While some of our mammal species hibernate or at least do a lot of sleeping in the winter, some are very active. Can you identify these Arboretum winter mammals? The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.

by Justine Richardson

Hello, and greetings on a very cold Valentine’s Day Friday here at the University of Guelph Arboretum!

As the new director, it has been an intense and wonderful first two weeks getting to know the amazing labour of love that makes up this special place.

I’ve been meeting with the dedicated staff, volunteers and students, touring various snowy areas of our plantings, and developing a deepening picture of the important and wide-ranging collections, research, teaching, and community outreach that happen on our grounds. I’d like to share a few highlights. Sean Fox gave a fascinating presentation on identifying amalanchiers (service berry family) to a 200 person crowd of growers attending a Landscape Ontario short course and Chris Earley substituted on very short notice to provide an educational hour long lecture to the Wednesday afternoon Third Age Learning community. Barb Ash has been getting me up to speed on the administrative workings and marketing plans; and Dawn Ann has been busy booking meetings and weddings for the upcoming season. Cael has shared plans for the summer renovations of the Gosling Wildlife demonstration gardens; and Kellen showed me the detailed work recently completed on the fence at the Japanese Garden. Aron shared some of the many and varied teaching and research activities he is stewarding throughout the grounds. And Polly shared a walk through World of Trees collection, and showed me a glimpse of the former seal ponds! Naturalists, Kitty and Jenny shared many interesting bits of knowledge – including where the porcupine lives. And I’m on my way out to walk with the horticulture intern, Sarah, this afternoon.

In this 50th year of the formal establishment of The Arboretum, I plan on listening to stories and celebrating the history of how we got here. In the coming year, I look forward to working with our staff, campus and community to enhance further the outreach, teaching and research missions of The Arboretum, here in our “Green Heart of Guelph.”

Thank you to so many people who have reached out to share stories, experiences, and love of The Arboretum with me. If we haven’t met yet, please do reach out and introduce yourself. I am looking forward to hearing the stories of why you love The Arboretum, and what connects you to this place!

Best wishes,
Justine

Check out some of our recent posts below from our social media accounts. If you are interested in seeing more of what is happening and being seen at The Arboretum please consider liking or following us on one or more of our social media accounts. We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr. Search for us at uogarboretum. Click the posts below to be taken to the actual post to read the descriptions.

I hope everyone had a happy Valentine's Day! If you or someone you know is lucky enough to have given or received that special ring and proposal and are beginning to plan for that exciting day please be sure to check The Arboretum out for the ceremony and reception. Our freshly renovated space could be just what you are looking for. For further information and to book a tour of the space please contact Dawn Ann Webster at 519-824-4120 ext. 54110 or [log in to unmask] Further information on our unique reception facilities and outdoor ceremony sites can be found on our website.

  
West Lawn set for a ceremony                               a head table in the Auditorium       

                             
                                Newly renovated Auditorium set for a Christmas party

Join Jenny or Kitty Wednesdays at 12:15 for the Wednesday walk as they explore the grounds on a 50 minute hike. It is a wonderful way to explore the winter wonderland that The Arboretum grounds has been transformed into. The walk is free and you should meet at the kiosk at the end of the promenade closest to campus if you are interested in participating.

         

We still have some of our 2020 Arboretum Calendars available. They are on sale for $10 each (including tax). You can purchase them on-line or by stopping by The Arboretum Centre during business hours.

The Arboretum’s grounds are the perfect setting for group tours. Our knowledgeable docents (trained volunteer guides) give pre-arranged 1 ½ hour tours of The Arboretum’s grounds, gardens, collections and other points of interest. The tours can be focused on the areas that are seasonally appropriate and / or that are of interest to you and your group. Tours should be booked a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Tours can provide an excellent break for a meeting group. For further information on tours or to make a reservation please contact Dawn Ann Webster at [log in to unmask] or 519-824-4120 ext. 54110.

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Your donation can be directed to The Arboretum online through the secure University of Guelph donation page: https://secure3.convio.net/uofg/site/Donation2?df_id=3321&mfc_pref=T&3321.donation=form1&single_designee=arboretum

If you prefer not to make an online donation, there are several other ways to provide your financial support. You can choose to donate by telephone, mail, fax, or in person:

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Attention Alumni Affairs 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 Tel: 1-888-266-3108 ext. 56934 Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 56934 Fax: 519-822-2670 Email: [log in to unmask]

If you would like information on bequests and planned giving to The Arboretum please contact:

Jayne Whitfield
Gift Planning Manager
at (519) 824-4120 ext. 56196 or by e-mail at [log in to unmask]