This Edition:

Warbler Quiz

Plant Sale May 14

Wednesday Walks

Making a Donation

Workshops

Facebook

What to See Currently at The Arboretum

Answers to Warbler Quiz

Cladonia fimbriata
Photo by Troy McMullin

Caloplaca cerina
Photo by Troy McMullin

Parmelia sulcata
Photo by Troy McMullin

Xanthoria polycarpa
Photo by Troy McMullin

Warbler Quiz

There have been 18 different species of warblers seen already this spring (go to http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/WildlifeSightings/Wildlifesight.htm to see the list).  Over the years, The Arboretum has recorded 30 species of these colourful little guys.  So, in appreciation of our beautiful warblers, here is this month's quiz featuring the incredible talent of local photographer, Karl Egressy.  To see more of Karl's bird photos, go to www.kegressy.com.  Can you identify all twelve of these species? Good luck.  By the way, this test is "open book", so feel free to use a bird field guide! The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter. In some browsers you can also mouse over the photo to see the answer.

Back to top

Plant Sale May 14

This Saturday May 14 is the Guelph and Wellington County Master Gardeners annual Spring Plant Sale. Please note the change of venue from other years as it is being held at the R.J. Hilton Centre, 384 College Ave. E. from 9 until 12 noon.  Cash or cheque only.

This sale features locally grown hardy perennials, shrubs and trees from the gardens of the Master Gardeners.

As added attractions; the Arboretum Auxiliary will be offering a small selection of woody treats, indoor plants, perennials and herbs and the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming will have available Certified Organic Vegetables & Flowers to place in your garden.

Back to top

Wednesday Walks

For the months of June, July and August 2011 we will once again have Wednesday Evening Walks that will begin at 7 p.m. at the J.C. Taylor Centre.  These 1 ½ hour walks will be on a different topic each week and are $2 / person.  A schedule can be found on our website and will be updated with the rest of the walks as the summer progresses.  The following are the June Walks:
June 1: A World of Colour
Whether it is used to intimidate predators, attract a mate, entice a pollinator, or blend in with the bright summer scenery, colour is a fundamental survival tool for many animals and plants. Join us for the first Wednesday evening naturalist program of the summer, and learn all about the different ways wild creatures celebrate the colours of the rainbow.

June 8: Claws, Paws, or Jaws? Investigating Survival Strategies
Defense strategies in the wild are not always as obvious as sharp teeth! Join us as we investigate the non-traditional mechanisms that wildlife and plants have in order to survive.

June 15: Micro-Ecosystems: Rediscovering Communities in Nature
An ecosystem is formed by the interaction of a biological community with the physical environment.  We often think of ecosystems at a landscape level, but micro-ecosystems can be found in your own backyard! We will explore The Arboretum and discover some of the micro-ecosystems that thrive here, as well as study what factors form them.

June 22: The Wild World of Pollination
Plants have many diverse and intriguing mechanisms of ensuring reproduction through the spread of pollen. We will investigate the many relationships and interactions that exist between pollinators (the ones who move the pollen) and pollinizers (the pollen-producing plants).

June 29: Investigating Seed Dispersal in Ontario
Whether by catching a stiff breeze, floating down a stream, or hitching a ride on a passing animal, plants have many mechanisms to ensure the spread and survival of the next generation. We will explore the different techniques that native species in Ontario use to ensure successful seed disperal.

Back to top


Making a Donation

Be a part of the The BetterPlanet Project by donating on-line:
Your donation can be directed to The Arboretum online through the secure University of Guelph The BetterPlanet Project site! Follow these easy steps:
o       Follow this link http://www.thebetterplanetproject.ca/bpp_donate_2.html
o       Choose your type of gift “-One-time gift-“, -“Sustaining gift”- or “-Tribute Giving-“
o       On the drop down menu “-Choose an Area-” select “University Wide”
o       On the drop down menu “-Choose a Program-“ select “Arboretum” and fill in the amount of your donation
o       Click Calculate
o       Fill in your personal information

It’s that easy!
If you prefer not to make an online donation, there are several other ways to provide your financial support. You can choose to donate by telephone, mail, fax or in person:
UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH
Attention Alumni Affairs
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Tel: 1-888-266-3108 ext. 56934
Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 56934
Fax: 519-822-2670
Email: alumni@uoguelph.ca

Please identify The Arboretum as the focus of your donation.

If you would like information on bequests and planned giving to The Arboretum please contact:
Ross Butler
Director, Gift Planning
at (519) 824-4120 ext.56196 or by e-mail at rbutler@uoguelph.ca.

Back to top


Workshops

New Arboretum Workshop:  The Secret Life of Lichens    Tuesday, July 12, 9 am - 4 pm
Discover the fascinating role lichens play in science, medicine and more while we hunt for them on trees, rocks and soil. These often overlooked and under-appreciated organisms will come to life once you are tuned into them. Identification basics will be covered, bring a hand lens if you have one, field guides will be available to purchase, but they are not necessary.  Come and be enlichened as we appreciate the small things in life!  Guest Instructor: Troy McMullin from the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario Herbarium at the University of Guelph.   Cost:  $75.  Registration deadline July 5, 2011.
                     
Below is a list of upcoming workshops at The Arboretum.  A detailed description of each course is available on our website.  Help us promote our programs … please forward this e-mail on to your friends and colleagues who may be interested.  The more participants we have, the more programs we can offer.

For further information and / or to register please call Bev Healy at 519-824-4120 ext. 52358.

Back to top

Facebook

The Arboretum is on Facebook.  Check us out at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/The-Arboretum-University-of-Guelph/226671253176?ref=ts 

The blooms in Victoria Woods and Wild Goose Woods are later than last year, but they are finally here.  The Trout Lilies, White Trilliums, Red Trilliums, Wild Ginger, Marsh Marigolds and Downy Yellow Violets are certainly worth a visit to see.  As well, many of our cherry trees and some of our rhododendrons are now in full bloom.  Many birds are migrating through and we've already had Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird and Hermit Thrush here at The Arboretum.  Of course, there are warblers (see the quiz above). 

Back to top

Answers to Warbler Quiz

Back to top

The ARBORETUM
Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON
N1G 2W1
Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 52113
Fax: 519-763-9598
e-mail: arbor@uoguelph.ca
www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum