribbon and decorations; bring any additional decorative elements you’d like to place in your creations.
Instructor: Floral Designer Donna Vincent
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Farm House; free parking in the lot across from the front gate
Members: $25; Non-members $35
Public Star Party
Friday, December 7, 8:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
Public Star Party
Saturday, December 8, 8:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing without light pollution. Overview in the Meeting House followed by the opportunity to use a variety of telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Canceled if skies are mostly cloudy; Call Alan French at 518-374-8460 if unsure or for more details.
Location: The Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY, in the Meeting House; free parking in the adjoining field
Members and Non-members: Free; donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted!
