The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recently awarded the Hamilton College Arboretum a $5,000 grant through the Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquariums Program for operating expenses. The award will be directed primarily toward for the maintenance and expansion of the arboretum collection with an immediate focus on protecting notable trees.
Already in process is a plan to lightning-proof the Norway Spruce located in the Root Glen which is a documented national champion tree. Approximately 150 years old, the tree can be protected, along with other equally old trees, with cabling, rods and ground wires. Other future arboretum projects include increased tree labeling for the benefit of visitors and an expansion of the outreach programming to include a component for tree professionals.
Programming for non-professionals continues on campus this spring, led by Assistant Director of Grounds, Horticulture and Arboretum Terry Hawkridge who often serves as an arboretum guide for alumni and community members.
On Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. until noon certified arborists Mike Mahanna and Terry Hawkridge will lead a slide show on the how, when, where and why of proper pruning. They will also cover the issue of hazard tree identification, or knowing when it is prudent to call in the professionals.
On Saturday, March 15, the topic will be bluebirds of Central New York and diseases and insect pests of trees, shrubs and perennials. John Rogers, award winning specialist on bluebirds, will present visuals of these elusive harbingers of spring and will explain how to attract them. Holly Wise, Cornell Extension's Consumer Horticulture educator, will present a slide show on insect and disease problems derived from the "Master Gardeners" series she offers. Terry Hawkridge will conclude this session with a review of insect problems faced by gardeners in the Central New York area.
The last session in the spring series, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, will address basic landscaping design principles and proper planting techniques used in site modification. Certified arborists Jeff Bell and Terry Hawkridge will illustrate correct methods of planting trees, shrubs and perennials. They will provide in-depth details on improving home landscape sites for varied plants. A review of basic landscape design principles will also be presented.
The last session in the spring series, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, will address basic landscaping design principles and proper planting techniques used in site modification. Certified arborists Jeff Bell and Terry Hawkridge will illustrate correct methods of planting trees, shrubs and perennials. They will provide in-depth details on improving home landscape sites for varied plants. A review of basic landscape design principles will also be presented.
All spring programs are held in the Kennedy Science Auditorium. They are free and open to the public but pre-registration is requested by calling Sarah Wetherill at 315-859-4660 by the Wednesday prior to each workshop.
The mission of the Hamilton College Arboretum is to preserve the stately historic campus landscape, build upon the diversity of the collection with sustainable species and reinforce the aesthetic character of the campus. Additionally, it seeks to provide visitors with a broader understanding of the campus landscape and promote long-term stewardship of the environment.
