The Landis Arboretum offers a wide range of activities from specialized classes
in horticulture and illustration to star parties, plant sales and family programs.
Please note that all programs (except Star Parties) are held rain or shine. 
Participants should dress for the weather.  Arboretum trails and grounds can
be quite muddy, so proper footwear is advised.

 All Programs will convene at the Meeting House unless otherwise noted.

Underwritten by
Empire Education Corporation DBA
The Mildred Elley College and The Austin School of Spa Technology

PROGRAM REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND POLICY GUIDELINES HERE

Sponsor?
The Arboretum continues to extend an invitation to you and your company to partner with us in spreading the word to schools and other education-focused organizations more ..


May 30, Thursday, 2-3 p.m.  FRED BREGLIA ON VOX POP

Click here for series description.

 

May 31, Friday, 7-10 p.m. LIVE AT LANDIS: The Meeting House Music Series

John Scarpulla Band with special guest Molly Durnin 

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $10/person at the door (light fare & beverages available)

 

June 1, Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. BARK: GET TO KNOW YOUR TREES

 The traits typically used to describe trees-leaves, twigs, and buds-are often hard to see or seasonally absent. Join Michael for an exploration of bark, which is always visible, in any season. You will learn about a system for distinguishing tree species by their bar and begin to discover why such a variety of bark characteristics exists. Why do some species have smooth bark, while others have thick and broken bark? Why does bark peel? After an indoor presentation, we will head outdoors and practice identifying trees. Open to naturalists at all levels of experience. Michael will be available to sign copies of his book, Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast. For more information visit: www.knowyourtrees.com. NOTE: Registration is required and there is a minimum enrollment.  Register early to avoid disappointment. 

 

Instructor: Michael Wojtech, Naturalist and Writer

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $35; Non-members: $50.

 

June 1, Saturday, 9-10:30 p.m. MOTH WATCH

There are many species of moths, some quite showy and others rather plain. But when you take the time to look at all of them closely you discover an interesting world often ignored. Lights will be set up to attract moths and other nocturnal insects and we will wait patiently to see who comes.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

June 7 & 8, Friday & Saturday, 10 p.m.  PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Click here for series description.

 

June 8, Saturday, 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

 MAKING "CONCRETE" GARDEN CONTAINERS FROM HYPERTUFA

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 2 foot by 2 foot square of plywood on which to build and carry their creations home, 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. Come on, let's have some fun!  Note: Pre-registration is required for this class, which is limited to 10 participants. Register early to avoid disappointment!

 

Instructor: Wendy Kass, Arboretum volunteer, & Wilma Jozwiak, Arboretum Trustee

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $40/person; Non-members: $55/person

Materials fee: $10/person
 

June 15, Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. EDIBLE WILD PLANTS: SPRING

Whether you want to live off the land or just try a nibble from the wild supermarket every now and then, this program will help you get started. 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. We'll focus on spring greens. Organic greens are wickedly expensive in the grocery store, but they grow underfoot and are free. Dandelions, plantains, clover, and other greens will make fresh salads and some nutritious teas as well.

 

Instructor: Anita Sanchez, Science Educator  

Location: The Library. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person,$25/family 

 

June 16, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m. FATHER'S DAY HERPETOLOGY HIKE

Bring dad to this easy walk around the Arboretum's fields, forests and ponds to look for reptiles and amphibians.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

June 22, Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. BATIK PHUKET STYLE 

Wendy Kass is just back from Thailand, where she completed a week-long class with batik masters. Now you can take advantage of what she learned in this beginning-to-intermediate batik class in the Phuket style. You will learn how to prepare fabric for accepting dye, how to apply your wax design and dye to fabric, and how to set the dye to keep the colors bright for years. You will leave the four-hour class with a completed project. Please bring a bag lunch and beverage. NOTE: Preregistration is required for this class, which is limited to 10 people. Register early to avoid disappointment!

 

Instructor: Wendy Kass, Arboretum volunteer

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $40; Non-members: $55

Materials fee: $10 PLUS the cost of an item to work on in class ($5 for 18" x 18" 100% cotton fabric, $8 for 100% a cotton t-shirt, $10 for a silk scarf)

 

June 23, Sunday, 1-3pm PRESSED AND POUNDED FLOWERS

Betty McNeil will demonstrate the art of pressing and "pounding" flowers. Participants will create a pounded flower note card and a pressed flower picture. Betty will provide detailed descriptions and handouts of each process. Bring your favorite fresh flowers; single-petal flowers like violas and pansies are easiest to work with, although multi-petal flowers like roses can be used. Betty will also have dried and fresh flowers available. Bring a small cutting board and a regular nailing hammer (claw or ballpeen).  The class is limited to 15; register early to avoid disappointment!

 

Instructor: Betty McNeil, Floriculturist

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $25/person; Non-members: $35/person

Materials fee:  $5 (includes note card, envelope, paper, and fresh and pressed flowers).

 

 June 27, Thursday, 2-3 p.m. FRED BREGLIA ON VOX POP

Click here for series description.

 

June 28, Friday, 7-10 p.m.
"LIVE AT LANDIS" - THE MEETING HOUSE MUSIC SERIES!

Click here for series description.

 

June 29, Saturday, 9 a.m.-Noon PRUNING - THE BASICS AND BEYOND!

Join us to delve into the when, why, and how to prune trees and shrubs. Work and learn with an ISA Certified Arborist. All levels welcomed. If possible, participants should bring their own pruning tools and gloves since there will be a hands-on component to the program. Some of the Arboretum's pruning equipment will be available for use during the program.  Registration by June 24th is required for this class. Call the Arboretum at (518) 875-6935 or register online at www.landisarboretum.org. 

 

Instructor: Fred Breglia, Arboretum Director and ISA Certified Arborist  

Location: The Library. Free parking.

Members: $35/person; Non-members: $50/person 

 

July 5 & 6, Friday & Saturday, 10 p.m. PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Click here for series description.

 

 

July 6, Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. POND ECOLOGY

The pond is full of life. Join us for an exploration of one of the Arboretum's pond and learn about who is who, what do they do, how do they grow and where do they go.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

July 7, Sunday, 3 p.m.

Upper Catskill String Quartet Plays American Popular Music

Join us for beautiful music in our beautifully restored Meeting House. This hour-long program demonstrates the popular styles of American Music starting with the Ragtime tunes of Scott Joplin in the early 1900s, moving through Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, Big Band Jazz, Gershwin, Broadway Musicals, through the Rock and Roll and Contemporary sounds of the late 20th Century.  Presented with explanation and musical examples, the program will be both entertaining and educational for all ages.   We'll throw upon the new glass doors and let the music roll across the hills.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and if you wish, a picnic lunch to enjoy this beautiful music. 

 

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

July 13, Saturday, 10 a.m.-Noon GROWING FERNS

Join Cindy King as she discusses the botany of ferns, where the different species may be found, and making positive identifications by looking at the characteristics of spore cases with a hand lens. We'll learn about collecting fern spores and spore propagation of ferns, then make visits to sites in the Arb where ferns may found.

 

Instructor: Cindy King, Master Gardener and member of the American Fern Society  

Location: The Greenhouse and Library. Free parking.

Members: $10/person; Non-members: $20/person 

 

July 20, Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. GARDEN TOUR

There are many species of moths, some quite showy and others rather plain. But when you take the time to look at all of them closely you discover an interesting world often ignored. Lights will be set up to attract moths and other nocturnal insects and we will wait patiently to see who comes.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

July 22, Monday, 9-10:30 p.m. FULL MOON NATURE WALK

Everyone should walk the woods when the moon is full. We'll listen for crickets, owls,coyotes, frogs and other night creatures and let our night vision take in the woods and fields in the moonlight.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

July 25, Thursday, 2-3 p.m. FRED BREGLIA ON VOX POP

 Click here for series description.

 

July 26, Friday, 7-10 p.m.
"LIVE AT LANDIS" - THE MEETING HOUSE MUSIC SERIES!

 Click here for series description.

 

 

July 27, Saturday, Noon-3 p.m.

KITCHEN TABLE ART

Join artist Cynthia Wilson and learn how to use her DASN-N-SPLASH technique to create a unique work of art! Enjoy experimenting with water colors, pencils, and erasers, and take home an original piece of artwork enhanced by supplies you can find right in your own kitchen! Wear an apron or smock over comfortable clothes. Optional: bring along a photo or live sample of your favorite flower. Class fee includes all class materials. The class is appropriate for those ages 12 and older. Class size is limited to 12, so register early to avoid disappointment!

 

Instructor: Cynthia Wilson, local artist    

Location: The Library. Free parking.

Members: $25/person; Non-members: $35/person 

 

Saturday, July 27, 8 p.m.

Mettawee River Theater Company presents TALIESIN 

Mettawee River Theater Company visits Landis to present TALIESIN in an outdoor production incorporating an array of giant figures, puppets, and masks in a celebration of transformation and imagination.  The story of Taliesin comes from a medieval Welsh tale of sorcery and court intrigue, in which the power of inspiration is accidentally bestowed on an unlikely kid, who can suddenly see beyond everyday reality, becoming Taliesin - "radiant brow" - inspiration for all poets in the Welsh bardic tradition. This will be a magical evening, intriguing for adults and children alike.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating.  Call us at (518) 875-6935 or send us an email at info@landisarboretum.org for more information.  This event is made possible with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered through the Community Arts Grants Fund by the Greene County Council on the Arts. 

 

Location: The Meeting House

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family (kids under 12 are free)

August 2 & 3, Friday & Saturday, 9:30 p.m.

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

 Click here for series description.

 

August 3 and 17, Saturday, 10 AM - 11:30 AM   CERAMIC LEAF BOWL 

Nothing could be more fun than serving your friends and family food from a handmade bowl created by you! Join local ceramic artist Suzanna Van Schoonhoven Hunter for this two-class series that finishes on August 3rd. YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS OF THIS CLASS TO FINISH YOUR PROJECT. This project is perfect for folks with two left (green) thumbs! We will be using white earthenware clay and lead free glazes. The bowls will be safe to use with food when they are finished. Bring some leaves from your favorite plants and we will duplicate them in clay and attach them together to form a bowl. Dress appropriately to play in the mud.   The materials fee covers all materials.  NOTE:  Preregistration is REQUIRED for this class.  Class size is limited to 12, and will be cancelled if registration is insufficient.  Register early to avoid disappointment!  Call (518) 875-6935 to register or for more information.

Instructor:  Suzanna Van Schoonhoven Hunter
Location:  The Library.  Free parking.
Members: $25/person; Non-members: $40/person; Materials Fee: $15/person Members and Non-members 

 

August 4, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m. HUNT FOR THE ARTHROPOD SQUAD

Insects and their relatives (the arthropods) are the most numerous of all animal life. Use insect nets and other capturing devices we will provide to observe and learn about this diverse group of animals.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

August 17th, Saturday, 7TH PERENNIAL 5K FOREST RUN  

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Schoharie countryside at the beautiful Landis Arboretum during this cross country run/walk.  The race begins at 9 a.m., with proceeds to benefit the Landis Arboretum Environmental Education Programs.  It is a Route 20 Road Challenge Series event!  Check the Challenge Series website at www.nyroute20.com/races2013.asp or visit http://Landisarboretum.org for more information on registration costs, race categories, and awards.
 

August 15, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ALBANY AREA AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS AND PUBLIC STAR PARTY

 Public Star Party and annual arboretum meeting of the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers. Guests are welcome at the meeting, and, if the weather permits, a star party will follow. See April 5 for description of Star Parties. Registration is suggested because Star Parties are canceled if the skies are mostly cloudy. Call Alan French at (518) 374-8460 if conditions are uncertain or for more details.  Click here for a of description of star parties.

 

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members and Non-members: Free; Donations to the Arboretum to support programs like this gratefully accepted!

 

August 25, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m. TREE ID WALK

Learn the basics of tree identification using a tree key and other tricks and tips while exploring the Arboretum's forest.

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

 

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

August 29, Thursday, 2-3 p.m. FRED BREGLIA ON VOX POP

Click here for series description.

 

August 30, Friday, 7-10 p.m.

"LIVE AT LANDIS" - THE MEETING HOUSE MUSIC SERIES!

Click here for series description.

 

September 6 & 7, Friday & Saturday, 8:30 p.m. PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Click here for series description

 

 September 7, Saturday, 10 a.m.-Noon PROPAGATION: A WINTER'S TALE

As the growing season winds down, avid gardeners think ahead, planning and scheming for next year. Join us to explore the intricacies of collecting seeds, preparing them for storage, different types of storage, winter dormancy, and planting techniques, then take a hands-on walk for seed collection in Arboretum gardens. Everyone will take home pots of planted 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, Master Gardener and Arboretum Propagation Queen  

Location: The Greenhouse and Library. Free parking.

Members: $10/person; Non-members: $20/person 

 

September 8, Sunday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. BEEKEEPING, PART II

Intermediate Beekeeping is offered as a second level class for those who already took Beginner Beekeeping or have had a hive at least since spring of the current year. 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, as well as why bees sting and how to minimize stings. Reservations are necessary for this class; call the Arboretum at (518) 875-6935 or register online at http://landisarboretum.org.  Registrants will be sent information on beeyard location and on how to check on weather. Please provide an email address if possible.

 

Instructor: Anne Frey, Master Beekeeper and member of the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers' Association.  

Location: Begins at Anne's beeyard (weather permitting), finishes at the Library. Free parking.

Members: $35/person; Non-members: $45/person 

 

September 8, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m. ANIMAL TRACKS & TRACES WALK

On this easy walk on Arboretum trails, we will search for signs of animals, from insect homes, to mammal tracks, to scat and nests and chewings. Get ready to use your eye spy scientist's eye to observe the clues left by the wild creatures that call the Arboretum home.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

September 11-13, Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FALL PLANT AND BOOK SALE SET UP

Volunteers are needed the week prior to the sale. Lunch will be provided! Workers and bakers are also needed for plant sale weekend. Email: volunteering@landisarboretum.org for specifics and sign-up.

 

September 13, Friday, 4-7 p.m.

PLANT SALE PICK OF THE POTS PREVIEW PARTY (POPs)

 The Plant Sale kicks off with the "Pick of the Pots" (POPs), our exclusive members-only preview and plant sale. Members have first choice of available plants plus complimentary snacks and beverages. Details will be announced in the Newsletter, through our Constant Contact emails, and at www.landisarboretum.org. POPs is always a memorable event when old friends meet once again and introduce new ones to an Arboretum tradition.  Not a member yet?  Don't worry - we'll help you join at the gate!

 

September 14-15, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

FALL PLANT AND BOOK SALE 

September is always the time for the best Plant and Book Sale around.  In addition to our usual out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials and outstanding bake sale, we'll be offering some "Plant Sale Specials" workshops on Saturday on ways to make the best use of your harvest of veggies and flowers.  Check our website and Constant Contact emails for specifics on these classes. In addition, at 2 p.m. on Saturday Ed Miller will be offering a free walking tour of the Native Plant Trail he designed. Volunteers for the sale are always needed and welcome. Email us for more information at info@landisarboretum.org or at volunteering@landisarboretum.org to sign up to work or offer to bake for the bake sale. 

 

Admission and parking are free.

 

September 18, Wednesday, 2-3 p.m.FRED BREGLIA ON VOX POP

Click here for series description.

 

 

September 22, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m. FIRST DAY OF FALL NATURE WALK

As the seasons change, so does the Arboretum. This easy walk along trails through field and forest will give us a chance to see what's happening in nature as summer ends and winter approaches.
 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 
 

 September 27, Friday, 7-10 p.m.

"LIVE AT LANDIS" - THE MEETING HOUSE MUSIC SERIES!

Click here for series description.
 

October 5, Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. EDIBLE WILD PLANTS:  FALL

 Whether you want to live off the land or just try a nibble from the wild supermarket every now and then, this program will help you get started. 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. The time of harvest brings berries, nuts and seeds to eat, for people as well as squirrels and birds. 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 Library. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

 October 12, Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. FALL FOLIAGE WALK

 Enjoy the fall foliage and learn about how trees grow and why they change color.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 
 

 October 18, Friday, 8:30-10 p.m. FULL MOON OWL PROWL

 Enjoy a full moon night searching for owls. Learn about the common owls that live in the Arboretum woods and then head into those woods to see if we might hear, and - dare we hope? - see owls.

 

Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator  

Location: The Meeting House. Free parking.

Members: $5/person, $15/family; Non-members: $10/person, $25/family 

 

 October 31, Thursday, 2-3 p.m. FRED BREGLIA VOX POP

Click here for series description.
 

 November 1 & 2, Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m. PUBLIC STAR PARTY

Click here for series description.
 

 November 3, Sunday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. STARTING OUT WITH HONEYBEES

If you've been thinking about honey bees, here's a beginner's class for you. Since the beekeeper's year starts in the fall, now is the time to find out if beekeeping is right for you. You'll 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. Basic beekeeping has changed little over the past 150 years, but 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 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 are necessary for this class; call the Arboretum at (518) 875-6935 or register online at http://landisarboretum.org.

 

Instructor: Anne Frey, Master Beekeeper and member of the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers' Association.  

Location: The Library. Free parking.

Members: $35/person; Non-members: $45/person  

 

November 15, Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

5TH ANNUAL WINE TASTING AT GRAPEVINE FARMS

Wines from New York's finest vineyards will be featured in an exclusive tasting at Grapevine Farms. All proceeds will benefit the Arboretum. A selection of delicious hors d'oeuvres will be served to complement the wines. You'll learn more about the winemaking process from vintners representing their vineyards at this event. A beautiful basket of New York State wines will be raffled during the course of the evening. Grapevine Farms' famous holiday shopping will be available to all as they keep their doors open late for us! Admission at the door or advance tickets available from Landis Arboretum. Call the Arboretum at (518) 875-6935 for more information or to register.

 

Location: Grapevine Farms, 2372 State Route 7, Cobleskill, NY 12043. Free parking.

Members: $10/person; Non-members: $15/person  

 

November 30, Saturday, 9 a.m.-Noon DECORATING WITH NATIVE GREENERY

Nothing says the holidays like the look and smell of gorgeous greenery styled into wreaths and swags. If you've always wanted to learn the secrets of creating holiday decorations using native greenery, join us for a make-and-take adventure. Registration fee includes greenery, ribbon and decorations; bring any additional decorative elements you'd like to place in your creations.

 

Instructor: Donna Vincent, Floral designer and long-time Arboretum member  

Location: The Library. Free parking.

Members: $25/person; Non-members: $35/person  

 

 December 6 & 7, Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m. PUBLIC STAR PARTY 

 Click here for series description.

 


Please Note:  As a 501 (c) (3), non-profit corporation, the Arboretum depends heavily on grants, fundraising events, and donations.  No one, however, is ever excluded from participating in the Arboretum’s family fun events for lack of funds. Families and individuals who cannot pay the recommended donation of $5/person, are asked to contribute what they can –  to enjoy the beauty and excitement of the Landis Arboretum, and to tell their friends about the joys of
Landis, the Capital Region’s Arboretum! 

The Landis Arboretum • PO Box 186,  174 Lape Road • Esperance, NY 12066
info@landisarboretum.org • 518 875 6935
© 2006- 2010 The Landis Arboretum. All Rights Reserved.