Newsletter 

October 2011                                                                                                     

Dear Members and Friends,

The growing season is now over. Mostly it has been splendid with good moisture, but now it is quite dry as we head into winter. There will need to be much watering of newer trees and shrubs before it freezes.

Transition and change abound here. Let me enumerate:

Conifer Expansion:  Almost ten years ago we started a conifer research project. This involved selecting twelve conifer species, little used in Iowa, to determine their suitability for central Iowa, where we have so very few choices in conifer selections, and only one native, the eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana. We now have a pretty good idea of what works and so have transplanted a number of these conifers out in the display areas, plus adding two additional groupings of spruce species.

The fir collection has been greatly augmented by the addition of the Fraser fir, Abies fraseri, Korean fir, Abies koreana, and rocky mountain fir, Abies lasiocarpa, now giving us eight firs in our collection.

Also, groupings of Wilson spruce, Picea wilsonii, and Engelmann spruce, Picea engelmannii (not in research project), and purple cone spruce, Picea purpurea, were planted out, giving us nine species of spruce. We also are testing additional spruce species which will also be planted within several years.

We transplanted groupings of Chinese white pine, Pinus armandii, Korean pine, Pinus koraiensis, Bosnian pine, Pinus leucodermis, Balkan pine, Pinus peuce, and Himalayan pine, Pinus wallichiana, giving us nineteen species in our pine collection.

As you can see, these conifer additions are allowing us to display a significantly broader range of species. An expanded species base is and will remain a goal.

To accomplish all of this we have had to remove some existing conifers to accommodate these new, relocated species. This is lamentable for those of us who are acquainted with each tree, but quite necessary as we expand and improve our overall collection.

 

The Nature Play Area, east of the Pavilion, has been greatly expanded. The addition of a long sideways tree, a stumpery, logs, a tunnel, hay bales, and more sand have already made this site quite popular. The play area is intended to give children a chance to get to know natural material. As children play in, on and with these elements found in nature, they become acquainted and tend to value them and identify with the whole outside experience. This is the idea.

Addition: The major addition to our building complex is just about complete. The centerpiece of the expansion is a magnificent, large meeting/classroom yet unnamed. The view from the room over the Arboretum to the west, through very high, wide windows is quite dramatic. We hope you like the architecture as well. The space is equipped with audio-visual equipment and a kitchenette, which will be for our use as well as our members and friends. It broadens ever so much our ability to serve. Come see it!

Kay Meyer, Director of Education and Outreach, has “retired”. Kay now lives in Des Moines and has plenty of opportunity closer to home. In her seven years here, Kay has had a profound effect on our growth, programming and reputation. She started our membership program, greatly broadened our educational offerings for young and old, and got us going with “Nature Play”. She created our present website. She is a supreme teacher and leader. We will miss her greatly, but she plans to stay with us as a volunteer. For this we are grateful.

I am very pleased to announce that Lee Goldsmith has taken over for Kay Meyer. Lee has a masters degree from I.S.U. in horticulture and an undergraduate degree in ecology. She has good experience in teaching and membership coordination as well.  We feel so fortunate to find this fine person living close to the Arboretum. She will, I know, be a significant addition.

Over the past several years I have known Lynn Kuhn. I have been impressed. With the approval of our board of directors I have now hired Lynn to begin taking over some of my duties at the Arboretum. Lynn is a landscape architect by training with a strong background in planning, organization, sales and management. As you might gather, she is a key addition for me.

I will remain chairman of our board, but not as “hands on” as in the past. That is the plan. I am seventy seven years old and, while still vigorous, must plan for the future.

Andy Schmitz, Arboretum Manager, will continue to be in charge of all buildings, grounds, plants, and research and evaluation. He is invaluable to the Arboretum and I am very proud of him.

Andy is being recognized for his original work with two tree species, Kentucky coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus, and Osage orange, Maclura pomifera. These two collections will be of national importance. Andy is leading the way nationally in the study of these two species. For this achievement, Andy has received a very prestigious Chanticleer Scholarship for Professional Development, which will lead to other study and research. Thank you, Andy. You bring great credibility to The Brenton Arboretum.

On September 17th, we held our annual Membership Meeting. Peter van der Linden was our special guest. Peter is currently head of the Lakeside Lab at Okoboji, Iowa. He is past curator of The Morton Arboretum, and founding director of the Iowa Arboretum, as well as past director of Fernwood, an arboretum in Niles, Michigan. Peter also is a board member here. A major color revision of his book, Forest and Shade Trees of Iowa, written with Donald Farrar has just been published. This magnificent book, with many color photos is our only book devoted to Iowa trees. It is now for sale and I recommend it.

The day of our membership gathering was wet, cold and windy so attendance was low. For those hardy few, Peter took us on a walking tour of the Iowa Collection followed by remarks by Peter. The undersigned and Kay Meyer also spoke. A reception followed. We had a welcome roaring fire going at the Pavilion.

Requests:

I am spreading the word about volunteering at the Arboretum. We have many interesting jobs. We need you. If you have any interest, please contact Lee Goldsmith 515-992-4211 or lee@thebrentonarboretum.org.

We need your email address if you wish to receive communications from us. Please email Lee Goldsmith at lee@thebrentonarboretum.org so we will have it if you are so inclined.

Please Note:                                                                                                                    

After January 1st you may view our children's and adult class opportunities for 2012 on our website: www.thebrentonarboretum.org.                                                                                                                                                             

Lastly thank you, our members and friends, for your continued interest and support of the Arboretum. We can’t do it without you.

 

 

Open 9:00 AM until Sunset
Closed Mondays, open holidays
Phone: (515)-992-4211
Email: info@thebrentonarboretum.org