Last month we quizzed you about some creatures found in our spring ephemeral ponds. This time we have a quiz on some more critters that are found in our permanent ponds. Most of these should be familiar...if they aren't, grab a net and go explore a pond near you! The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.

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 then 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. If you click on the posts below it will take you to the actual post so you can read the text.

The grounds are slowly coming alive again. Each Spring we have a number of students who join our staff for the summer to help with the care of The Arboretum grounds. We would like to welcome this year's crew and look forward to working with them. You will see them out on the grounds throughout the spring and summer months. We would also like to welcome Jenny and Kitty Lin as our Summer Naturalist Interns.

As of May 31 the University of Guelph will be a smoke free campus. As we are part of the University that means that we will also be smoke free. We therefore ask that you refrain from smoking (this applies to all types of smoking) on the Arboretum grounds. Further details can be seen at: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/04/guelph-campus-becomes-tobacco-and-smoke-free-may-31/

Mark your calendar. Our annual Arboretum Expo (and Plant Sale) is on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Watch the newsletter over the next few months for further details. A listing of plants that will be available at the sale will come out mid August and be posted on our website.

We offer pre-arranged tours of The Arboretum grounds. The tours are a great way to learn more about The Arboretum and explore the great outdoors. They are ideal for bus tours, special interest groups or even conference or meeting groups as a break from the meeting. If you would like further information, please contact our Bookings Co-ordinator, Dawn Ann Webster at [log in to unmask] or 519-824-4120 ext. 54110.

Spring is finally here and with that comes our traditional wedding season. The Arboretum offers space for an indoor reception and outdoor ceremony on our beautiful grounds. You can even take your photos on the grounds so you don't have to go anywhere else which makes it easier for your guests. If you would like further information on weddings here at The Arboretum please contact Dawn Ann Webster at [log in to unmask] or 519-824-4120 ext. 54110. Catering is provided by the University of Guelph, Hospitality Services.

 
West Lawn                                         Auditorium

Check out our awesome publications that will help you identify things that you see in nature. Biodiversity sheets and booklets can be viewed and ordered on-line at: https://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/education-events/arboretum-merchandise.

 

Join Sally on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. for the Wednesday walk as she explores the grounds on a 50 minute hike. It is a wonderful way to explore The Arboretum grounds as nature begins to awaken for spring. 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.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 our Summer Interpretive Naturalists, Jenny and Kitty will begin our annual Wednesday Evening Walk series. These programs take place each Wednesday evening from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. beginning at the J.C. Taylor Centre. The cost is $2 per person with children under 5 free. The following is a schedule for June:

Pest Fest - Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Some animals just don't seem to live up to their reputation...and thank goodness! Join us this Wednesday to learn about some common pest animals and how they may not be all that bad after all.

Animal Architects - Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Everyone needs to live somewhere and some of the wildlife here at the Arboretum have some pretty creative ways of making their home. Come out this Wednesday to discover these critters and learn about their clever constructions!

Through the Grapevine - Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Communication is key, and that extends to our wildlife too! While not all animals will chirp, squeak, or chatter their thoughts aloud, they all have their ways of getting their point across. This Wednesday, we will be talking about the in and outs of different types of animal communication!

It’s Better Where It’s Wetter - Wednesday, June 26, 2019
It’s a whole new world under the water surface but the many critters that live there are well suited for the job! Leave your scuba gear at home but join us this Wednesday to discover the wacky animals that live underwater and how they do it!

Look, See, Paint, Sketching Nature, Planetarium Program, and Moth workshops are approaching. The dates and registration deadlines can be found in our Coming Events listing in the column on the left side of this newsletter. A detailed description of each course is available on our website. Help us promote our programs… please forward this e-mail on to your friends and colleagues who may be interested. The more participants we have, the more programs we can offer.

Registering early is important for us because we need lead time to decide if there are enough people registered to run the workshop or not. To encourage registering before the deadline, we have an Early Bird Fee. You can still register after the deadline, but it will cost an extra $10, so why not register early?

Registration is available on-line, which allows you to register for our programs at anytime, not just during our regular business hours. A secure link is provided on our website for this easy registration process.

If you do not have internet access, registration can still be made by phone or in person at 519-824-4120 ext. 52358 as in the past. Please remember that a decision is made on the registration deadline as to whether the workshop will run or not, based on the minimum number of required registrants. You may still register after the deadline as long as the workshop is running and there is space.

Back to Quiz

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:

Amy Atkinson
Senior Development Manager, Ontario Agricultural College
at (519) 824-4120 ext. 58652 or by e-mail at [log in to unmask]