September 5, Friday, 8:30–10 pm
COYOTE HOWL
The coyote, beloved by some, despised by others, is the largest predator of our woods and fields. Learn about how this interesting animal fits into the ecosystem as we try to entice it to howl for us. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.
-September 6 (Saturday), 9 am - noon
NATIVE PLANT COLLECTION TOUR: An Early Autumn Delight
Join Ed Miller, curator of the Arboretum's Native Plant Collection, for an insightful, personal tour of New York State’s most compete collection of native trees and shrubs. After joing other nature lovers in the newly landscaped parking area at Landis, tour participants at all levels of skill and experience will proceed at a leisurely pace under Mr. Miller's guidance to the Arboretum's bog garden. There, in a single viewscape, visitors will see all of the woody bog plants that they would have to drive hundreds of miles to see in the Adirondacks. It's am opportunity to be up-close-and-personal with life in the bog -- without wet feet. As a bonus, some non-woody species like the pitcher plant may be in bloom.
The tour proceeds from the wonders of the bog garden toward the great oaks. We'll intersect with the Willow Pond Trail and its Native Plant Collection. This trail is about a half mile long, with conveniently located benches to rest, relax, share comments and compare notes. Participants will see many plants that are native to NY but unusual for the Capital Region, such as three species in the Magnolia family, several species of shadbush, and even a persimmon tree. As important as these rarities is the opportunity to see them in context with nearly all the more common species. For example, should visitors want to compare the scarlet oak with the red oak, or the black birch with the yellow birch, they grow within a few feet of each other.
September is an excellent time for this visit: the leaves of our trees and woody shrubs are fully formed but not yet turned in color. Don’t expect flowers on the shrubs of the collection as they mostly bloom in the spring. The trail, however, is bounded on one side by brush-hogged fields where asters and goldenrods in late summer bloom await those who venture near. Participants will want to bring a camera!
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Although formally trained as an engineer, Ed Miller has nurtured a lifelong interest in nature. Following retirement more than 20 years ago, he studied plants seriously with Ruth Schottman, Jerry Jenkins, Nan and Sue Williams, and others. Today, Mr. Miller serves as curator to the Native Plant Collection, which he started at the Landis Arboretum nearly a decade ago. He has twice served as the Chairman of the northeastern section of the Botanical Society of America.
September 20, Saturday, 2–3:30 pm
FALL FLOWER WALK
Goldenrods and asters make up most of our fall flowers. We’ll study them and anything else that’s blooming as we walk about the Arboretum’s fields. Leader: George Steele, Science Educator. Suggested donation, $5.
October 25, Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
FALL WORKFEST
Bring your friends and your work gloves to Landis to prep the Arboretum for the season ahead. Come for part of the day or the full day. Light lunch. Heighten the experience—bring a favorite dessert to share. Just do it. Have fun, lots of laughs, and free exercise among like-minded and environmentally conscious spirits like yourself. Can we count on you? 518-875-6935.
Fall ’07 through Winter ’08
For youth groups seeking field trips, educational programs, SUNY Cobleskill Natural Sciences Dept. Chair and Presidentoffers 2 Fridays each month for group presentations.
K-9 SKILLS DRILL
Environmental Conservation Officer (K-9 Unit ) and Landis member Keith Isles presents a 45 minute demonstration with his dog. He will explain the role of Environmental Conservation Officers and how
K-9s are used in that role. He also offers insight into the training process andthe areas of use, such as handler protection, human tracking, wildlife detection for apprehending poachers, etc.) The demonstration includes a real-time demonstrate of these important K-9 skills.
LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY FOR KIDS
The Arboretum will facilitate a Law Enforcement educational program called EAGLES, appropriate for grade school and/or middle school students. To learn more about this important security program, visit www.dec.ny.gov. On the left side of the page, scroll to “Regulations and Enforcement.” Choose “Law Enforcement.” The EAGLES program is detailed in that section. These new programs are scheduled on a group by group or individual basis. Call the Arboretum at 518-875-6935, or email to: info@landisarboretum
