Boston Flora

Tag: Arnold Arboretum

  • Tuesday, September 30, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Preserving Forests in New England – Insights from Japan and Europe

    The biological diversity of New England’s deciduous forests is threatened by habitat fragmentation, increasing homogeneity of the vegetation, and the loss of top predators. Most of the natural landscape is now dominated by medium-aged woodlands, leaving relatively little space for species that require open habitats, young forest, or old-growth forest. The future of deciduous forests also will depend on climate change and the introduction of insects and pathogens that decimate particular species of trees. Understanding the history and ecology of these forests is critical for sustaining their productivity and preventing the loss of biological diversity. Professor Robert Askins of Connecticut College will present a talk on Tuesday, September 30, from 7 – 8:30 in the Hunnewell Building at the Arnold Arboretum on the major threats to our local forests and new insights for their protection from studies of remarkably similar forests in East Asia and Europe. His recently published book, Saving the World’s Deciduous Forests, will be available for purchase and signing.  Fee $5 member, $10 nonmember.  Register on line at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1.

  • Monday, September 22, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Urban Greening for Urban Birds

    What are the needs of an urban bird? What can be done to increase the diversity of avian and other species living in the city? The highly managed nature of a city landscape provides biologists with some unique opportunities to understand both the role of humans in altering patterns of biological diversity and the role of behavior in limiting animal distributions. Join the Arnold Arboretum on Monday, September 22, from 7 – 8:30 in the Hunnewell Building for a lecture by Dr. Paige Warren, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A guiding principle for Paige Warren’s research is that the typical indices of urbanization, such as human population density, describe only a portion of the habitat structure that is important for wildlife. Paige Warren has recently analyzed 150 years of documented changes in the bird communities of Cambridge and examined a variety of Boston’s green spaces to determine ways to improve and increase habitat for year-round as well as migratory birds and other city-dwelling animals. She will speak about her research, done locally and around the country, to understand processes generating and maintaining biological diversity in a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by humans. Fee $5 Arboretum member, $10 nonmember. Register on line at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1.

  • Thursday, September 18, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Artists in the Arboretum Opening Reception

    Local artists will exhibit works inspired by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University as part of Jamaica Plain Open Studios, the premiere annual arts event in one of Boston’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. The juried exhibit will run through October 19, and the opening reception will take place Thursday, September 18, from 6 – 8 in the Hunnewell Building lecture hall at 125 Arborway. For more event information, and to preview works by participating artists, visit www.jpopenstudios.com. Work below by artist Sarah Coyne.

  • Monday, September 15, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Charismatic Megaflora: What Do Old Trees Look Like?

    As with many things, one person’s charismatic megaflora is another person’s tree. For Neil Pederson, PhD, Ecologist, formerly with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University and now with the Harvard Forest, Harvard University,  a tree that would capture his attention as a younger person is very different from the charismatic specimen that wows him today. What has changed? His understanding of old and the dimensions of time and space as applied to trees. On Monday, September 15, from 6:30 – 8 at the Hunnewell Building at the Arnold Arboretum, Neil Pederson will share how his assumptions were dashed (more than once) and what he has learned while searching for the oldest trees to obtain the longest possible tree-ring based records of environmental history.
    Fee $5 Arboretum member, $10 nonmember.  Register at http://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1.

  • Monday, September 16, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, Tuesday, September 17, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, and Friday, September 19, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm – Native Woody Plant Materials

    Come to Garden in the Woods and explore the diversity of native trees, shrubs, and woody vines and their uses in home gardens and surrounding landscapes.  This three day course (September 16, 17, and 19) will delve into growth characteristics, cultural requirements, and the best horticultural uses of commercially available woody plants.  Which species grow well in heavy shade?  Which can be used to support local wildlife and/or humans?  Learn how to stagger your plantings for continuous bloom, fruit production, and fall color.  This intensive class will serve anyone wanting to work at a professional level, but is also appropriate for the avid home gardener.  The course will include lectures and walks in the Garden as well as a field trip to the Arnold Arboretum.  Bring a bag lunch each day.  The instructor is Dan Jaffe, Propagator and Stock Bed Grower of The New England Wild Flower Society (pictured below.) $144 for NEWFS members, $182 for nonmembers.  Register at www.newfs.org.

  • Saturday, January 10 – Monday, January 19 – The Best of Natural Hawaii: Oahu, The Big Island & Maui

    Join friends of The Harvard Museum of Natural History as they explore three islands: Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui, each offering varied experiences and learning opportunities. Surrounded by ocean and formed by volcanic hot spots, Hawaii’s isolation and geological activity shape the islands’ biodiversity. With over 25,000 unique species, Hawaii is one of the planet’s most biologically diverse regions. A high percentage of these species are only found here, yet today these birds, insects, mammals, and plants live in a delicate balance. Hawaii’s position floating alone in the middle of the Pacific creates a unique cultural identity apart from the mainland United States. Life here feels easygoing and casual. The colorful history that shaped these islands remains clear; waves of immigrants who once labored in cane fields added their languages, foods, and cultures to the local mix. Today, there is no ethnic majority and common bonds are intangible.  The HMNH Study Leader is Dr. Peter Del Tredici, author of Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast and Senior Research Scientist of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.  The ten day trip takes place January 10 – 19, 2015. Double occupancy $5,740, with single supplement of $1,375.  For a complete itinerary call 617-495-2463, or visit http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/travel/pdf/HMSC%20Natural%20Hawaii.pdf.

     

     

  • Tuesday, August 5, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm – From Seed to Tree

    Did you know that almost all of the new plants in the Arnold Arboretum begin their lives in the Dana Greenhouses? Get a behind-the-scenes look of the greenhouse growing process, from seed to sprout to seedling to tree. Meet at the Bonsai Collection. There is a 15 person maximum. This program, led by Stephen Schneider, Director of Operations, is held on the first Tuesday of each month through November 4.  In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209.  This activity is free. No need to register.

  • Saturday, July 26, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm – Getting to Know Your Chainsaw

    Before using a chainsaw, it is best to understand all of its parts, built in safety features, maintenance requirements, and the forces in play once you rev its small but powerful engine. If you own a saw, bring it to this Arnold Arboretum class, to be held Saturday, July 26, from 9 – 12:30 in the Hunnewell Building Equipment Garage (and you know you’ve always wanted to see the Equipment Garage – this of what must be stored there!) If you don’t own a saw but intend to purchase one, wait until you’ve attended the class to learn which styles and features are best for your size and needs. Participants should bring safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection. Dress for the outdoors and bring a snack and beverage. Head arborist John DelRosso will conduct the session. A class on use and felling techniques will be offered on October 4. Registrants must sign an Assumption of Risk and Release to participate.  Fee $45 Arboretum member, $58 nonmember.  Register on line at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Policies.aspx.

  • Wednesdays, July 9 & 23, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Exploring the Conifer Collection

    The conifer collection at the Arnold Arboretum is dense in diversity and rich in history. Jim Gorman will lead participants through this collection explaining key identification features, natural history, medicinal and economic uses, and horticultural firsts. He will focus on members of the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae that populate the Northern Hemisphere, including firs, hemlocks, pines, cedars, junipers, cypress, calocedrus, and more. The class will take place July 9 and 23 from 6 – 8. Meet at the Bussey Street Gate. Fee: $40 member, $50 nonmember. Register at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1.

  • Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Small Shrubs for the Home Garden

    Small shrubs add texture and dimension to the landscape through multiple seasons. Whether grouped with larger shrubs and trees or mixed into a perennial border, they can create a solid-looking ground layer that can tie the entire planting together or can provide points of interest. Horticultural technologist Rachel Brinkman, Horticultural Technologist at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, will lead this walk through the Arboretum landscape on Tuesday, June 24, from 4 – 6, pointing out a variety of smaller shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, with suggestions for their use in the home landscape. Fee: $20 Arboretum member, $30 nonmember. Register online at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/SelectDate.aspx. (Eastern leatherwood pictured below.)