Local tree walks, lessons on sustainability and invasives, among Arboretum fall programs
The Connecticut College Arboretum offers another full list of programs this fall for all ages including tours, walks, classes and workshops with special appeal for naturalists, artists, painters, gardeners, and crafters, and even a visit to a local farm for a lesson on sustainability.
All programs are open to the public, and many are free, or available at a discounted rate with a membership to the Arboretum. (All programs are free for Connecticut College students.)
For membership information or to register for a program, please visit the Arboretum website, email arbor@conncoll.edu, or call the Arboretum office, 860-439-5020.
For those programs requiring payment, go to the Arboretum’s secure online registration. Please include the program title(s) in the "Item(s) Purchased" line.
Saturday, Sept. 9
Arboretum Program: WILD ONES: Exploring Native Wood, Wetland and Meadow Communities
With Maggie Jones, botanist and Executive Director, Denison Pequotsepos/Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center
Meet at Coogan Farm, 162 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic.
2 to 4 p.m.
Free, no registration required.
Take a hike through the interconnected greenway that includes the Nature Center, Denison Homestead and Avalonia Land Conservancy lands. We will observe a variety of habitats, the key native plants that define each community as well as more unusual species. In addition, Maggie will discuss the management practices being used to preserve and restore certain areas. Mild terrain at a slow/moderate pace. Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and bring a water bottle. Don’t forget a hat and insect repellent.
Sunday, Sept. 10
Free Arboretum Guided Tour: Caroline Black Garden
Meet at the entrance of Olin Science Center.
10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Arboretum Program: Hodges Square Neighborhood Tree Walk
This tour will explore the diverse collection of trees in Riverside Park and the Hodges Square neighborhood. The tour concludes at the 7th annual Down by the Riverside Festival featuring live music, children’s activities and a picnic lunch.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free, no registration required.
Meet at Riverside Park, park at Winthrop Elementary School, 74 Grove St. New London.
Co-sponsors: Riverside Park Conservancy and Hodges Square Village Association
Thursday, Sept. 21
Arboretum Program: Alewife Cove Nature Walk
Louise Fabrykiewicz, Tour Leader
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Meet at west end of Ocean Beach Park at the Garden Gateway.
Free, no registration required.
Come enjoy a panoramic view of the Long Island Sound and observe several coastal habitats including a tidal creek, salt marsh, estuary, dunes and sandy shores. Learn about many native plants that provide food and shelter for birds and other inhabitants of the coastal ecosystem.
Co-sponsor: Save Ocean Beach
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Arboretum Program: Painting the Landscape
Julie Riggs, Florence Griswold Museum Art Educator
4 to 6 p.m.
Use Williams Street entrance to the Arboretum, meet at the Outdoor Theater/Buck Lodge.
$20 ($15 members); registration required.
Capture the beauty of the Arboretum with plein-air painting. This outdoor workshop begins with an introductory lesson about the tools and techniques of the American Impressionist painters. Students then paint a landscape using authentic artist’s materials (acrylic paints, palette, brushes, canvas board, and smock) down by the Arboretum Pond. Each participant will leave with a completed landscape painting. For artists of all levels and students of all ages. All supplies included.
Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017
Guided Tour: Native Plant Collection
Meet at entrance of Olin Science Center
Free.
10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 1
Invasive Plants Talk and Walk
Leigh Knuttel, Arboretum Horticulturalist
2 to 4 p.m.
Meet at 33 Gallows Lane.
Free; registration required
Invasive plants have replaced native species in many different habitats in Connecticut. When native plants are displaced, the diversity of native birds, insects, animals and plants may be decreased and ecosystem functions may be affected. Learn to identify the most common invasive plants and techniques to eradicate or control them.
Friday, Oct. 6
Williams Park Tree Walk
Maggie Redfern, Arboretum Assistant Director
5 to 6 p.m.
Meet at the corner of Broad and Williams Streets, New London.
Free; no registration required
Visit the oldest park in the city, established in 1858
Co-sponsors: New London Parks Conservancy and New London Field of Greens Market
Saturday, Oct. 7
Tree Identification Workshop
Jim Luce, Campus Grounds Supervisor
10 a.m. to noon
Meet at New London Hall, Botany Lab room 112
$10 (members free), registration required
Have you ever wondered which kind of birch, oak or maple is growing in your backyard? Join Jim Luce for a workshop that will provide you with the means to identify most of the trees you’ll find in Southern New England. The first half hour will be in the classroom, the rest outdoors. Bring a copy of Harlow’s Tree ID book or purchase one ($10) during registration and pick up at class.
Sunday, Oct. 8
Guided Tour: Caroline Black Garden
10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Meet at entrance of Olin Science Center
Free.
Saturday, Oct. 14
WILD ONES: Tour of Sustainability in a Small Farm Operation
With Tom Kalal, Cranberry Meadow Farm farmer
11 a.m.
Meet at 80 Grassy Hill Road, East Lyme
Free; registration required, space is limited. Please call 860-439-5020 to reserve your spot.
Cranberry Meadow Farm operates on 26 acres owned and 20 acres of their neighbor's land. They produce all their own vegetables, as well as humanely raise oxen, beef cattle, pigs, honey, chicken, eggs and forage quality hay for the herd. They practice sustainable agriculture, protecting our water, environment, and our soils. A potluck lunch will take place after the tour; bring your own chair and something to share.
Wednesday, Oct. 18
David Smalley Sculpture Tour
With Barbara Zabel, Professor Emeritus of Art History and David Smalley Memorial Exhibition guest curator
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Meet at the Ad Astra Garden at the north side of Tempel Green.
Free; no registration required
Join Barbara Zabel for a tour of David Smalley sculptures exhibited on the campus landscape of Connecticut College and the grounds of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Several of David's colleagues will add their thoughts about the sculptures and their work with David. Artist and New London native David Smalley (1940-2015), pioneered the use of computer technology as a tool for creating sculpture, and founded the Center for Arts and Technology at Connecticut College, where he taught studio art for more than three decades.
Download the free self-guided sculpture trail tour from Camel Tours with this link http://cameltours.org/ct/u20/t41/.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Collecting Seeds for Propagation
With Maggie Redfern, Arboretum Assistant Director
9 a.m. to noon
Meet in New London Hall, Botany Lab room 112.
$25 ($15 members); registration required
There’s nothing more satisfying to a gardener than growing plants from seed. From wildflowers and perennials to trees and shrubs, success can be achieved if you understand what and when to collect to make it happen. Following a lecture in the classroom, we will collect seeds from the Arboretum grounds. Bring hand pruners if you have them. You will leave class with numerous seeds to care for.
Sunday, Oct. 22
All about Autumn Color Tour
Glenn Dreyer, Arboretum Director
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Meet in front of the Olin Science Center.
Free; no registration required
New England is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the annual color that happens before our deciduous forests drop their leaves for winter. This walk across campus and through the Native Plant Collection, will highlight some of the most reliable species for adding fall color to your garden and review the processes that lead to the brilliant reds, yellows, oranges and purples.
Sunday, Oct. 29
Mamacoke Mysteries Revealed
Beverly Chomiak, Senior Lecturer in Geology and Environmental Studies
10 a.m. to noon
Meet and park at the east end of Benham Avenue (Waterford) just before the railroad tracks.
$10 (free members); registration required
Through the study of geology, we come to understand how the earth came to be. Participants will climb the island, from sand flats to rock-strewn summit, and learn the origins of Mamacoke’s long and complex history. This will be a rugged walk; participants should dress in long pants and wear appropriate shoes.
Friday, Nov. 3
Just for Kids: “If I Were an Oak Tree”
Caroline Driscoll, Volunteer
4 to 5 p.m.
Meet at Arboretum entrance on Williams Street.
Free; no registration required
Did you ever think about how different your life would be if you couldn’t move from place to place? For this hour, kids will imagine what it is like to be a majestic white oak tree. Through games, crafts and fun, kids will learn about trees. Ages 4-10, accompanied by an adult.
Friday, Nov. 3
Full Moon Walk
7 to 8 p.m.
With Maggie Redfern, Assistant Director
Meet at Arboretum entrance on Williams Street.
Free; no registration required
Experience the Arboretum in a new light, under the Beaver Moon. This night tour will explore best spots for viewing the moon on campus and in the Native Plant Collection. Star gaze as you take in the sights and sounds. Bring your family, your favorite person to watch the moon with and a flashlight.
Sunday, Nov. 5
Guided Tour: Native Plant Collection
10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Meet at entrance of Olin Science Center
Free
Saturday, Nov. 11
SALT Conference: A Down to Earth Look at Soils
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet at Blaustein Humanities Center.
$65 before Nov. 1/$80 after ($55 before Nov. 1/$70 after Members); registration required
Sunday, Nov. 12
Guided Tour: Caroline Black Garden
10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Meet at entrance of Olin Science Center
Free
Saturday, Dec. 2
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
9 a.m. to noon
With Leigh Knuttel, Horticulturalist and Mary Villa, Curator
Meet at 33 Gallows Lane.
$40; ($30 members); registration required
This festive Arboretum event takes place every year during the holiday season. After a brief demonstration, participants will begin practicing the craft of wreath-making. Each participant will go home with an extraordinary wreath for holiday decorating. Bring hand pruners and any other embellishments you wish to incorporate. Everything else will be provided. Space is limited, register early.
September 7, 2017
