It seems just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year and awaiting snow for our Second Sunday Snowshoe events. Since then, Landis has been awarded three substantial grants, taken on a historic landscape design for the Bulls Head Tavern, finished the design plans for the Meeting House bathrooms, and started working on both the Spring Plant, Book and Bake Sale and the Live at Landis Full Moon Concert Series! In addition, we’ve just published our 2015 Calendar of Events, which is filled with family-friendly educational programs, star parties, tours, classes, and performances.
In January, Landis received approval from the Community Arts Grant Fund and the Greene County Council on the Arts for a $2400 grant to help fund our popular Live at Landis Full Moon Music Series. The Arts and Entertainment Committee, headed by Desolation Road Studios founder Jim Miller, has been booking talented performers. Already on this year’s calendar are Steve Candlen, Mark Emanation and Soul Sky, and Tim Farrell. Several of these professional musicians will be appearing at Landis for the first time. As usual, we will offer reduced ticket prices to Landis members, with no charge for children 12 and under. Check our website for show dates and other information.
In February, another grant award letter arrived, bringing in $2000 from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation to be used for presentation equipment. The equipment currently available has limited the number and type of presentations I could make to off-site groups. Now I can easily create more current and updated educational programs and spread the word about Landis, horticulture, and old growth.
Landis received yet another grant, this one from the Sentinel Plant Network for a number of full color metal signs to raise awareness of insect pests and plant diseases in our area. These signs will be placed in key areas at the Arboretum as an integral part of the informal environmental learning available to visitors,
Last fall, Landis was asked to design a Federal Period landscape for the Bulls Head Tavern in Cobleskill. During the winter historically accurate designs were researched and a plan was drawn to scale. Planting is slated to begin this spring.
The Meeting House bathroom additions designs were finalized and put out to bid, and it appears that this two-year Arboretum Capital Campaign Project will begin sometime this summer. The wedding season is fast approaching, and these facilities will help us realize our goal of making the Meeting House a three-season venue for several types of events. The Arboretum is very grateful for our membership’s support of the project.
After several cold months and seemingly endless snow, the long awaited season of spring approaches, as does the Arboretum’s signature Spring Plant, Book, and Bake Sale. Thanks to Cindy King and Jeff Schworm, the propagation room and greenhouse will soon be filled with “Landis Grown” herbs, vegetables, and more. The sale will also offer several hardy ferns and perennials as well as native and unique trees, shrubs, and wetland plants.
It may not quite be spring yet, but things are definitely blooming at the Arboretum.