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 contact Bev Healy at [log in to unmask] and she 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.

To register please call 519-824-4120 ext. 52358.

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.

While there isn't a lot of standing water this spring, you can still find some forest ephemeral pools. The one at the kiosk end of Wild Goose Woods is once again full of pond invertebrates to be discovered! Can you identify any of these spring critters? The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.

by Bev Healy

My role as the Administrative Assistant here at The Arboretum since December 1996 has been an enjoyable experience. In that role I insure that the general operations are running smoothly. One of my main functions is to handle all things financial. This includes the ordering of supplies and equipment through Purchasing, paying of all bills in a timely fashion, invoicing on a monthly basis clients who rent the facility, and submitting monies received to Revenue Control. Accounts are reconciled with FRS on a monthly basis and any errors corrected. As well, I keep the Director and Manager informed of our financial status supplying reports as needed. In consultation with the Director and Manager, I help to establish our budget and the proper distribution of funds. The Arboretum Management Group meets on a monthly basis and I am responsible for taking the minutes at these meetings.  Read More.

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.

We are now on Twitter. You can follow us at: @ArborUofG.

Arboretum Bird List Reaches 200!

A Fish Crow has become the two hundredth bird species recorded for The Arboretum. It was seen and heard by U of G students Brennan Obermayer and James Telford on April 6. Originally found near south residence by another U of G student, Reuven Martin, this crow was later seen to be dive-bombing a Red-tailed Hawk over The Arboretum grounds. Fish Crows usually hang out in south eastern North America, but have been spreading north recently. There have been other sightings of this species in various southern Ontario locations this spring. Fish Crows look almost exactly like our regular American Crows but are slightly smaller and have a higher-pitched call.

In my time at The Arboretum, perhaps in my life, I can’t remember a spring such as we are experiencing this year. Trying to predict blooming times for wildflowers can be difficult at the best of times, woody plants tend to be a bit more predictable but this year all the guidelines have been thrown out. Two weeks ago I would have told you that the trilliums would have been at their prime by now due to their early emergence however the cool weather has slowed them down so I would say that late next week will be their peak. Dog-tooth violets are emerging but I haven’t noted Jack-in-the Pulpits as of yet. As I’m sure you have noted around town the magnolias bloomed extremely early but then got caught by the killer frost of two weeks ago. However the cherries were a bit later and most were in tight buds and survived the frost so they have opened in their full glory. Our Sakura cherries had their best blooming year since being planted in 6 years ago. Some forsythia are still in bloom, a full 4 weeks after the earliest blooms were noted. The majority of the garden plants seem to be following a more normal schedule but that could be speeded up if we get some rain, sunshine and the accompanying warm weather.

My best advice is come on up and wander the grounds, you won’t be disappointed, perhaps even a little surprised at what you see or don’t see. Also keep your eyes open for the geese and mallards as they search out nesting sites on the grounds.

Fish Crow mobbing Red-tailed Hawk              Merrill Star Magnolia Tree              American Kestrel                                              
Photo by Brennan Obermayer                          Photo by Chris Earley                      Photo by Fred Urie

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]