New England Wild Flower Society’s Education Department has announced its October 2012 classes, courses, and field trips; and they are searchable/available online, downloadable online, and available by registering online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext. 3303). For more information, visit http://www.newenglandwild.org/learn.
October 2012 Listings – Adult Classes, Gardening, Horticulture, Field Trips in Eastern MA
Tuesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, October 13, 12-4 p.m.; October 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Framework Trees of New England, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Trees are the dominant plant type of New England with forests covering most of the land area. Instructor Karen Sebastian, principal, Karen Sebastian, LLC, Landscape Architecture, addresses identification and natural history of individual species as well as forest ecology. Since understanding today’s forests requires familiarity with their history, we review the changing landscape from the Ice Age through European settlement. Students learn to identify native New England trees and their habitats, to recognize different aged stands (pioneer, second growth, and other growth) and become familiar with forest communities of the northeastern temperate region. Consider the natural conditions and human disturbance factors that produce different forest associations. Weekend field trips take us to a variety of forest types off-site. Bring a bag lunch and water for the field trips. Fee: $231 (Member) / $277 (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m., Certificate Program Orientation, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Join Bonnie Drexler, Education Director, and certificate program graduates for an illustrated talk that includes some of the fascinating stories that native plants have to tell, along with a look at the Society’s efforts to conserve the region’s native flora. Hear about the structure of the Society’s Certificate in Native Plant Studies program and how it can guide your learning. Everyone is welcome at this free presentation. Preregistration is requested, but not required. Fee: $free (Member) / $free (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (Bus departs Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA at 7:30 a.m.), High Line, New York, New York. Join us for a day trip to the remarkable High Line in New York City. The garden is built on a formerly abandoned mile and a half of elevated railroad line. Both the hardscape and the plant material are informed by the structure’s history as a rail bed. Native oaks, sassafras, sumacs, and an array of ornamental grasses are just a few of the plants that one rarely encounters in public gardens, but are among many of the outstanding plant choices explored by instructor Robin Wilkerson, landscape designer. A High Line docent will lead a tour of the garden and there will be time for lunch and exploration on our own. Don’t miss this chance to see and experience what has quickly become one of the world’s great urban wonders. Fee: $120 (Member) / $145 (Nonmember). Cosponsored by New England Wild Flower Society, Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens, and Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Registration deadline is September 19. Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Sunday, October 14, 2012, 1:30-3:30 pm, Rare Plants of Massachusetts, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Join Bryan Connolly, Massachusetts State Botanist, to hear the latest news on the Commonwealth’s rare plants and how we are meeting the challenge of helping them survive. Bryan is a former member of New England Wild Flower Society’s Conservation staff with a unique perspective on our state’s 254 vulnerable plant species currently protected by the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Bryan shares his history of working with Society staff and volunteers to protect our rare plants. After the talk, certificates will be awarded to our new graduates in our Certificate Program in Native Plant Studies and refreshments will follow. Fee: $free (Member) / $free (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 12:30 pm, Nature of New England, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. From wild forests and marshes to farms, towns, and cities, wild animals and plants can be found in amazing diversity if we make ourselves aware. Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman learned that for themselves when they set out to research their new guide to New England natural history. The Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of New England includes sections on wildflowers, trees, birds, fish, fungi, ferns and even the night sky. Hear of their favorite adventures, enjoy their favorite photos, and learn about the endless potential to make your own personal discoveries about nature. Book sales and signing follow the program. Fee: $free (Member) / $free (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 1:00-3:30 p.m., Mushrooms in Fall, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Puffball, sweet tooth, splash cup, swamp beacon – these are just a few of the mushroom species you might encounter while walking the New England landscape. Mycologist Lawrence Millman explains why fungi are so important to virtually every environment and speaks about his new book Fascinating Fungi of New England. Then he leads a fungal foray on the grounds of Garden in the Woods. Please note that this event focuses on ecology, not edibility! Book sales and a book signing will follow the program. Fee: $21 (Member) / $25 (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Thursday and Friday, October 18 and 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sustainable Landscape Design, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. What makes a landscape design sustainable? This two-part seminar is for people interested in learning how to design landscapes that follow an ecological paradigm, and that enhance a site’s beauty and utility. Landscape Architect and LEED Accredited Professional Tom Benjamin will define and discuss principles of sustainable landscape design, techniques to improve the ecological and human functions of existing landscapes, and how to approach sites with a variety of challenges. Discussion will include sustainable measures to improve your own projects, as well as a short trip to a nearby site that was designed for sustainability. Bring a bag lunch. Fee: $216 (Member) / $254 (Nonmember). Cosponsored by New England Wild Flower Society and Ecological Landscaping Association.. Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Native Plants for the Rambler, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Are you one who enjoys exploring the New England landscape – its woodlands, meadows, mountains and wetlands, i.e. a rambler? The pleasures of rambling can be enhanced by gaining familiarity with the native plants which you may encounter. How many of us can recognize Massachusetts state flower if we see the plant out of bloom? Instructor Al Levin, photographer and naturalist, enriches your year round ramblings with knowledge of approximately 60 perennials, shrubs and trees native to New England, presented in this entertaining and engaging program. Fee: $21 (Member) / $25 (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Sunday, October 21, 2012, 1:30-3:30 pm, Gowing’s Swamp and Thoreau’s Bog, Concord, MA. Visit at the height of fall color to see a locally rare level bog and vernal pool complex with a thriving bog community of black spruce, tamarack, bog rosemary, large and small cranberries, bog laurel, and tawny cottongrass. Some 53 species of lichens grow within Gowing’s Swamp, many on the black spruce-tamarack stands. The outer bog’s sphagnum mat supports a thicket of leatherleaf, maleberry, highbush blueberry, and sheep laurel. A magnificent palette of deep reds to clear yellows line the trails with blueberries at every level along with maple-leaved viburnums, sweet pepper-bush, sassafras, hop-hornbeam, American chestnut, sweet gum, American hazelnut, and a magnificent blooming hillside of witchhazel. Instructor Cherrie Corey, naturalist and photographer, has been studying and communing with the bog for more than three decades. Fee: $21 (Member) / $25 (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Mondays, October 22, 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., November 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ecological Landscaping Techniques, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Decisions we make in our gardens today can have large impacts on the landscapes of tomorrow. How do we ensure the long term sustainability of our backyards, business parks and public spaces? The Horticulture Staff, New England Wild Flower Society, identifies and addresses these potential problems by taking a comprehensive look at the landscape through the eyes of designers, horticulturalists and botanists. Receive hands-on training in soil health and composting, plant ID and selection, storm water management and organic techniques — all filtered through the concepts of modern design. Bring a bag lunch. Fee: $216 (Member) / $254 (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Saturday, October 27, 2012, 1:00-3:30 p.m., Autumn Beauties: Habitat Gardens in Acton, MA. Fall offers a long season of changing colors in the garden. Join this tour of several gardens designed primarily with native plants to please birds and butterflies, as well as her clients. Visit unique and colorful habitats with Dori Smith, M.Ed., owner, Gardens for Life, Acton, MA, including mature rain gardens; native prairie meadows; a sunny street-side gardenscape where delightful native plantings have replaced lawn; and a lush backyard, featuring a creative fieldstone patio enjoyed by the family and a fountain that attracts birds daily. You are welcome to tour the Acton Arboretum before or after the garden tour. Eligible for NOFA Organic Land Care re-accreditation credits. Fee: $30 (Member) / $34 (Nonmember). Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
Saturday, October 27, 2012, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bark for Beginners, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Have you ever looked at a tree in winter and wondered what it might be? For nearly half the year, bark provides the best clue to tree ID. Instructor: Nancy Goodman, naturalist, helps us become familiar with the characteristic bark of common trees in different stages of growth, a further challenge! Easy-to-use field guides to bark and buds will help in this fun learning experience. Bring binoculars, warm clothes in layers, lunch, warm boots, and either of these 2 books: Bark by Michael Wojtech or The Tree Identification Book by George Symonds. Fee: $38 (Member) / $46 (Nonmember). Cosponsored by New England Wild Flower Society and MA Audubon, Drumlin Farm. Preregistration is required online or by calling the registrar (508-877-7630, ext 3303).
October 2012 Listings – Kids and Family Class, Field Trips in Eastern MA
Wednesday, October 10, 2012, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Rock and Roll, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA. Come to the Garden to collect rocks and watch them roll in our rock tumbler, becoming shiny and smooth. Instructor: Bonnie Drexler, Education Director, New England Wild Flower Society helps us study crystals, and learn about quartz, fool’s gold and geodes. How do scientists classify rocks? What kinds of things can you learn by smashing rocks open? Investigate these and other geological questions and create a rock collection to take home. For children in Grades 2-5. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $14 (Member) / $17 (Nonmember)
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