Earth Words

CALL FOR VENDORS: Spring Artist Market at Matthaei

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:03:00 +0000

Call for Vendors for the Spring Artists Market at Matthaei: Saturday, May 12 from 10 AM - 4 PM

Application deadline: March 16, 2018

Notifications: March 30, 2018

Matthaei Botanical Gardens invites you to apply for our Spring Artists Market in May! Here's how it works. Submit your original work for consideration--- it could be jewelry, sculpture, glass, photography, paintings, fiber, etc. We supply you with a table and seating. You sell your art directly to the public, keep the proceeds, and garner the exposure to the U-M and local communities. For details read more below.

$60 per table/space. Each set-up includes one 6’ or 8’ table and chairs (see below for table size info). The table and chairs will be set up for you before you arrive.

Extras: To enhance your booth you may request to add on these extras. Supplies are limited.

Easel - $2 each
White table cloth - $5 (supplies limited)
An additional 4’ x2’ table, creates L-shaped table configuration $15
An additional 8’x18” table creates L-shaped table configuration $15
An additional 8’ x 30” of floor space (good for sculpture or free standing display). $20

Rooms and Tables

Auditorium: Space for 20-30 booths. Each booth has an 8’x30” table. The space behind and to the sides of the booth is very limited. Vendors should plan on keeping their booth and items contained to the table/space that they pay for. There are a few L-shaped table configurations available with an extra 4” table (+$15) and one booth with extra 8’x30” of floor space ($20), this should be noted in your application.

To apply, fill out the application. Please fill out the application completely. Required fields are marked with a red asterisk *.

Payment required upon acceptance. Once accepted, instructions for payment will be sent to you and is expected within a week of acceptance.

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION

**NOTE: This is a juried show. Sending in an application does not mean automatic acceptance into the market. Notifications will be sent out by end of day March 30, 2018 to let you know if you have been accepted into the market.

Any questions about the Market or application/jury process, please contact Event Supervisor, Sydney Richards at syrichar@umich.edu

Post Family Vision for Trail Goes Back Two Decades

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:49:00 +0000

By Bob Grese, Director, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

Providing safe walking and bicycle access to Matthaei Botanical Gardens has been a long-standing dream. Among the earliest advocates for that dream were long-time Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum supporters Norris and Helen Post.

While they were working with Washtenaw County Parks to build the Hoyt Post Trail at Parker Mill in the 1990s, Norris and Helen envisioned an extension of that trail to connect with Matthaei Botanical Gardens, linking both important community and University of Michigan properties. Washtenaw County Parks explored a variety of possibilities for the trail to Matthaei, including a utility corridor and route along Dixboro Road. More recently, support by Radrick Farms Golf Course and the Adventure Leadership Center allowed the route used for what has become our new trail linking Parker Mill County Park at the south end with Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the north.

Post family members Jeffrey Post &Nancy Carstens.

I am especially grateful for the partnership with Norris and Helen whose early vision led towards the

development of this trail. The Post family’s legacy of support continues, thanks to Jeffrey Post, Nancy Post Carstens, and Garry Post, whose generous contributions helped make the trail their parents envisioned a reality. Nancy and Jeffrey have personally created the Post Family Legacy Fund to help support the ongoing care and maintenance of the trail, and also provide a home for future contributions to be made by friends, family, and all passionate lovers of this trail!

In addition to providing a safe walking and biking route, by increasing access to the gardens this trail also helps us achieve our goal of engaging a more diverse group of people with nature. I know that all of our staff at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are delighted to have the trail open and see so many enthusiastic users now reaching Matthaei Botanical Gardens on foot or via bicycles!

Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Michigan: Progress Report 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:20:00 +0000

Campus Farm Manager Jeremy Moghtader announced that the 2017 progress report for sustainable food systems is now available for viewing.

The report is the work of of Lilly Fink-Shapiro (Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator - U-M School for Environment and Sustainability), Alex Bryan (Director of the U-M Sustainable Food Program) and Jeremy (Campus Farm) pulling together info from all the groups doing work on campus around food.

Drew Horning, interim director of the Graham Sustainability Institute, had this to say about the report: "It's really impressive to see all of the food activity captured in an integrated way like this. This work continues to set the U-M standard for a coherent and compelling organization of topically specific sustainability work across campus. Nice job and continue the good work!"

Follow this link to read the report: Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Michigan: Progress Report 2017

The University of Michigan is in a unique position as a non-land-grant, tier-1 research institution with a strong and growing foundation in transdisciplinary sustainable food systems work. This report highlights the impacts from the collaboration of several different campus partners:

Chapter 1. Research and Teaching (U-M Sustainable Food Systems Initiative)
Chapter 2. Student Leadership (U-M Sustainable Food Program)
Chapter 3. U-M Campus Farm
Chapter 4. U-M Dining and Operations

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail is Open!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 15:48:00 +0000

Although it was a very rainy morning, dozens of supporters came out to the grand opening celebration of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail on Saturday, October 14. Visitors warmed up with Zingerman's coffee, enjoyed conversation with one another, and learned about bike repair from Common Cycle. Delightful comments and thank yous were shared by Director Bob Grese, Matthaei family lawyer and friend Ira Jaffe, Associate Director Karen Sikkenga, Ann Arbor Charter Township Supervisor Michael Moran, and DNR Trust Fund Grant Coordinator Merrie Carlock. InterimVice Provost Michael Solomon read a supportive letter written by University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel and Morgan Crowther, daughter of Regent Emeritus Fredrick Matthaei, Jr. engaged the crowd in a traditional Matthaei family chant.

Following the speeches, the ribbon was cut and the trail became officially open! National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Toyota Motor Company bicyclists and many walkers braved the weather and enjoyed a stroll down the trail. For more details about the Matthaei Botanical Gardens trail, click here.

Thank you to everyone who supported the trail through the planning process and attended the grand opening! We hope the people of Ann Arbor and our surrounding communities are able to enjoy the trail soon and often. See photos below from the grand opening:

Photo credits to Scott Soderberg of Michigan Photography.

Vanilla Orchid Blooms in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 14:20:00 +0000

Several staff members recently noted that the vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) growing in the tropical house of the conservatory had flower buds.

According to staff horticulturist Mike Palmer, it's been close to 30 years since there's been a blooming vanilla orchid in the conservatory. Mike says he thinks it was former staffer Connie Crancer who planted the orchid. The Vanilla planifolia orchid is native to Mexico.

Two blooming vanilla-orchid flowers in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens seen from the side and from below. It's a beautiful flower in its own right, but not particularly fragrant. And it definitely doesn't smell like vanilla.

It's not widely known that vanilla (the spice/flavoring) comes from an orchid, and a climbing vine at that. The first flowers of this orchid that was planted some 10 years ago are dangling from its vine on the yerba mate tree. Individual flowers only last a day or slightly more. Vanilla flavoring comes from the seed pod of the vanilla orchid. The pod is harvested and cured, which ferments and dries the pod. The result is the vanilla "bean" that we see in stores. Vanilla extract is made from beans that are soaked in an alcohol-based liquid such as brandy, rum, or vodka.

Mike attempted to pollinate the vanilla flower. In nature, the flower is pollinated by a native bee. In order to ensure a steady supply of pods to meet the demand for this one-of-a-kind flavoring, most vanilla orchids are pollinated by hand. It's an elaborate, complicated process that instills a sense of appreciation for this flower and the bee that does the job in nature. Stay tuned for the result!

Some fun facts on vanilla:

1. It is the only orchid with an "edible" fruit.
2. It is difficult to get a fruit by hand pollination, unless you know the trick.
3. It is the second most expensive spice behind saffron.
4. The flowers or leaves do not smell like vanilla.

Celebrating the University of Michigan Bicentennial and Matthaei-Nichols long-time members by planting an oak tree at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 19:05:00 +0000

Long-time members of Matthaei-Nichols joined us on Friday, September 29 for an oak-tree planting that celebrated their support and the University of Michigan Bicentennial. Guests gathered in the auditorium at Matthaei Botanical Gardens for some great food, followed by a trip outside to plant the oak tree, a native white oak. Director Bob Grese, curator David Michener, and others spoke about the tree and our mission, and members and volunteers talked about what it means to be connected to and engage with the Arb and Gardens. Even the desserts were decorated with miniature candy oak leaves and acorns!

Thanks to everyone for a beautiful evening - see photos below:

Catherine Andrea and Robin Mendenhall
Photo credit: Thor Helgeson

Group photo

The Bicentennial oak tree under the existing black cherry tree

Member Cathy Bach

Bob Grese and Denise Tanguay
Photo credit: Thor Helgeson

Volunteer and Member Dave Wooten

Delicious Desserts

Tree planting preparations

The Bicentennial oak tree

In celebration of the U-M Bicentennial and long-time members of Matthaei-Nichols, 2017.

Trail opens linking University of Michigan botanical gardens with campus and area trail systems

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:59:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 14, at 10 am, the newly constructed Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail officially opened to the public!

For directions to the botanical gardens click here.

The paved, 10-foot-wide trail runs approximately 2 miles roughly parallel to Dixboro Rd. Starting

A map showing the trail connecting from the

Washtenaw Border-to-Border trail and Gallup Park

from the botanical gardens, the trail travels through varied landscapes that include parts of the botanical gardens, Radrick Golf course, and the University of Michigan Adventure Leadership program grounds.

The completed trail caps a multi-year collaboration with government entities, corporations, the University of Michigan as well as multiple individuals and donors.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail connects to the Washtenaw Border-to-Border trail system and beyond, and it provides safe, healthful, and nonmotorized transportation options for U-M staff and students and the general public to get to Matthaei from central campus and other areas.

Bikers, walkers, and strollers welcome are welcome on the trail. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail.

The trail head begins near the U-M Campus Farm at the south entrance to the botanical gardens.

For directions to the botanical gardens click here.

Join us at:

Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Calling All Artists: Apply for the Holiday Artist Market at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:49:00 +0000

Holiday Artist Market: Sunday, December 3, 2017, 10 am - 4:30 pm

Application deadline: September 30, 2017 Notifications: October 18, 2017

Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum invites you to apply for our holiday artist market in December! Here's how it works: Submit your original, nature-inspired work for consideration---jewelry, sculpture, glass, photography, paintings, fiber, etc. We're looking for a variety of different arts and crafts at an affordable cost range. For a modest fee we supply you with a table and seating. You sell your art directly to the public, keep the proceeds, and garner the exposure to the U-M and local communities. For details read more below.

Click here to apply for our artist market.

The details:

$30 per table.
Each set-up includes one 6’ or 8’ table and chairs (see below for table size info). We set up the table and chairs prior to your arrival. Participating artists are required to be present at their booth for the duration of the market hours.

Extras: To enhance your booth, you may request to add on these extras. Supplies are limited.

Easel - $2 each
White table cloth - $5 (supplies limited)
An additional 4’ x2’ table, creates L-shaped table configuration $15 (room 125 and auditorium only)
An additional 8’x18” table creates L-shaped table configuration $15 (room 139 only)
An additional 8’ x 30” of floor space (good for sculpture or free standing display). $20

Rooms and tables:

Auditorium: The largest room, it will have 18-20 booths. Each booth has an 8’x30” table. The space behind and to the sides of the booth is very limited. Vendors should plan on keeping their booth and items contained to the table. This space can hold two L-shaped table configurations. with an extra 4” table (+$15) and one booth with extra 8’x30” of floor space ($20).

Room 139: The smallest room, it will have 6 booths. Each booth has a 6’x30” table. While the table is smaller there is more room behind and to the side of the booths. This space is good for easel displays and a less cramped space. This space can hold one L-shaped table configuration with an extra 6’x18” table (+$15).

Classroom 125: Room with 7 booths. Each booth has an 8’x35” table. The tables are directly next to each other but there is more room behind the booths. This space can hold two L-shaped table configuration with an extra 4” table (+$15).

To apply click here to fill out the application. Please fill out the application completely. Required fields are marked with a red asterisk *. Payment required upon acceptance. Once accepted, instructions for payment will be sent to you; payment is expected within a week of acceptance.

We look forward to your submissions!

Zombie 5K in Nichols Arboretum

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:28:00 +0000

A run to die for!

The unthinkable has happened. Nichols Arboretum is an obstacle course of marauding zombies in this 5K run over the Arb's trails. Can you survive to the finish line? Registration available now. Member discount on registrations. For more information and to register click here.

Friday, October 13, 6 pm, University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor (across from U-M hospitals).

How it works:

Participants run through the Arb for a 5k race unlike any other in the Arb before! Each runner receives a belt with two flags that act as “lives.” On the 5K course zombies attempt to take your lives in order to infect you!

The goal is to make it out with at least one life flag and be a “survivor.” Survivors are rewarded by being entered into raffles to win gift cards and cool items. Want to up your chances of survival? You can purchase extra flags for $5 or you can ask your friends and family to sponsor you and buy them for you!

All proceeds support the Arb and help keep it a pristine (and zombie free) place for the community to enjoy nature.

Cool t-shirt!

For more info and to register visit the Zombie Run web page.

Local Conservation Partners Contribute to Control of Michigan’s First Invasive Japanese Stiltgrass

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 12:13:00 +0000

In early August of this year, the conservation community was made aware of Michigan’s first population of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), a notoriously invasive sprawling grass introduced from Asia in the early 20th century when it was used as packing material for fine china. The population is on private land in Scio Township with important nearby natural areas and public parks from which it could spread quickly throughout Michigan. Stiltgrass can grow in most environments where it can quickly cover the surface and eliminate other species.

Click here to read more about identifying Japanese stiltgrass

Rather than wait for stiltgrass to arrive on their lands, staff from Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, City of Ann Arbor Natural Areas Program, Washtenaw County Parks Natural Areas Preservation Program, and Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum at the University of Michigan worked with the Michigan DNR and two private landowners to eradicate all known stiltgrass. Each organization was already part of The Stewardship Network Huron-Arbor Cluster which allowed for the capacity of an immediate control effort in combination with significant on-the-ground efforts by the landowners. Bob Grese, Director of Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, notes “Japanese stiltgrass is a key example of a highly invasive species where we have a chance to pull together to identify and contain an invasive species while it can still be controlled and before it negatively impacts our native plants and animals.”

Japanese stiltgrass images courtesy invasive.org.

While partners report that stiltgrass will have to be controlled next year from seed that remains in the soil, they have halted the expansion of the population. The organizations are working together to better delimit the population, find it elsewhere, and determine how to restore habitats that have been impacted.

Even if invasive species are first found on private land, prevention, early detection, and quick response is the most cost-effective solution by local governments in managing invasive species. These organizations contributed some resources to the problem now so that they slow the spread, train employees, and raise awareness to reduce the impacts of stiltgrass on lands in their jurisdictions. “The most efficient way to deal with invasive species is to keep them from getting established in the first place. If we can team up to quickly eradicate this new infestation of Japanese stiltgrass, we may be able to keep it out of Michigan, or at least out of Ann Arbor.”

The Jackson and Washtenaw County Conservation Districts and others are heading up an effort to start a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area in Jackson, Washtenaw, and Lenawee Counties. This will make it even easier to conduct surveillance and control of invasive species that seriously impact the quality of our environment. “Finding and removing stiltgrass and other invasive species is one of the best ways to protect our wetlands, prairies and forests”, says Evan Pratt, Water Resources Commissioner for Washtenaw County who is a partner in the effort.

Conservation partners need help from the public in finding stiltgrass that may be out there. For more information on identifying stiltgrass, see: http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1457/ANR-1457.pdf and report it to Greg Norwood, Invasive Species Coordinator, Michigan DNR-Wildlife Division, norwoodg@michigan.gov, 517-342-4514 or Krista Dickerson, Michigan DNR-Wildlife Division at DickersonK1@michigan.gov, 517-284-6168.

Grand Opening Celebration of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail - Saturday, October 14

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 12:35:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 14, the newly constructed Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail officially opens to the public! Please join us from 9:30 am to noon to celebrate the grand opening of the trail. If you plan on joining us, we encourage you to RSVP here.

For directions to the botanical gardens click here.

Below you can find a schedule of morning events:

9:30-11:30 am -- Activities at the trail head (near the Campus Farm off the gardens' south entrance)

Mobile Bike Repair Stand by Common Cycle
Face-painting by Doodlebug Ink
Coffee and Food Truck by Zingerman's Roadhouse
Matthaei-Nichols Membership booth

10 am -- Ribbon cutting and brief remarks to officially open the trail

A map showing the trail connecting from the
Washtenaw Border-to-Border trail and Gallup Park

10:30 am -- Children's activities in the Gaffield Children's Garden

11:30 am -- Garden tours available

Campus Farm tour by Campus Farm Manager Jeremy Moghtader
Great Lakes Gardens tour by Curator of Native Plants Mike Kost
Conservatory tour by Mike Palmer

Bikers, walkers, and strollers welcome. Although pets are allowed on the trail, we ask that you do not bring your pet to the celebration.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Fall 2017 Events and Education Programs at Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 19:39:00 +0000

Fall 2017 programming at Matthaei-Nichols begins in September. Check out our programs on composting, preserving herbs, beekeeping, birds, ikebana, and bonsai, to name a few. Fall calendar runs September through December.

Most are FREE and held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

SEPTEMBER

Sun. & Mon, Sept 3 & 4, 5:30 pm

Welcome Week Shakespeare Performance for Students

A revival of this summer’s play The Tempest. Directed by Kate Mendeloff and performed by students and faculty. Free for students with ID. Performances start 5:30 pm. 1610 Washington Hts. entrance to the Arb.

Wed., Sept. 6, 7 pm

Composting with a Twist

Presenter: Ann Arbor Garden Club

Compost happens. And there are many ways to make it. Join Master Gardener Mary Fowler as she shares her own recipe for home composting. Part of Ann Arbor Garden Club’s Hands-on Home Gardening series.

Mon., Sept. 11, 7 pm

Preserving Your Herbs

Presenter: Herb Study Group

Advanced Master Gardener and Herb Study Group President Madolyn Kaminski give a presentation on preserving herbs, including new ideas and recipes. A nonalcoholic sangria will be served.

Tues., Sept. 12, 6:30 pm

The Evolution of Beekeeping: History, Making, and Use of Skeps

Presenter: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers

A presentation on skeps by Roger Sutherland, professor emeritus at Schoolcraft College in Livonia. Skeps are beehives made of coiled straw, with a single opening at the bottom. This technique for making beehives has been largely discarded because of the difficulty of accessing the bees and hive for inspection.

Wed. Sept. 13, 6-7:30 pm

Catching Your Breath

Presenter: Mich. Alzheimer’s Disease Center

A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803.

Sat. & Sun., Sept. 16 & 17, 10 am-4:30 pm

Cactus & Succulent Society Exotic Plant Sale

Presenter: Mich. Cactus & Succulent Soc. and SE Michigan Bromeliad Society.

Cactus and succulents are enjoying a surge of interest thanks to their unusual forms, colors, and easy care. This annual show features a large selection of cactus, succulents, bromeliads, and air plants for sale in a variety of sizes. Books, growing materials and a broad selection of plants are also available for purchase. Plus, free presentations on bromeliads and how to grow and care for them at 1 pm on both days of sale. Info: 248.380.7359.

Mon., Sept. 18, 7:30 pm

Using Non-natives and Native Plants in Art

Presenter: Michigan Botanical Club

Local artist Jane Kramer talks about her installation Foreshadowing – Endangered & Threatened Plant Species and how she uses native and non-native plant material in her art by placing shadow images of native plants onto paper made from invasive plants.

Wed., Sept. 20, 7:30 pm

Birds of India

Presenter: Washtenaw Audubon Society

Join Washtenaw Audubon member Amurthur Ramamurthy for a look at some of India’s 1,266 bird species, among the most interesting and colorful birds on the planet. Dr. Ramamurthy is a native of India and an avid birder and photographer.

Thurs., Sept. 21, 1-2:30 pm

Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging

Presenter: Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl. Chapter

Create your own seasonal Ikebana arrangement with guidance by a certified instructor. Cost: $20, which covers flowers and instructor. Please bring your own containers. No experience needed. Reservations required. Info: a2ikebana@gmail.com.

Wed., September 27, 6:30 pm

Annual Club Bonsai Auction

Presenter: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society

A live and silent auction of members’ bonsai and bonsai-related supplies and tools. Non-members are welcome to attend the auction and purchase items.

OCTOBER

Mon., Oct. 2, 7 pm

Wild Herbs

Presenter: Herb Study Group

Advanced Master Gardener and Herb Study Group President Madolyn Kaminski presents a slide show and presentation on wild herbs. Herb tea will be served.

Wed., Oct. 4, 7 pm

Winter Seed Planting

Presenter: Ann Arbor Garden Club

Get ready for spring with Glenda Perry, master gardener and flower show judge. Glenda shares tips on best practices for starting seeds in your home throughout the winter. Part of Ann Arbor Garden Club’s Hands-on Home Gardening series.

Sat., Oct. 7, 9-10 am

Native Plant Sale Member Hour

Matthaei-Nichols members enjoy a special one-hour sale of native plants prior to the public sale opening. Join us for coffee, tea, and breakfast munchies.

Sat. & Sun., Oct. 7 & 8, 10 am-4:30 pm

Fall Native Plant Sale

A sale of native herbaceous and woody plants, many grown at Matthaei Botanical Gardens by staff and volunteers. A local nursery will also be on hand with woody plants and trees.

Sat., Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm

African Violet Show and Sale

Presenter: MI State African Violet Society

African violets and other flowering plants in the Gesneriad family are on display and sale. Learn how to keep these popular houseplants in bloom all year long by attending a free hands-on growing skills workshop at 11:30 am.

Tues., Oct. 10, 6:30 pm

Beekeeping Resources, Education, and Programs for Military Veterans

Presenter: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers

A presentation by Army vet and MSU entomologist Adam Ingrao about options for veterans to keep bees. Presentation covers grants vets can apply for, education programs such as Heroes to Hives, labeling and marketing programs for veteran produced products, and federal resources like the USDA-NRCS program for pollinator habitat seed.

Fri., Oct. 13, dusk

Zombie Run - Run for the Arb, Run for Your Life!

Nichols Arboretum is an obstacle course of marauding zombies in this 5K run/walk over the Arb's trails. Can you survive to the finish line? Registration begins spring 2017. Member discount on registrations.

Mon., Oct 16, 10-11:30 am

Catching Your Breath

Presenter: Mich. Alzheimer’s Disease Center

A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803.

Mon., Oct. 16, 7:30 pm

Restoring Michigan Prairies and Seed Mix Experimentation

Presenter: Michigan Botanical Club

A presentation by Eastern Michigan University Assistant Professor of Biology Emily Grman.

Wed., October 18, 6:30 pm

Wiring Your Bonsai Plants

Presenter: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society

All invited to a workshop by Mauro Stemberger, award-winning bonsai artist and wiring expert. Stemberger provides a wiring demonstration and works hands-on with attendees. Ann Arbor Bonsai Society members: bring trees to be wired.

Wed., Oct. 18, 7:30 pm

Spain with Washtenaw Audubon

Presenter: Washtenaw Audubon Society

Join Washtenaw Audubon’s field trip organizer Bryn Martin for a report on our most recent international field trip: Spain. From desert to high in the Pyrenees, we visited various habitats and saw over 200 species of birds, including the elusive wallcreeper.

Thurs., Oct. 19, 1-2:30 pm

Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging

Presenter: Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl. Chapter

Fri., Oct. 20, time TBD

Pumpkins, Lanterns, & Leaves

Join us after hours in the gardens with pumpkins, masks, and other harvest-themed fun. Then top off the evening with a parade of lanterns that kids and families make and take home. This is a ticketed event; member discounts apply. Ticket information and reservations available in September.

Mondays, Oct. 23-Dec. 18, 10:30 am-12:30 pm

Mindfulness-based Dementia Care

A free, 7-week program specifically designed for family caregivers of persons with dementia. Learn how the practice of mindfulness can help you cope with the challenges and stresses of dementia care, and also greatly improve the experience of the person in your care. Program time slot listed is tentative. For class times or to register call U-M Memory Connection at 734.936.8803. Program runs Mondays, Oct. 23 through Dec. 18. Presented by Mich. Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Free.

NOVEMBER

Wed., Nov. 1, 7 pm

Dutch Spring Flowers

Presenter: Ann Arbor Garden Club

Club member Betty Bishop shares pictures from her trip to Holland and the bulb fields of Keukenhof. This show garden features over 7 million spring bulbs. Part of Ann Arbor Garden Club’s Hands-on Home Gardening series.

Sun., Nov. 5, 10 am-2 pm

Annual Hosta Seed Exchange

Presenter: Hosta Hybridizers

All invited to participate in the seed exchange. Bring planned or open-pollinated seeds from your garden and trade with other attendees. Bring 25-30 seeds in small coin envelopes marked with the cross and your name.) Also, a presentation on red traits in hostas by Doug Beilstein.

Mon., Nov. 6, 7 pm

Herb Garden Winter Prep

Presenter: Herb Study Group

A presentation by Advanced Master Gardener and Herb Study Group President Madolyn Kaminski on overwintering herbs, extending the gardening season, and the best autumn and winter tasks to ensure a healthy herb garden in spring. Herb tea will be served.

Tues., Nov. 14, 6:30 pm

Comb and Nest Architecture

Presenter: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers

Presentations by organic beekeeper and teacher Chris Harp and organic beekeeper Grai St. Clair Rice on “reading” your hive and on comb and nest architecture, including naturalist and biodynamic methods and unique hive designs.

Wed., Nov. 15, 7:30 pm

Birding Panama

Presenter: Washtenaw Audubon Society

A presentation by retired U-M professor Lathe Claflin on the birds of Panama, with over 250 species seen, included rarities such as crested eagle, harpy eagle, and streaked xenops.

Thurs., Nov. 16, 1-2:30 pm

Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging

Presenter: Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl. Chapter

Fri., Nov. 17, 10 am-2 pm

Caregiver Wellness Day

Presented by MI Alzheimer’s Disease Center

This free program for learning skillsessential for continued health and

well-being is designed for caregivers of adults living with memory loss.

Registration required by Nov. 4. Info and to register: 734.936.8803.

Mon., Nov. 20, 7:30 pm

What, My Herbicide Did That?!

Presenter: Michigan Botanical Club

A presentation by David Roberts, Ph.D. on the variety of herbicide uses and their unexpected or unintended aftereffects.

Nov. 25, 2017–Jan 7, 2018

Sacred Plants - Holiday Conservatory Exhibit

Focusing on plants in our conservatory collection, the holiday exhibit explores how certain plants figure in myth, lore, and ritual for cultures around the world. This annual winter/holiday event also features seasonal flowers, decorated trees, kids activities, holiday items in the Garden Store, and more. Discounts in the Garden Store for Matthaei-Nichols members. Free. Note: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Open New Year’s day.

Nov. 25, 2017–Jan. 7, 2018

Holiday Art Exhibit

A display of art created by U-M students, faculty and staff, and members of the local and regional communities. Stay tuned for exhibit details later in 2017. Free.

DECEMBER

Sun., Dec. 3, 10 am-4:30 pm

Holiday Artisan Market

Our first holiday artisans market was such a success we’re offering it again in 2017. This year, dozens of local artists as well as U-M students and staff are selling their high-quality crafts and art. No member discount on merchandise. Free.

Sat., Dec. 9 , time TBD

Kids Holiday Greens Workshop

Our annual holiday greens/craft program for kids. Choose from a selection of evergreens and ribbons and decorate a bough for the door or mantle. Make winter related crafts to take home. Class fee TBA.

Sat., Dec. 9, 10 am-noon

Holiday Greens Workshop

Presenter: Ann Arbor Garden Club

Denise Looker conducts a workshop for making bows and wreaths and other arrangements and keeping them looking fresh. Join the potluck brunch during the workshop. Held in greenhouse 3 at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Cost: $20. Reservations: Nancy Hart, nhartgreen@aol.com. Free to Garden Club members. Bring pruners. Part of Ann Arbor Garden Club’s Hands-on Home Gardening series.

Thurs., Dec. 14, 1-2:30 pm

Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging

Presenter: Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl. Chapter

Sat., Dec. 16, noon-2 pm

Father Christmas

The annual visit by the real McCoy, Father Christmas. In town for one day only. Free.

Wed. Dec. 20, 6-7:30 pm

Catching Your Breath

Presenter: Mich. Alzheimer’s Disease Center

A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803.

Matthaei-Nichols Summer Intern Posters

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:22:00 +0000

Capping the summer work season August 6, Matthaei-Nichols student interns presented the projects they worked on all summer. Interns, their familes and friends, donors, and Matthaei-Nichols' staff enjoyed lunch, remarks by staff and students, and a tour of Matthaei---starring the interns and posters. The posters on display demonstrated the enormous contributions the students make to Matthaei-Nichols each year as part of our Nature Academy.

Click on any image to create a rotating gallery of the posters.

Intern Luncheon and Poster Presentations - August 6

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 15:44:00 +0000

We enjoyed celebrating the achievements of our summer interns on Sunday, August 6 at the Intern Luncheon and Poster Presentations at Matthaei Botanical Gardens! The Matthaei-Nichols staff doubles every summer with nearly 40 U-M student interns in our Nature Academy program working in various departments to help us fulfill our mission of caring for nature and enriching life.

The event was organized by two interns, Madison Montambault and Katie Hammond. The day began with a lunch in the auditorium for the summer interns, their friends and families, and Nature Education donors. The lunch featured an all Campus Farm medley of vegetables. During lunch, remarks were given by Associate Director Karen Sikkenga, Human Resources Coordinator Heather Hunter, Campus Farm Intern Connor Kippe, and Sustainable Food Program Specialist Alex Byran. Connor gave a delightful presentation about his hands-on experience with the food system from planting to growing to harvesting and serving U-M students with food from the Campus Farm.

Following lunch, the interns presented posters describing the work they performed this summer. Families, friends, and donors roamed the display gardens to view the posters and learn more about each intern's experience. Poster topics included ecological restoration, site planning, event planning, aquaponics, and visitor surveying, to name just a few.

We are grateful for the generous donations from our members and donors to provide these unique and valuable experiences for our interns. The work that the interns complete directly and positively impacts our staff, volunteers, and visitors. Stop by the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to view the posters in the hallway exhibit through September.

Enjoy the photos from the 2017 Intern Luncheon and Poster Party!

Intern Connor Kippe sharing his Campus Farm internship experiences this summer

Intern Lexi Brewer and donor Chris Graham

Interns Caroline Fitzpatrick and Lexi Brewer with their internship donor Chris Graham

Interns Shelby Polisuk and Ross Shaw explaining their projects to family, friends, and donors

Intern Liz Gonzalez, Gaffield Children's Garden Coordinator Lee Smith Bravender, and volunteer and donor Barbara Mackenzie

Sustainable Food Program Coordinator Alex Bryan and Inter Connor Kippe

Carly Postma, intern

Intern Roxane Stroebel and donors John and Anne Knott

Interns Lello Guluma and Jessica Santos

Intern Xevy Zhang and Gaffield Children's Garden Coordinator Lee Smith Bravender

Intern poster by Madison Montambault and Katie Hammond about organizing the event

Centerpieces made by Matthaei-Nichols staff with flowers grown at Matthaei

Salad made from all Campus Farm produce

Lunch with donors and intern families and friends

Anna Wan, intern

Meg Gizzi, intern

Alex Price, intern

Jack Pritchard, intern and Arboretum caretaker

Yoav Jacob, intern

Aquaponics: A Sustainable Solution?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:58:00 +0000

By Carley Postma

A typical interaction at the local big-box home-improvement store (as I go to the plumbing aisle for my third time that week):

The cashier sees a young woman carrying a single 10-foot PVC pipe to the
checkout (I can understand how this is curiosity-inducing) and asks, “What
are you working on?”

“I’m a student intern at the university botanical gardens and arboretum building
and eventually conducting research on an aquaponics system,” I explain, waiting
for the inevitable next question….

Timidly, the cashier responds, “Oh cool! ……What is aquaponics..?”

At this point it’s a question I’m used to answering. Aquaponics is a term that most people likely have never heard before. My best attempt at an explanation is the next logical sentence after uttering that I have an aquaponics internship this summer. In fact I think my father has heard me explain it to so many of our friends and family that he almost has my answer memorized. I find myself enjoying explaining it to others and getting them excited about the awesome process and complete ecosystem that is aquaponics. And yet why are so many people completely unfamiliar with the topic? It claims to be a sustainable and logical solution to the growing global food crisis. But if it is truly as great as it seems then why aren’t more people embracing this concept and why isn’t it being talked about?

Before I continue, I should explain what I’m working on as an intern at Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum. My project this summer is to help build a large aquaponics system that will be housed in Greenhouse 5 at the botanical gardens for a year while the Alfaro Lab and Sustainability Without Borders collect data about the system's energy and water usage and its parameters. (Jose Alfaro is assistant professor of practice in the School for Environment and Sustainability; Sustainability Without Borders is a student organization sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Systems at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability.) The goal for the project is a published study examining the hard numbers of an aquaponics system and assessing the claims of sustainability that surround this concept.

So what exactly is aquaponics anyway? To put it in the words of Sylvia Bernstein, author of Aquaponic Gardening, “Aquaponics is the cultivation of plants and fish together in a constructed, recirculating ecosystem utilizing natural bacteria cycles to convert fish waste into plant nutrients.”

In other words, aquaponics is a system where plants and fish are grown together symbiotically. The fish waste is converted from ammonia into nitrates by bacteria for the plants to use as fertilizer, and the plants filter and clean the water for the fish. Aquaponics is a great way to produce both plants and protein in the same system, and all of the food grown in aquaponics systems is organic by necessity. If you add growth hormones, the plants will die and any insecticides or fertilizers will kill the fish. However, as for the claims made about its sustainability, these have been harder to prove as fact.

In theory aquaponics sounds very sustainable. It has the potential to use less water than traditional farming, less space by being grown vertically, and it doesn’t create harmful fertilizer runoff. But there hasn’t been extensive research on the sustainability and practicality of aquaponics systems—especially on a larger scale.

Researching these claims is something that we hope to accomplish by building a large aquaponics system with Sustainability Without Borders. The system we are building at Matthaei Botanical Gardens is referred to as a CHOP system—an abbreviation for Constant Height, One Pump.

Image courtesy The Aquaponic Source Inc.

In this system the water is pumped from a sump tank into a fish tank that is raised above the grow beds. Using gravity, the water then flows out of the fish tank to the grow beds. The water courses completely through the gravel-filled grow beds and then siphons back into the sump tank. This system keeps the water levels at the same height, and this in turn reduces the stress on the fish—much more so than a basic flood and drain aquaponics system in which the water pumps straight out of the fish tank and into the grow beds.

(Our system before any plumbing. The large black-plastic-
covered structure in the foreground is the sump tank
where water will be pumped into the raised fish tank
in the back on the far left. The water then flows into
the two tanks on the right and then drains back into the sump tank.)

Irrigation grid to distribute water evenly over the large
surface of the grow beds in its early stages

While aquaponics may seem like an exciting and eco-friendly way to produce food, it does also have its drawbacks—as I have experienced first hand! Below is the main reason why it is nearly August as I write this and we have yet to actually put any life forms into this system: a big and persistent leak problem.

We had a leak in one of our grow beds that attributed to a
loss of about 6 in of water a day! In a 12 ft long x 4 ft wide x 2 ft
deep tank that is nearly 24 cubic feet lost daily!

The water, water temperature, and pH are all crucial to helping three different types of organisms survive and thrive in one environment. This means that a significant leak or a rise in pH of .5 can have drastic consequences on the entire system. The constant running of pumps needed to provide oxygen to the fish and keep the nutrient-rich fish water flowing into the grow beds will also hike up our energy usage. But is this still a more sustainable solution? With the construction of this system we hope to answer that question by monitoring the use of electricity and water in a large-scale aquaponics system. Our hope is to be growing peppers and tomatoes in the grow beds and raising blue tilapia fish by September! I am very hopeful that our research will be able to provide some hard numbers for exactly how eco-friendly this concept is. Either way, I am hooked on aquaponics for life!

Carley Postma, from Holly, Michigan, is a senior at the University of Michigan studying ecology and evolutionary biology with a minor in the environment. This summer she is working with Jose Alfaro and Sustainability without Borders to build, manage, and research an aquaponics system at Matthaei. Carley hopes to work in herpetology or environmental education someday. Her lifetime goal is to visit every national park. Carley’s internship is made possible by Sustainability Without Borders, a student organization sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Systems at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability.

Nichols Arboretum Community United in Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:50:00 +0000

By Roxane Strobel

A year ago on a July day, I sat atop the summit of a mountain, bundled in fleeces and basking in the alpine sunlight. I was a summit caretaker with the Green Mountain Club, a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the Long Trail, the country’s first long-distance hiking trail. As a summit caretaker, I maintained backcountry campsites and educated hikers about native plants and sustainable outdoor practices. I chatted with hikers about the alpine plants as they nodded knowingly and shared their excitement about seeing a mountaintop that was once barren in the 1970s and is now covered with a variety of sedges, cranberries, and blueberries.

The view from the summit of Camel's Hump in Duxbury, Vermont. This was in
2016 when I worked as a summit caretaker for the Green Mountain Club.

My summer in the Vermont backcountry introduced me to a unique community of individuals who retreated to the remote wilds in order to connect with nature. Although many hikers traveled solo, there was a unique hiking community on the trail. Stories about wildlife sightings and especially rugged sections of trail were swapped over rehydrated dinners and summit snacks. I found that the one unifying factor in this varied community of individuals was a deep appreciation for spending time in the outdoors.

The Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden in July. The peony garden is a beautiful
community attraction even when not in bloom. No flowers but still a beautiful
view and an enticing trail through the middle that begs to be followed.

This summer, I find myself on a July day in the midst of the hot and sunny peony garden in the not-so-backcountry Nichols Arboretum. As the peony intern, I have been learning how to prepare a world-class display garden for its bloom season and care for the health of the beds throughout the summer.

The peony bloom season has come and gone, and I spend large chunks of my day weeding and maintaining the flower beds. As I glance up from the dark soil in the beds, a mother and daughter pair wave at me excitedly from a distance. I wave back, weeder in hand, and, thinking nothing of it, return to my weeding. A couple of moments later I am greeted by light taps on my shoulder. I turn and see the same mother-daughter duo, but now notice that the young girl is holding a small plastic container. The girl quickly opens the container and enthusiastically shares her findings with me: a swallowtail caterpillar which she found and identified herself. She asks if I might know where this caterpillar would like to live in the Arb. As we search for the perfect place to release the caterpillar to its new host plant, I listen to the girl’s tales of saving this very caterpillar from the perils of a hungry bird. I complement her budding naturalist skills and together we discover a lush host plant. As the girl carefully places the caterpillar onto a leaf, a sense of gratefulness washes over me. Although I am mere steps from a bustling college town, in the Arb I feel connected to my community through nature in the same way I did last summer on a secluded mountaintop. I am so grateful to be part of the diverse community that learns, plays, and grows closer to nature in the Arboretum.

Like the backpackers of Vermont, my new Arb community is also drawn together through a love of nature. However, unlike the lengthy trips of the backcountry backpackers, the Arb community is able to express their devotion to natural areas in the form of 15-minute breaks from the nearby hospital, school field trips, family picnics, and hammock hangs with friends. This accessibility to the larger Ann Arbor community is what makes the Arboretum so special.

A scene from Shakespeare in the Arb that took place in the peony garden. In
the background you can see the U-M Mott Children's Hospital. The Arb is on
central campus and right across the street from a busy hospital complex. A
beautiful island of nature in the midst of urban Ann Arbor.

Visitors of all backgrounds find themselves excited by being in nature. I love being greeted with visitors’ questions which range from, “What kind of tree is that?” to, “What is your view on the deer population and its effect on the Arb?” It is so neat to see the wonder on the faces of young and old visitors alike and their genuine interest in these natural areas. With each of these visits to the Arb, the larger Ann Arbor community continues to grow closer to nature. Each time a visitor sees a woodchuck scurry across a trail, or a monarch rest on a milkweed plant, the importance of natural areas becomes more apparent.

In times where natural areas are undervalued and public lands in the United States face the danger of becoming privatized, being a part of the accessible nature community in the Arb gives me hope for the future. The Arb allows all people to have a meaningful connection to nature through exploring their curiosities, observing unique ecosystems, and even more generally just having a pleasant walk on well-traveled trails. Having the unique opportunity to share my personal enthusiasm for the outdoors with the visitors of the Arb is an experience that has brought me closer to my community through nature and has reinforced my belief in the importance of universal access to natural areas.

Roxane Strobel is a rising senior from Spring Lake, Michigan. She is studying Ecology, Evolution & Biodiversity and Spanish. She is interested in studying environmental health and community organization. When not at work, she can be found trail running or swimming in Lake Michigan. Roxane’s internship is made possible by the Peony Garden Fund created by Martha Parfet. Martha was the surviving granddaughter of Dr. W.E. Upjohn, who donated a portion of his peony collection to the university in 1922. The Peony Fund was created to maintain the Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden and make information available to peony lovers and growers around the world.

A World Menu: Edible Plants in the Conservatory at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 14:37:00 +0000

By Mason Opp

Think about what you've eaten today. Now pick out the main plant-based ingredients. What do those plants look like? Wheat, corn, potato, rice, and soy: more than likely one of these crops will appear, and you probably know what those look like.

In the conservatory at Matthaei Botanical Gardens,a pomegranate
(Punica granatum) is growing in the temperate house!

But we live in a globalized world, where the abundance of international shipping routes makes available goods which only decades ago would have been impossible to find on shelves. Let me ask you this; what does a peanut plant look like? Too easy? How about a cacao tree? Do you know how a pineapple grows, let alone how long it takes to grow one?

Two pineapple plants (Ananas comosus) bear fruit in the
tropical house. It can take up to two years for the plants to
fruit, and another 6 months for the fruit to mature!

One of the most amazing parts of being in the conservatory at Matthaei, an indoor, year-round space featuring many plants from regions totally different than ours, is seeing plants you otherwise might not have been able to identify, let alone know that they existed. The houses in the conservatory represent three different biomes (tropical, temperate, and desert) and host a diverse collection of plants from all over the world. Species from the Americas, Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands all call Matthaei home. Additionally, the collection is made up of a variety of plants, from large and woody to small and herbaceous, and everything in between. With over 20,000 species of edible plants in the world, there are still plenty of fascinating foods to be added to the collection. Of the newest is the Jabuticaba Plinia cauliflora, which when fully grown could stand up to 45 feet tall and will be covered in fruit which resembles a cross between a grape and a cherry.

Two cashew apples dangle on the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale).
They hold the nut which is encased in a protective layer. Fruit flies really
like them!

The plants in the conservatory are selected based on four criteria: that they are 1) notable types of vegetation in a biome; 2) a good representation of plant diversity and evolution at work; 3) at risk of extinction or found in a threatened habitat; 4) iconic plants or ones with medicinal properties. These four criteria ensure that there is always something unique to look at, and that the collection is a valuable tool when it comes to educating visitors about the world of plants. There are always opportunities to learn something new at the gardens and, for me, the best way to start learning in the conservatory is by looking for the plants you can connect to your own kitchen!

When I’m not exploring the conservatory, I work as a horticulture intern in the greenhouses, outdoor gardens, and natural areas at Matthaei-Nichols. Specifically, I care for the Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden, another wonderful place to see some of the edible plants of the world!

Ginger (Zingiber officinale). It’s officinale awesome!

Mason Opp, from Pinckney, Michigan, is entering his senior year as a Program in the Environment student at the University of Michigan studying environmental policy and law with a minor in sustainability. Mason enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time on the lake. This summer he hopes to finally land that backflip on his wakeboard. Mason’s internship is made possible by the Matthaei-Nichols Membership fund and by the Norman Memorial Fund created by Steve and Ann Norman for the care, maintenance, and study of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens outdoor plant collection.

Mapped and Visualized: Two Summers of Digitally Mapping Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:32:00 +0000

By Xevy Zhang

As a landscape architecture student for several years now I’ve adapted to working in a group. But mostly I’m by myself, with only the company of a computer. So if you’ve observed a tiny figure working with graphics software in the storied “bullpen” (a former lab room at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, now used by interns) or the third floor of the Reader Center at Nichols Arboretum, or sometimes in the wild with a clipboard in hand—that’s me accomplishing my main summer storyline: mapping the Arb and Gardens.

Our hard-copy archive.

Before we initiated the project there was already a collection of hard copy blueprints, Google map clips, and hand-drawn maps. But they all presented some issue that made them less than ideal for archiving or daily use. For example, over time, many of the blueprint maps became outdated and no longer accurate. The ink fades and the paper ages, making the blueprints too vulnerable to be written on or used in the field. And it takes a relatively large amount of time and money to update the blueprints whenever changes are needed, and it’s not worthwhile to make a whole new map when only a small part of the garden is altered. Likewise, for keeping archives for the gardens during different years, scanning seems to be a plausible way, but making changes for updated information makes the task difficult and time-consuming.

With these challenges in mind, my supervisor---Matthaei-Nichols Field services Manager Jeff Plakke---and I concluded that creating a whole new set of vector-based digital blueprint-style maps using graphic software such as AutoCAD, and storing them on the staff-accessible drive so that future changes can be made, is the best way to replacing the existing paper maps. These digital maps can easily be exported to any size PDF and used for a number of purposes. In addition, we decided to create a set of colorized display maps.

When I started the project in May of 2016, I was shown the large collection of existing files—both paper and digital—that the Gardens currently holds. Most of them were created years ago. They were beautifully archived but in such great numbers and multiple versions that I felt a bit overwhelmed at first. Could I finish the job? I decided that the way to go would be to learn the mapping language from the existing files while striving to be graphically expressive, with a goal of making the maps detailed, precise, easily readable, and—most challenging of all—tidy and beautiful. Here’s a rough idea of what I do:

With the help of Google Maps/Earth, a GPS or a GPS smartphone, previous maps, and GIS data, I outlined the general frame of the gardens.

The frame and lineworks of the Matthaei Botanical
Gardens display gardens. Red color represents boulders,
rock walls, and buildings.

Then outside I go!—to mark down the trees and their names, benches, rocks, and other details.

Major trees and names added,
diameter of tree crowns almost to scale.

I found a useful way to use the Google map app in the process (see photos below). Try it yourself. Log into your Google account; click and hold a point on the map, then click label (I’ve crossed out the Chinese characters on the images and written the instructions in English). After labelling those points, open the Google Map web version and. . . behold! This is how I get a general location and info on something outdoors without having to print it out, bring the print out, write it down, and then copy it again. A great timesaver!

Here’s how I operate on my phone. Not just for mapping, this function is also very useful for marking down places and taking notes while you’re out exploring.

How the web-version map looks like with those points.

Add annotations and labels in AutoCAD, and trying to figure out a way to arrange them --- legible and adequate for readers to get a general idea of what they are but not overwhelming.

Lay out in a proper scale, add legend and titles, and export
(into grayscale) as blueprints (though not blue).

The layout view of the Gateway Garden in AutoCAD.

Color!

Gateway Garden map, after being colorized.

The coloring process uses Adobe Photoshop, and while coloring one can increase or reduce the level of detail as need according to the scale and main function of the colored map. For example, if the map shows the whole Great Lakes Gardens and is only 11" x 17," it would be better to leave the labels of tree names out as they would in that case be too small to recognize.

It’s been great joy to work in the gardens on this program and to see that some of the maps have already helped the team! Nearly the entire Matthaei Botanical Gardens property (including trails) will be mapped by the end of this summer, as well as some zones in Nichols Arboretum. I hope that these maps will be helpful as orienting tools for garden installation and maintenance. Combined with the help of programming and GPS locationing, they could even be developed into a detailed interactive guide for visitors!

For the field services team at Matthaei-Nichols,
a printed and laminated map that can be drawn
on with a dry-erase marker.

Xevy Zhang returns to Matthaei-Nichols for a second summer internship. She will enter her last semester in fall 2017 at the University of Michigan to complete a master's degree in landscape architecture. Xevy loves plants and nature, as well as drawing/painting, cooking, and sci-fi. She's been working on mapping the gardens with CAD, Photoshop, and visualizations. Xevy’s internship is made possible by the Research Endowment Fund created by donor Marjorie Alpern to promote and support research in botany and related studies that will enhance the scientific basis for wise management of the environments of the earth.

A Pocketful of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:16:00 +0000

By Lexi Brewer

The house at the Washington Hts. entrance
to Nichols Arboretum, formally called the
James D. Reader Jr. Urban Environmental
Education Center at the Burnham House.
Construction on the house began in 1837.
The house was moved to the Arboretum
location from Wall Street across from the
U-M Hospital in 1998. Today, it holds
classrooms, meeting spaces, and living
quarters for caretakers.

In mid-May I moved into the Reader Center at Nichols Arboretum to begin my new life as a caretaker and Sam Graham Trees intern for Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum. I had just finished a 14-hour trek from Missouri as I pulled up to the Washington Heights entrance of the Arb. “Is this my new home?” I thought, gazing at the dazzling and historic Burnham House.

The historic peony garden at Nichols Arboretum was one of my
views from the Reader Center for almost a month in late May
and June, . The garden, the largest collection of heirloom peonies
in North America, began in 1922 when Michigan alum
Dr. W.E. Upjohn donated a portion of his own peony
collection to the University.

I grabbed my plant babies from the front seat, stepped out of the car, and began walking towards the front entrance. I was immediately overwhelmed by the beauty of the Arb. In front of me stood North America’s largest heirloom peony collection, surrounded by unbelievably tall white pines. To my right as I ascended the steps to the house stood what I soon learned is Gateway Garden, which seems to be

The gateway garden in Nichols Arboretum forms the entrance to the Reader
Center. It seems to bloom throughout the summer with native plants.

perpetually in bloom. My amazement continued as I opened the front door and was greeted by violin music. Shakespeare in the Arb musicians were practicing for an upcoming performance and I was momentarily transported back to the Renaissance. I later learned that Shakespeare in the Arb performed its seventeenth season this year, with Kate Mendeloff of the Residential College directing every performance. I walked up the steps to what would soon be my apartment and heard curators and researchers discussing the best way to organize a rose collection in the Arb. As I finally walked through the door to the apartment, I had to take a moment to sit and pinch myself a few times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

Shakespeare musicians take a break from rehearsing. The weather during the
first days of this year's performances was pretty warm.

I’ve come to understand that my first experience with the Arb was not actually too different from the norm. I walk through the Arb at least twice a day to reach the caretaker cottage, and I am always amazed at the sheer amount of activity taking place there. Regardless of the time of day, there are people who come to run—by themselves, with friends, or with their dog. There are always families, friends, and couples in the main valley. They picnic, do yoga, or play Frisbee, soccer, or the guitar. There are hammockers and slackliners. People by the river read,

Early misty morning on the Huron River in Nichols Arboretum. The carefully
arranged rocks create a special burbling music as the water courses over them.

swim, float, or move rocks and listen to the “music” of nature. But my favorite activity of all is the simplest: to sit. I sit and listen to the sounds of the Arb: children playing, friends laughing, dogs joyously panting. I watch the sun stream through the trees and sparkle on the river, the wind play with the tall prairie grass, and lightning bugs bring the starry heavens to the earth.

You can't help but relax and sink into nature in the main valley of Nichols
Arboretum.

I was so overwhelmed that the Arb offers all of these activities to everyone. Anyone could find their rest, whether that would come from exercise, being with friends, or just reading, right here in this pocket of peace. I am so glad that the Arb can be this sanctuary to so many in the midst of Ann Arbor. But at the same time I realize that it isn’t the Arb that offers so much: it is nature itself. People go to run and play at the Arb and Gardens because of nature. It is this backdrop of trees and shrubs that is the refuge. In this one place people, chipmunks, deer, snakes, squirrels, and raccoons find their quiet place (but we try to make sure that they keep out of the trash!).

This perspective has transformed my view of nature and my position at Matthaei-Nichols. I am also fortunate to be the Sam Graham Trees intern this summer, working on a trail system supported by the Graham family. The namesake of the trail, Dr. Sam Graham, helped to pioneer ecological restoration understanding during his time as a professor at the University of Michigan. Now in his honor I help to restore native Michigan tree communities. This work includes invasive species removal, planting native trees and shrubs, and mulching and watering the native species to ensure their survival. We also maintain the trail system and educational rubbing plaques to create a learning experience about these ecosystems for anyone who would like walk through. Through these processes, interns and staff partake in the vitally important practice of natural restoration. We are maintaining these pocketfuls of peace and ensuring that they stay beautiful for generations to come. I am grateful I can help in this endeavor and give thanks that we all get to call this special place—earth—home.

Lexi begins her master’s at the School of Environment and Sustainability this fall, studying sustainability and environmental policy. This summer she serves as both a Sam Graham Trees intern and a Caretaker at the Nichols Arboretum. She just graduated from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri with majors in political science and Spanish. Lexi’s internship is made possible by the Betty Graham Fund created by the Graham family.

Nature’s Rx Effect

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 12:36:00 +0000

By Kate Vogel

It’s June of 2016 and I’m sitting at the doctor’s office when she asks how I enjoy spending my time. I was there to figure out how to treat my chest pain, which she thought was coming from anxiety (and caffeine, but that’s a different story). I told her that I liked spending time outside and off of social media and before I knew it I left with a “nature” prescription. (Check out this website if you haven’t already heard of Nature Rx! I would recommend watching the videos.)

This is the labyrinth at Matthaei. Walking on its path
is a good restoration activity that can help clear the
mind. The repetitive curves can be relaxing and a
good way to de-stress.

“Spend more time outside” my doctor said. “Take deep breaths and try to become aware of your surroundings.” I thought it was funny that I was being told to spend more time outside, but I was excited that I now had an excuse—a prescription—to simply sit on the deck or in the grass and disconnect from our fast-paced society for a moment. As access to technology increases, it seems as though prescriptions to spend time in nature are also increasing. For example, Dr. Robert Zarr in Washington, D.C. prescribes spending time in parks to his patients. Zarr asserts that spending time in nature allows us to “help create a healthier, happier society, and to preserve and create more natural places through our next generation of environmental stewards, conservationists, and activists.”

Fast forward and I’m sitting across from Laura Mueller, the Great Lakes Gardens Field tech for Matthaei-Nichols, during my job interview. “Why do you want this job?” she asks. “I just want to be outside. I’ll do anything to have the opportunity to work with nature” I replied.

Now it’s July of 2017, and here I am! I spend most of my time working outside in the Great Lakes Gardens at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. My main job as an intern in the GLG is to make sure that the area is well maintained in order to be attractive to guests, but also to protect native plants! This involves a lot of weeding, trimming, watering, and trail maintenance (and learning). In the GLG I also get to work with the newly planted orchids! Sometimes there are presentations that we can attend through the Nature Academy that offer us an opportunity to learn about different subjects. One of these presentations was “Environmental Connections and Mindfulness,” led by Dr. Martha Travers, who teaches in the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Dr. Travers mentioned in her presentation that she often works with students in the School for Environment and Sustainability, who, she has found, feel anxious about the future of the environment. Students like myself can find it hard to relax in nature if we are thinking about how climate change is going to affect the plans, animals, and oceans that we hold so dear. She said that she tries to help them by encouraging them to focus on the here and now, the peaceful escapes that nature has to offer. Instead of worrying about what-ifs, it is important to appreciate what we have in every moment and to be aware of how our bodies and minds interact with our environments. Instead of being afraid of the future, we have to feel in the moment. Besides, healthier minds make for better ideas on how to protect nature!

As part of the presentation we were asked to find a place to connect with nature. I found myself meditating outside, listening to the bird calls, buzzing bees, and the calming flow of the fountains in the Gateway Garden. Even though I work in the gardens everyday, rarely do I get the chance to simply sit back and be still; to become aware of my surroundings and really listen to what my body is telling me. The sun kissed my cheeks and arms and I greeted the warmth like an old friend. The wind picked up the ends of my braids and I smiled, instead of putting my hair back into place. I took some deep breaths and became one with my surroundings. I didn’t worry about what I was going to work on after lunch, if it was going to rain or not (it did!), or what I was going to do later on. As I sat there I felt the most relaxed and aware that I had in over a month, just because I was listening and feeling, instead of thinking.

Gateway Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. July 9, 2017

When you allow yourself to open your senses to nature, you begin to notice new things that you might not have before. It’s really important to allow yourself these mental health breaks in order to de-stress and clear your mind. I think often in our line of work we always feel like everything has to be done right away, which in some ways can be productive, and in other ways is more counterproductive. I think that if we allow ourselves more breaks like this, even in the garden spaces that we work in, it will allow us to be more creative and productive. It will teach us to appreciate the land we are working with instead of dreading the projects we “have” to do right away. By listening to the world around us, it will allow us to slow down and realize that even though there are always going to be things to do, everything is just fine for the time being.

If you allow your mind to open to everything around you, Dr. Travers might say that it will allow you to find yourself. We are the air we breathe, we are the land beneath our feet. Paying homage to the land and stepping back allows us to pay homage to ourselves.

As I reflect on the past year, I realize that nature has helped me feel better. My heart sings songs just like birds do, I smile at the sun just as flowers do, and I dance just like the rain bouncing on the ground. When I am in nature, I’m okay because I’m simply being. Why is nature so healing for me? Because I am nature. We are nature. So next time you feel stressed, take some time to feel the nature around you, and let it heal you, reminding you of your roots and nature’s beautiful cycles. We might not have the answers to everything, but in nature when you are simply being, there are no questions to be asked, there is only nature to be aware of.

Just as my blog post was going to print this morning, a story on "forest bathing" posted on National Public Radio. Check out the story here. The idea of forest bathing, which originated in Japan in the 1990s, is to immerse yourself in nature and slow down to notice things you might not otherwise, like birdsong and other nature sounds, and tactile, olfactory, and sight sensations. Benefits flow from these observations and experiences---a lifting of mood, lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, a boost to the immune system.

Here are some pictures that I’ve taken this year when I let my senses, instead of my thoughts, take over.

Matthaei-Nichols staffer Steve Parrish found this salamander under a log
when we were pulling garlic mustard. Keeping your mind alert reminds
you to pay attention to your surroundings, and not just the task at hand.

This is a flower in one of the bromeliads in the conservatory at
Matthaei Botanical Gardens.. I had probably walked by this for
two weeks before noticing that bromeliads flowered like this.

I thought that it was really interesting to see the
prickly pear cactus blooming in front of a destroyed
snapping turtle nest… I had never seen a snapping turtle lay eggs,
nor did I know that cacti bloomed in Michigan.

Look closely and you can see this is a photo of crayfish in the creek behind the pumphouse. There's one in the center near the top of the photo as well as two in the lower left corner and several in the upper right. I noticed them for the first time last week as I bent down to turn the water on. Always keep your eyes open for new finds!

Of course, this is a weed, but in
the moment of the picture I
thought it looked beautiful.
It’s important to try and find beauty
in everything to have a more positive outlook.

This is a rare Blanding’s turtle that I saw from the back hallway near
greenhouse 2 at Matthaei. I don’t know what caused me to look up,
but I did, and that’s when I noticed that there was a turtle crossing the road.
We picked the turtle up and moved him off the road. There are a lot of turtle-car
accidents here.

Kate Vogel, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a rising senior studying Program in the Environment and international studies with minors in Spanish and sustainability. Kate works in the Great Lakes Gardens at Matthaei. At school she has a specialization in water policy and conservation, but outside of her studies she specializes in traveling, writing letters, and eating sushi. Kate’s internship is made possible by the Matthaei-Nichols Membership Fund and by individual donors.

No Goats Allowed, and Other Oddities from the Front Desk at Matthaei

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 17:13:00 +0000

Sophia Paul

The Visitor Engagement team at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum plays an important role in the organization by ensuring that visitors have a positive experience. We greet visitors, answer questions, and generally create a welcoming environment. Working in a position that directly engages with visitors means fielding a lot of questions. Sometimes I can answer them, other times I need to redirect them.

The most common question I get is about parking, and the most unusual question came from a person who wanted to know if they could bring their goat to the Arb (no). I’ve gotten a lot of questions, but here are some of my favorites to answer.

What is this flower?? The flowers of the tulip tree
are striking and when the tree is in bloom, people are
curious about what they are. The flowers do look like
tulips. There are tulip trees in the Arb and the Gardens
including one near the Medicinal Garden at Matthaei.

I just saw a really cool flowering tree/blue butterfly/yellow orchid. Do you know what it is?

I don’t always know the answer to this kind of question, but I can usually connect someone to resources. More than that though, I get excited by people’s excitement about all the cool things at Arb and Botanical Gardens. Sometimes people will show me pictures that they took out on the trails and I love seeing them. It's as much an opportunity for me to learn about what's going on in our gardens and spaces as it is for our visitors to enjoy!

What should I go see today?

A blooming bonsai azalea at Matthaei. Since the plants bloom
for a relatively short period of time, catching one of these amazing
azaleas is a treat for visitors. This display would be a must-see
recommendation from anyone working the front desk at Matthaei.
(Photo by Scott Soderberg.)

The answer to this question is almost always that it depends on where you want to go. However sometimes people ask what's in bloom and/or looking particularly neat. Both the Arb and the Botanical Gardens contain plants that bloom, set fruit, turn color in the fall, or play a particular role in the ecosystem. This diversity means there’s something exciting to see throughout the year. For example, in early June, Matthaei Botanical Gardens hosted a display of blooming bonsai azalea on loan from donor Mel Goldstein. The azaleas bloomed for about a week and are one of those plants whose bloom season is relatively short. So the bonsai are a must-see and when they bloom, provide a standout experience for visitors.

The model of the massasauga at the
Matthaei front desk is real but no longer
living. It is a valuable display, however,
because visitors can see what a real
massasauga looks like.

This is an eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Cistrurus catenatus)
photographed at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Most people
are surprised to learn that a rattlesnake lives in Michigan! This
native snake is shy and avoids humans but visitors do see them
occasionally at Matthaei.

Is this snake real?

We have a model of an Eastern massasauga rattlesnake at the front desk. It is real, and while not alive, it is very eye-catching. I enjoy the chance to talk about this rare native species that many people aren’t familiar with. In southeast Michigan, the massasauga lives at Matthaei and several other places. Talking to visitors about the massasauga is an opportunity to educate them about this. If you see one at the botanical gardens, report it to the front desk staff or online at the Michigan DNR’s Eyes in the Field observation reporting page. If you're out on the trails, be aware that this snake does live in Michigan but is also quite shy. Keep your distance and don't try to play with or disturb the snake. It's a wild animal, after all, and should be left alone. Click here to read information about the massasauga on the Matthaei-Nichols website.

Where should I go to eat?

Some people from out-of-town or out-of-state come to visit the Botanical Gardens or the Arb and many of them want to get a bite to eat on the way out. Many of them know where they want to go already (and I’m happy to give directions), but others are looking for suggestions. Since I think Ann Arbor has a lot of excellent restaurants I love the chance to provide recommendations for people with different tastes, interests, and budgets.

Yes to dogs (on leash) in Nichols Arboretum No to dogs at the botanical
gardens. For sure---no goats allowed at either place!

Can I bring my dog to the Arb?

First: no goats allowed! And while dogs are not allowed at the Botanical Gardens, the Arb is open to all dogs on leash and I certainly enjoy the chance to meet them while I’m working there! Here's a picture of a runner and his dog participating in the fall Run for the Arb 5K.

The air plant, or Tillandsia, is a genus of plants in the bromeliad
family---same family as the pineapple and Spanish moss. They
are a popular purchase at the Garden Store at Matthaei
Botanical Gardens.

What plant should I buy?
The Garden Store at Matthaei is always stocked with an array of succulents, house plants, and air plants. I’m always happy to chat about plants and give recommendations. The air plants are often an object of particular fascination. They’re bromeliads and evolved in tropical climates to get the water and nutrients from the air in canopies. Since Michigan generally isn’t as humid (or as consistently warm) as the tropics, air plants do need to be periodically misted or soaked. If someone is looking for a plant that thrives with minimal attention, I’m always excited to recommend the purple shamrock. I had one all throughout undergrad and while it didn’t always thrive when I neglected it; it is still going strong now that I’m taking better care of it.

Sophia Paul is pursuing a master’s degree from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, with concentrations in environmental policy & planning and environmental justice. Sophia is originally from Northeast Ohio and enjoys cooking, eating, and cycling around Ann Arbor. Sophia’s internship is made possible by Matthaei-Nichols members and individual donors.

Seeing the Trees and the Forest in Nichols Arboretum

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 17:07:00 +0000

Audrey Pangallo

I’ve spent most of the first two months of my internship at Nichols Arboretum, hunting for specific species of trees. Eventually these trees will make an appearance in an app as a study tool for University of Michigan students in the School for Environment and Sustainability who are taking the Woody Plants class (ENV 436). This project is being done in conjunction with Curator Mike Kost and Matthaei-Nichols GIS specialist Maricela Avalos to create a GIS-based map of trees in the Arboretum. The project will be available as a web map and application by the end of August.

We tested the app the week of July 3 with students participating in the Michigan Math & Science Scholar (MMSS) program. MMSS offers a pre-college experience that exposes high school students to several curricula offered at the University of Michigan while introducing them to current developments and research in the sciences. Matthaei-Nichols Associate Curator David Michener conducts the annual summer sessions in the field and lab. Read more about MMSS and about the students’ visit to Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum.

A screen shot of the map of trees
in the Arb. The map will be used by students
in the Woody Plants class at University
of Michigan. The map pictured is close to
what the actual map will look like.

The testing went very well. We split the students up into teams and had them locate 10 trees on the map. We then met up at the Reader Center to talk about how it went and to see what feedback they had regarding the map. Overall the students really found the app useful, and the average score for it was 8/10—pretty good for the very first version of the app. The students confirmed issues that I suspected we'd have. Basically, the biggest issue we have to fix is the accuracy of some of the points, and then the map will be good to go.

As I was saying about my time in Nichols Arboretum. . . . One of the things I’ve discovered about being a Nature Academy intern is that plants rule, of course, but there are a lot of other things worth discovering—birds, trees, snakes, and human-made objects, to name a few. In between hunting for trees I’ve found all sorts of interesting goodies in the Arb and I thought I’d share them with you.

A cup fungus I found in Nichols Arboretum.

This is a cup fungus. There are many varieties of cup fungi, which is a name that encompasses any mushroom that looks like a bowl. Typically, they are difficult to identify, as most of the features to tell them apart are microscopic. I found it on the ground hidden behind a log while looking for a white oak. A week or so later, I went back to check in on it and it appeared to have died.

Nature-based folk art? These painted rocks
provided some humorous moments in my
travels through the Arb

These are quite clearly rocks. Someone was having a little fun hiding them around the Arboretum. I’m not sure who, but I did appreciate the puns (“A2 Rocks”) and the clever hiding spots along the trails.

Another mushroom. This one was huge, yet somehow still able to hide among the

A large but unidentified mushroom in the Arb.
The diversity of kinds and shapes of fungi is
astonishing.

plants. I only noticed it because I had to walk off trail to get a closer look at an American elm tree.

Shelf fungi on a black oak.

You might be sensing a pattern here… I really like finding fungi. The mushrooms attached to this black oak were too interesting to pass up. These are shelf fungi; they grow and reproduce above ground. Each year, shelf fungi add a new layer of spore tissue, so usually if you see a large shelf fungi, you’re probably looking at one that’s old.

An American goldfinch perching on a peony bud in the
Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden. The Arb is well-known
as one of the best birding spots in the area for spring and
fall birding.

Clearly, I was not looking at trees when I took this. Honestly, I’m not sure how anyone could expect me to pass up this American goldfinch—it basically posed for the picture. There are lots of varieties of birds to see, or just listen to, in the Arboretum. In fact Nichols Arboretum is considered to be one of the best birding spots in Washtenaw County.

Besides birds, I also found several snakes while trekking around the Arb. After severaldays of trying, I finally got a picture of one! This kindly snake sat still for a whole two minutes so I could get this shot. The Arb is home to a lot of interesting plants and animals. It really is a little green oasis in our town.

Audrey Pangallo is a second-year dual master's student in landscape architecture and conservation ecology. This summer she is working with Mike Kost, Matthaei-Nichols curator of native plants, on creating a GIS based map of trees in the arboretum for the Woody Plants class in the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Audrey would like to work in ecological restoration and community-based design when she graduates. Her internship is made possible by donors Philip and Kathy Power, whose gift provides support for field-based environmental education collaboration between Matthaei-Nichols and the School for Environment and Sustainability.

Helping Young Students Make Meaningful Connections with the Natural World

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:51:00 +0000

By Annemarie McDonald

The most effective antidote to the unease provoked by watching the news these days might be a walk on the trails of Matthaei Botanical Gardens with a group of elementary school students. Their curiosity and enthusiasm about the natural world reminds me that science can be an adventure and an exploration.

As an intern in the youth education department this summer, I’ve had many opportunities to participate in these explorations. Since the beginning of May through mid-June, 28 different schools have visited Matthaei for guided tours. That’s about 1,400 students in six weeks—and that number doesn’t even include the teachers, principals, and chaperones who accompany students on the tours. These groups represent schools from all over southeastern Michigan and greater Detroit who come to explore the plant collections and natural communities here.

Research tells us that outdoor science-based field trips have many benefits for students, especially those who have had less exposure to nature. A recent study by Emilyn Whitesell of New York University evaluating field trips’ impact on middle schoolers in New York City suggests that this type of extracurricular learning can improve standardized test scores, especially for students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch (Whitesell, 2016). Informal education experiences not only increase students’ content knowledge; they can also foster pro-environmental attitudes. A 2012 study at Indiana University found that a year after a field trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, students both remembered environmental and ecological information and expressed pro-environmental values.

For the youth who visit Matthaei, it might seem that the field trip starts when they get on the bus at school. But in reality, we hope the trip starts even before that. Teachers often plan trips to Matthaei-Nichols in conjunction with their science curricula, providing students with an opportunity to make meaningful connections between classroom and real-world learning.

Here’s how a typical field trip works: when students arrive at the gardens, Liz Glynn, Matthaei-Nichols children’s program coordinator, welcomes them and gives a brief introduction to the gardens. There are two components to most tours—the conservatory and the trails—and students spend an hour at each. The rules for both are simple: follow your docent guide and only touch the plants your guide says you can touch (it’s hard to get excited about nature when you have a rash from poison ivy).

Students use a magnifying glass
to look at the details of veins in a leaf.

In the classroom, students compare the textures
of two different stems.

During a walk on the trails,
a student examines a monarch
caterpillar on a milkweed leaf.

Then half of the groups head out to the trails while the other half go inside to explore the conservatory. There’s a lot to see, touch, and discover in both places. On the trails we might look for evidence of animal activity, learn to identify a few native trees, or even sneak up on a frog. In the conservatory students are often excited to learn that chocolate really does grow on trees, awed by the insectivorous bog plants, and disgusted by the smell of the starfish flower. The key to these field trips, however, isn’t what the students see, but how they see it. And that’s all up to the guides. Docent guides here at Matthaei are interested in education, care about the environment, and have extensive ecological knowledge to share with youth—and they do it all as volunteers!

Chocolate (at least the raw material for it)
really does grow on trees, as these students
discovered on a field trip to Matthaei
Botanical Gardens.

But even with all this expertise, not all field trips go to plan. A few weeks ago, a group of second graders came on an overcast day; the forecast threatened rain within the hour. The teachers chose to have the students participate in an indoor activity rather than get wet and muddy trying to navigate the trails. You might think this would put a damper on the whole trip, but with some help from the leftover plant-sale plants, students still had a hands-on plant-science experience. They used magnifying glasses to examine the plant parts they had learned about in school, removed soil to expose root hairs, pulled apart stems to reveal the vascular tissues inside, and explored the network of veins in a leaf. Even without going outside, there are opportunities here at Matthaei to make meaningful connections with the natural world and build upon classroom learning. Each field trip is a unique opportunity to grow students’ understanding of and appreciation for the natural world, and I hope they leave here with more questions than they came with—it’s a good reason to come back.

Annemarie McDonald is a master’s student in the conservation ecology track at the University of Michigan School of Environment and Sustainability. Her internship in the Youth Education department was made possible by a gift from Ian and Sally Bund to provide continued support of current and future nature-based educational programming at Matthaei Nichols.

Welcome Summer 2017 Michigan Math & Science Scholars

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 16:01:00 +0000

High-school students from across the country and around the world get a taste of college each summer. Our own Associate Curator David Michener introduces the students to the world of plants and landscapes.

Matthaei-Nichols Associate Curator David Michener began his Michigan Math & Science Scholars class session in late June with high school students hailing from the U.S. and China, South Korea, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere. David’s class is “Life, Death and Change: Landscapes and Human Impact.” The course immerses students in real-world landscapes.

Michigan Math & Science Scholars prepare
a tree branch to learn about how trees move
water from the soil into the atmosphere.

Michigan Math & Science Scholars prepare a tree branch to
learn about how trees movewater from the soil into the
atmosphere.

The Michigan Math and Science Scholars program offers a pre-college experience that exposes students to a breadth of curricula offered at the University of Michigan while introducing high school students to current developments and research in the sciences. The program is open to any high school rising sophomore, junior or, senior from around the world. Three 2-week sessions are offered; students are given the opportunity to attend one or two sessions. Read more about the program here.

On Wed., July 5, David was in the lab and out in the field teaching the students about leaf transpiration. We asked the students for their reactions to the leaf transpiration lab experiment. Many hadn't heard about it before and were surprised and intrigued by the problem of extrapolating the surface area of the leaves of an entire tree from a single branch---among other problems---to determine how much water is being returned to the atmosphere. "I've studied it in class before but this is the first time I've seen a real-life demonstration of the process, so it's pretty cool to see how it works" said one student from Washington, DC.

Matthaei-Nichols Associate Curator David Michener (in blue plaid shirt), takes Michigan Math & Science Scholars on a botanical road trip through the Arboretum and Matthaei during his course "Life, Death and
Change: Landscapes and Human Impact."

After they take his course, says David, “the students will never see the same world quite the same way." All environmental studies presume a landscape,” he continues, “yet what seems to be a simple landscape is often far from uniform or stable." A great deal of information critical to anyone entering the “green” sciences can be detected for analysis—including factors that may fundamentally control species diversity, habitat richness, and animal (let alone human) behavior. Resolving human from non-human agency is an engaging and important challenge, too—one scientists and green professionals grapple with repeatedly. The real-world landscapes of David’s course range from the nearly pristine to the highly humanized, giving students the opportunity to solve problems that at first might seem impossible to solve.

“Critical thinking skills are essential rather than prior biological course and field work,” David notes. “The students come prepared to look, measure, analyze, discus and learn how the interaction of plants, soils, climate and time (and humans) influences landscape development.”

Students learn to develop basic skills in plant recognition and identification that they can transfer to other terrestrial communities. The course addresses questions about the current vegetation, its stability over time and its future prospects. Practical insights into the realities of biological conservation are gained as students study how we can manage species and landscapes for future generations. At the end of the course, students will have a conceptual skill set that helps them assess how stable and disturbed the “natural” areas are near their home, “and prepares them to put instructors on the spot in college classes to come,” David adds.

Donors Gift One-of-a-Kind Bonsai

noreply@blogger.com (Matthaei-Nichols) — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 15:08:00 +0000

Donors Jerry and Rhona Meislik recently gifted a unique bonsai to Matthaei-Nichols---a magnificent Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa). Jerry drove all the way from his home in Montana to deliver the tree to the botanical gardens in late June. The Ficus easily measures 4 feet across and has an enormous trunk. We asked about the tree's age. As it turns out, determining a bonsai's age is the horticultural equivalent of the Antiques Roadshow question about value. It's often exceedingly difficult to determine and based on a lot of unique conditions. According to Jerry the tree first came into his possession in 1999. "It was old when we got it and it had a lot of evidence that many things had been done to it over the years." he explained. "But I would say it's north of 60 years." The Meisliks are donating the tree now because they want to share it with a much larger audience than might get to see it if it stayed at their home. The Ficus is among 30 or so display-worthy trees the Meisliks have in their collection

Matthaei-Nichols members since 1988, the Meisliks donated inaugural gits to open the Jerry and Rhona Meislik Bonsai Fund for an endowment to care for the extensive collection of bonsai trees, one of the most time-intensive—and beautiful—living collections at the gardens and arboretum.

We welcome donations to the bonsai garden. Click here to help support the Jerry and Rhona Meislik Bonsai Fund.

(Pictured above: Jerry Meislik stands next to the Ficus microcarpa he recently donated to Matthaei-Nichols.)