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 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.

We now offer an on-line registration process which allows you to register for our programs 24/7 as they say, not just during our regular business hours. A secure link is provided for this easy registration process. Click here for the link.

If you do not have internet access registration can still be made by phone or in person at 519-767-5000 . Please note 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. Questions regarding workshop can be directed to Ranee Pararajasingham at [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask] or 519-824-4120 ext. 52358.

by Chris Earley

It's migration time again and lots of birds are returning to The Arboretum to nest. But, we also have some birds that use The Arboretum as a rest and feeding stop during their migration, but don't stay here. Can you identify any of these birds that nest farther north and usually spend the winter farther south? The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.

by Ric Jordan

One hopes that by the time you are reading this it is safe to say that spring has finally arrived. The snow will be gone revealing not only the ravages of a long hard winter but the signs of spring we all await: green shoots of wildflowers, buds swelling on our flowering trees, the wonderful morning chirping and singing of birds. It has been a long cold winter which served as a reminder of years gone by and now we will watch what comes in the next few months. Will it be hot and dry, cool and damp or variations too unpredictable to contemplate. Whether you believe in climate change or not the weather has always been a topic of conversation for Canadians and in fact one could say it defines us at times.

As the snow has receded the full amount of cleanup required of broken and downed branches has become painfully apparent and staff will be moving forward in a selective manner to return the collections and gardens to the state our visitors are accustomed to. It will take time but we do have a plan to incorporate this additional work in our regular spring activities. Obviously higher profile, more visited areas, will take precedence over some natural areas but it is hoped that all will be done by early July.

The Arboretum will be formally taking part in celebrating Canada’s Garden Day on June 13 this year. Watch for more details in our May newsletter but as an advance notice I can tell you that the Trial Gardens at GTI, Conservancy Gardens and Branion Plaza on campus and the Organic Market Garden as well our gardens will be part of a tour on Friday June 13. At present the details are being finalized but it should be a wonderful display of a variety of garden styles, content and uses.

While some of our volunteer groups are winding down after a winter of collecting, cleaning, storing and in some cases planting seeds, others just now beginning their activities and loosening up their gardening muscles. If you or someone you know would like to become a participant in one of our groups please contact Ranee at [log in to unmask] or ext. 52358. At present I know we are accepting new individuals into our gardening and plant sale groups and other openings may arise as time goes on. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and either impart your gardening expertise to others or pick up some new skills from experienced members of the groups.

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. - Frank Lloyd Wright
Ric

Volunteer Week was April 6 – 12, 2014. 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, Ranee Pararajasingham at 519-824-4120 ext. 52358 or [log in to unmask]

by Jason Chan

We hope you enjoyed last month's newsletter article written by our horticultural intern Polly Samland. This month, our part-time multimedia assistant Jason Chan recounts his experiences here at Arboretum over the past 8 months. These and other student positions are among the many initiatives supported by donations to The Arboretum. We are grateful for the generosity that allows us to offer these student experiences and harness the skills and creativity that students possess. ... Shelley Hunt, Director

I really had no idea what to expect as I strolled through the University of Guelph Arboretum into my position as Arboretum Multimedia Assistant in September. I did not think I would be working here for a full eight months, I did not think I would have learned and explored so many fields and topics, and I definitely did not think I would have had such a unique and unforgettable experience. Here at The Arboretum, I had to opportunity to help with formatting signs, make fun and educational videos on the University of Guelph Arboretum Youtube channel, research and write, and have spontaneous excursions with Chris Earley, the Interpretive Biologist and Education Coordinator here.  Read More.

The extended winter hasn't stopped the animals from making appearances. We have seen fresh Groundhog tracks coming from burrows and our Eastern Chipmunk populations seems to be quite healthy, too. Honey Bees have been seen zipping around so other pollinators won't be far behind. Migrant birds include a relaxed Red-shouldered Hawk, lots of Song Sparrows and a very vocal male Purple Finch. Snowdrops are up and some other spring bulbs are close to blooming, too!

  
Red-shouldered Hawk

Song Sparrow

Groundhog hole

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]