Fred Lape grew up in the small community of Esperance overlooking the scenic Schoharie Valley. He left home for his education and the early days of his career, but eventually returned to the family homestead, Oak Nose Farm.
In 1951, Oak Nose Farm was reborn as the George Landis Arboretum, named in memory of Lape's dear friend and RPI colleague who launched him on his horticultural journey. Since then, the Arboretum has weathered many storms, literally and otherwise, but is now thriving in its 75th year.
And so, we invite you all to join us in celebrating our grand anniversary, 75 years of natural beauty, curated collections, old growth forests, educational programming, community events, and more.
Landis Anniversary, Chair Gail Browning, a longtime Arboretum volunteer, has teamed up with Executive Director Fred Breglia and volunteers to bring you a full calendar of events to commemorate this milestone:
Kicking Off our Anniversary Year
Everything kicked off on April 8th, with Landis’ participation in the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo at Hudson Valley Community College, March 27-29. In early April, Gail and Fred appeared on Capital Region Today, a community-based talk show with a focus on local sites and events. The broadcast can be viewed on Spectrum Cable, Fios, and YouTube. For viewing information, see Facebook@CapitalRegionToday or Capitalregiontoday.org.
New Accessible Trail at Landis
Landis has always been a place to go year-round to get away from the rigors of everyday life and just enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Our woods, fields, ponds, and trails beckon you for a casual stroll at your own pace. We have long strived to make such an experience accessible to a larger audience. Now we are creating the Arboretum's first fully handicap-accessible trail. The looped paved walkway will provide the means for persons with limited mobility, parents with strollers, and wheelchair or rollator users to visit our beautiful Shanti Vun Meditation Garden and Peace Pavilion. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, date to be determined for April-May, will be held and open to the public. We hope to have a surprise VIP or two join us as well. And when you come for the Spring Plant Sale in May, the path will make it easier to navigate the plant tables and select your favorites.
Earth Day Activities
The anniversary festivities continue on Earth Day, April 22nd. Many of you have listened to our executive director on WAMC's Vox Pop Garden Show. This time you can be there in person, right here at the Arboretum! Host Ray Graff will be on the road "to take root at Landis Arboretum." WAMC says, "Join Ray and the gardening show all-stars, bring your odd plants, your most fertile questions, and dish the dirt with our agricultural experts." Get your tickets early for $25 at Eventbrite.com. They're going fast and none will be sold at the door.
Spring Plant Sale
The Landis Signature Spring Plant, Book, and Bake Sale, May 16th and17th, will be memorable as well. We're working on some anniversary perks, especially for members, so this is a great time to join the Landis family. Come to Pick of the Pots (POPs) on Friday, May 15th, to become a new member or renew your existing membership, good for one year and two plant sales. Plant collectors will delight in our official 75th anniversary plant, the stunning ‘Betty Corning’ clematis. This clematis is named for one of the Arboretum’s board presidents and a lifelong supporter. Numbers are limited, so shop early to secure yours.
Book Signing at the Plant Sale
On Saturday, May 16th, we host local author Anita Sanchez from 1-3 PM in our Bookstore in the Barn. She will be signing "A Sky That Sings" and some of her many other books also. Don't miss it! We'll have anniversary raffle baskets, giveaways, and special membership incentives.
Saturday Book Sale Days
To further commemorate our anniversary, we have added dates to the Arboretum’s Bookstore openings. You can now browse our eclectic collection of gently used books, all topics, on May 9th, June 6th, June 13th, July 11th, July 25th, August 8th, August 15th, August 22nd, and September 26th – plus during our spring and fall plant sales. The shelves are re-stocked year-round, and all of our books are available by donation. Find some new reads and support the Arboretum with a trip to this increasingly popular Landis destination!
Old Growth Forest Presentation with Bob and Monica Leverett
June 14th brings Bob Leverett, co-discoverer of many of the old-growth forests in Massachusetts, to the Arboretum. His presentation, "Big Trees and Old Growth: Their Stories Told in Experiences, Pictures, and Numbers" is free to the public, but donations to the Arboretum are greatly appreciated. Mr. Leverett’s talk will be followed by a reception in our Meeting House. Meet Bob and his wife Monica, partners in exploring forests together and in establishing the Monica and Bob Leverett Forever-Wild Fund at Kestrel Land Trust in Amherst, MA. Mr. Leverett’s work was featured in Smithsonian Magazine. Click here to access the article.
Landis Community Day
On July 26th, from 12 to 4 PM, we invite our neighbors from throughout the Capital Region to join us for Community Day from 12-4 PM. A family-friendly event, it will include activities for adults and kids. Check out the Arboretum’s very own T-Rex sculpture, a favorite of our youngest visitors. Stay tuned as the details come together!
20th Anniversary Landis 5K Forest Run
Mark your calendars for August 15th, the 20th anniversary of the 5K Forest Run through the Arboretum's spectacular locale. Register to run or walk -- and be sure to visit our used bookstore in the Landis barn, open to serve you from 10 AM -2 PM.
Landis Fall Plant, Book, and Bake Sale
Our Fall Plant, Book, and Bake Sale, September 12th and 13th, will have some anniversary surprises as well.
Other fun fall events – an open mic? a poetry slam? – are still in the planning stages.
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
It wouldn't be fall without Landis thanking its many tireless volunteers and allies. On October 4th, we will host a special anniversary edition of our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. All will be treated to a video highlighting Landis, past and present.
More to come …
The calendar of 75th anniversary events continues to evolve. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and check our website to find the most up to date information. You can also view our calendar for this year's regular programming and events, in addition to the anniversary highlights described here.
Landis will be here for the future…
The Landis Arboretum has seen many changes since its humble beginnings as Oak Nose Farm three-quarters of a century ago. If only Fred Lape could see it today - a destination unmatched in the area for both new and returning visitors - what would he think? Gail Browning knows. "He would be amazed and elated at the continued expansion and redevelopment of the acreage, the continued preservation of native plants, the collections, the expansion and grooming of trails, all resulting in increased numbers of visitors." Visitors who know a good thing when they see it, a not-so-hidden gem.