by Chris Earley

This is the time of the year where lots of mushrooms start popping up everywhere. But some of our most beautiful fungi are not the typical mushroom shape. Check out these and see if you recognize any. If you have no idea, then guess at a name before you look at the answers, you might be surprised at how close you are! The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.

With fall well under way, the Christmas season is approaching. If you haven't already booked your company Christmas party it is time to think about doing so. The Arboretum is a perfect location for your staff function. We can accommodate up to 150 people for lunches or dinners with a picturesque view of The Arboretum grounds. We still have some good dates available … book soon before they are gone. For further information please contact Barb Watson – Ash, Marketing and Bookings Co-ordinator at extension 54110, [log in to unmask] or check out our website. All catering is provided by Hospitality Services, University of Guelph. For further information on the catering please call extension 53350 or e-mail [log in to unmask].

I know we say it frequently but I wish to say it here for all to read: Thank you, thank you! I know volunteer activities continue year round however as winter approaches the number of auxiliary members we see on a regular basis drops until spring comes along so this seems like an opportune time to thank all those who assist us in various ways. The people who staff the front desk, the grounds crew, the docents, the gardening group, the seed collection and cleaning crew, the plant sale group, the individuals who go out to staff a table at an eco-house event, and yes, even the staff who volunteer a weekend for the plant sale we couldn't be the entity we are without your contribution. So I'll say it again on behalf of all of us THANK YOU.

by Ric Jordan

In the near future, perhaps by the time you read this article, Kim Perkin Landscapes will be at work in the David Porter Japanese Garden restoring the tea house to its original state, perhaps even better. Frost heave really caused some serious movement of a couple of the corner posts this past year and we have engaged Kim and his staff to come in and remove the damaged posts and the concrete footings they are encased in, pour new footings with metal supports to mount the posts and re-level the surrounding paving stones that have heaved. By doing the work in this manner we will be able to re-use the good support posts thus preserving the integrity of the original structure and not sending material to landfill. Some braces will also be added to reinforce the attachment of the roof to the supporting posts. We'll post pictures in the next newsletter of the completed restoration work.
We have also engaged Full Circle Tree Care to come in and take down hazardous trees along trails in Wild Goose Woods. As was done in Victoria Woods trees that are felled will be left in place as would happen if the tree had fallen due to natural causes. Over the period of time that Doug Steel and his crew are working in the woods the trails will be marked as closed for safety purposes. We realize that this may be inconvenient in some cases but we would ask that you respect the barriers/signage while this work is being done not only for your safety but for the workers themselves. We also plan on having Doug do some corrective pruning in some collection trees and the silver maples along Arboretum Promenade.
As happens every fall our gardener Lig Taurins is racing against time to winterize the gardens and water features. There never seems to be enough time to get them done but we are reluctant to start the process too early as we want our visitors to thoroughly enjoy their experience as late as possible. Sean Fox, along with the grounds crew, has been busy with fall planting, seed collection and prepping sites for next spring when the cycle starts again.
In closing I must say that in my time at The Arb I don't think I can remember such a colourful fall. It has been truly spectacular, hopefully you have been able to get out and enjoy it.

The Basic SLR Photography, Gulls and Black and White Photography workshops are all 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.

For further information and / or to register please call at 519-824-4120 ext. 52358 or [log in to unmask] 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.

Migrant birds are dribbling through The Arboretum. Recent sightings include White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows, Northern Flickers, Broad-winged Hawk, Cape May Warbler, American Redstart, Purple Finch and possibly some Red Crossbills. Wooly Bear caterpillars, Praying Mantises and other fall insects are also showing themselves. The drier weather decreased our usually abundant fungus diversity in the woods but recent rains have encouraged some mushrooms to start to show themselves. The colours of fall have been wonderful this year and a visit will surely not disappoint!

 
Praying Mantis                                  Wooly Bear Caterpillar

                       

NOTE: It is illegal to collect mushrooms in the University of Guelph
Arboretum without a research permit, so please look but don't touch!
And NEVER eat a fungus unless an expert has said it is OK.

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 The BetterPlanet Project site! Follow these easy steps:

• Follow this link http://www.thebetterplanetproject.ca/bpp_donate_2.html
• Choose your type of gift "-One-time gift-", "-Sustaining gift-", or "-Tribute Giving-"
• On the drop down menu "-Choose a Program-" select Arboretum" and fill in the amount of your donation
• Click Calculate
• Fill in your personal information

It's that easy!

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]

Please identify The Arboretum as the focus of your donation. 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]