For both ecological and economic reasons we no longer print and mail a seasonal program listing our workshops and special events. The information is now distributed via this e-newsletter and is always available on our website. We do appreciate your past and future support of our workshops; the income supports other Arboretum educational endeavours such as brochures, signs, booklets, tours and our website.

If you know of people who may be interested in our workshops or who have received our seasonal program in the past who do not receive this e-newsletter, we would appreciate if you would pass this information on to them. To subscribe to the newsletter simply send an e-mail to [log in to unmask] with “subscribe to newsletter” in the subject line and include your e-mail address and first and last name in the text of the e-mail.

If you have a spot in your community or at your workplace where you can display our workshop posters, please send us an e-mail at [log in to unmask] and we will be happy to send them to you.

Below is a list of upcoming workshops at The Arboretum. Please forward this e-mail to your friends and colleagues! The more participants we have, the more programs we can offer.

WORKSHOP	DATE	REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Gardening Fundamentals	Tuesdays, April 30, May 7/14/21	Ongoing until the last workshop
Introduction to Birds	Thursday, April 18	Tuesday, April 9
Warbler I	Thursday, April 25	Tuesday, April 16
Warbler II	Friday, April 26	Tuesday, April 16
The Wonderful World of Spring Wildflowers	Friday, May 3 or Saturday, May 4	Thursday, April 25
Evenings with the Stars	Tuesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 9	Thursday, May 2
Garden & Wildflower Photography	Saturday, May 11	Thursday, May 2
The Secret Life of Lichens	Saturday, May 25	Thursday, May 16
Look, See, Paint	Wednesday, June 12	Wednesday, June 5
Night & Low Light Photography	Saturday, June 22	Thursday, June 13
The Mysterious World of Moths	Monday, June 17	Monday, June 10
Dragonflies and Damselflies	Wednesday, July 10	Wednesday, July 3
Identification and Biology of Butterflies	Thursday, July 11	Wednesday, July 3
The Wonderful of Summer Wildflowers	Friday, July 12	Wednesday, July 3
Nature and Wildlife Photography	Saturday, July 13	Wednesday, July 3
Shorebirds	Wednesday, July 17	Wednesday, July 10
Hawks	Friday, September 6	Friday, August 30
Tree Identification	Wednesday, September 18	Wednesday, September 11
Basic SLR Photography	Saturday, October 26	Friday, October 25
Black and White Photography	Saturday, November 16	Friday, November 8

by Chris Earley

Well, after the spring that we have had, I thought it was time for some colourful garden flowers for our quiz. Can you identify these cheery blooms?  The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.

by Shelley Hunt

Winter may be having one last blast this year (as I write this, we’re in the middle of a mid-April winter storm watch), but there are sure signs of spring all around – the ospreys are back to reclaim their nests near Guelph Lake, early-flowering trees (like red and silver maples) are in bloom, local rivers are rushing with snowmelt, and conditions have been good for producing the best treat of spring – maple syrup. This year, it’s been easy to get impatient for warm weather, but whenever I find myself wishing for a repeat of last year’s summer temperatures in March, I remember the lost fruit crops and dismal maple syrup production – both signs of natural cycles disrupted. Read More.

  A vernal pool in an Ontario forest

by Ric Jordan

I feel as if this could be a journal entry if I was an individual who managed to journal successfully. Many attempts, both on paper and electronically but gaps always appear before a follow-up entry. Perhaps the next time will be successful; how many attempts should I give myself?  Read more.

The late spring has slowed down our bird returns but there are still some that have made it including Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird and Brown-headed Cowbird. Robins are abundant now even though they don't look too happy about the weather (see the angry robin photo). A pair of Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper's Hawks are setting up territories on our site so hopefully we will get to watch them raise their young this spring. Their presence is much to the chagrin of our local crows. The late snow has allowed us to add Eastern Chipmunks and Groundhogs to our track list. The next few weeks should see some significant changes happen as spring really starts to take hold - come for a visit and see what you can find!

  Chipmunk Tracks


  Robin


  Crow divebombing Red-tailed Hawk

Volunteer Week is April 15 – 21, 2012. The Arboretum staff extends a huge “Thank you” to all our fabulous and invaluable volunteers that have helped to make The Arboretum what it is today. New volunteers are always welcome and we have something for everyone. Volunteers assist us on the grounds and in the gardens, with our plant sale, children’s theatre, on our front desk, fund-raising endeavors, administrative duties such as faxing and stuffing envelopes for mailings and so much more. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Barbara Parke at 519-824-4120 ext. 53615 or [log in to unmask].

Looking for a fun program for your son's or daughter's Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts group? Look no further! Kyle Horner, one of our former summer naturalists, is offering programs here at The Arboretum for your group. The program can be to help achieve badge requirements, help your group connect to nature and be a wonderful wrap-up activity for the end of the scouting/guiding season. Please contact Kyle at [log in to unmask] for details.

Be a part of the BetterPlanet Project by donating on-line:

Your donation can be directed to The Arboretum online through the secure University of Guelph donation page: http://uofg.convio.net/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:

Ross Butler
Director, Gift Planning
at (519) 824-4120 ext. 56196 or by e-mail at [log in to unmask]