Chair's Corner...
 It is with great pleasure that I introduce FOTA's newest Executive Committee members: Andrew Smith and Lenora Wuattoux. Andrew is a developer, builder and owner of Artisan Earthworks in Johnson County. His experience will be of great value to us as we move forward with the Master Plan. Lenora continues to give to the Arboretum and FOTA through her volunteer work with the herb garden and classes. Lenora's knowledge as a Missouri Master Gardener is a perfect match for the Arboretum.
There is so much going on at the Arboretum as spring approaches. The greenhouse is filling up with baby flowers, the bulbs are getting ready to bloom, and the gardens are waking up. What an exciting and busy time. I hope you have the chance to come and enjoy our beautiful Arboretum on a regular basis.
Greenhouse photo by Ida Houston
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Ah ... May. The flowers, the birds in song, the beautiful days ... and ... GeoArboretum! That's right. On May 1, we're introducing our new, high-tech, geocaching activity called GeoArboretum.
But what's geocaching? It's a fun-filled activity where you use a hand-held GPS device to find containers, called "geocaches," that are hidden throughout the Arboretum. You will even have a special "Geo Passport" that you can stamp whenever you find a geocache. It's coming! Stay tuned for further details!
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Birthday Party Volunteers Needed
The Birthday Party committee is seeking individuals who may be interested in assisting with our NEW Outdoor Arboretum Birthday Parties. Party helpers will be assisting with a Party Coordinator on pre-booked parties--Saturday's from either 10-Noon or 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. beginning May 1. Party Volunteers must be available for Birthday Party Training on Friday, April 2 from 9:00--11:00 a.m. at the Visitor's Center.
If you enjoy working with kids, this will prove to be a fun volunteer opportunity with flexibility. Interested individuals should contact Phyllis Merrick, Volunteer Coordinator or call 913-685-3604 prior to the April 2 training date.
Photo by Sally Mayer
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Great Backyard Bird Count
Conducted at the Arboretum
By Sue Davidson
The Overland Park Arboretum has long been engaged in providing a good habitat for wildlife. Its role has become increasingly important in the last decade because urban expansion in Johnson County has decreased the area available for wildlife. The Bird Committee contributes to this effort in several ways. Its educational role includes bird walks, classes and creation of displays in the EEVC. It provides food for the various birds. It has built, installed and maintained nest boxes for bluebirds and this year will install a martin house that will accommodate 12 nests. In addition, the committee participates in international programs dealing with birds.
One of the international programs is the Great Backyard Bird Count. Sponsored by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society and the Canada Bird Studies, this annual census is one step in the assessment of how bird populations are responding to environmental change. Eight FOTA Bird Committee members spent an hour Saturday morning, February 13, 2010 identifying and counting birds at the Arboretum as part of this project. Twenty two species with a total of 127 birds were identified. Dark Eyed Juncos and Northern Cardinal were the most numerous. Four wintering Yellow Rumped (Myrtle) warblers and one Pileated Woodpecker were also observed. Our results have been submitted to the program administrators. A similar study that took place for 40 years showed that the winter distribution of 177 bird species, out of 305 species studied, shifted northward during that time. This shift accompanied an increase in the mean January temperatures in the contiguous 48 states of almost 5 degrees over that period.
Photo by Jeff Camden
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FOTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Teri Shields, Chair
Jim Holland, Vice Chair
Kathy Alspaugh, Secretary
John Kalal, Treasurer
Larry Engelkemier
Stacey Gilman
Margaret Maher-Williams
Andrew Smith
Lenora Wuattoux
Georgia Erickson & Russell Simmons, ARFOP Liaisons
Karen Haake, Past Chair
FOTA ADMINISTRATOR
Suzie Swyden
fotacoordinator@yahoo.com
FOTA VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS
Arts for Kids, Stacey Gilman &
Stephanie Battison
Bird Committee, Sue Davidson
Bird Feeders, Bob Buehler
Celebrate Spring, Karen McNerney & Judy Moser
Eagle Scouts, Hugh McCreery
Fit To Be Tied, Kari Wood & Karen Haake
Garden Shows, Karen Haake
Geo Activities, Charlie Loftus
Golf Tournament, Margaret Maher-Williams & Carol Martin Tracey
Greeters, Phyllis Merrick
Luminary Walk, Margaret Kalal
Membership, Suzie Swyden
Music Series, Russell Simmons & Suzie Swyden
Photography, Margaret Maher-Williams
Plant Sale, Phyllis Merrick & Don Tetzlaff
Prairie Restoration, Chuck Garrett
Safety, Don Tetzlaff
Tours, Cathy Lovetere
Weddings, Phyllis Merrick
FOTA eNEWSLETTER
Judy Moser, Editor
judy@springvalleynursery.com
ARBORETUM STAFF
Karen Kerkhoff, Supervisor
Kerry Williams, Horticulturist
Dianna Mahaney, Park Attendant
Jon Beuthin, Park Attendant
Phyllis Merrick & Cathy Lovetere,
Volunteer Coordinators
For additional information, call
the Arboretum 913-685-3604
Website: www.opabg.org
To rent an area of the Environmental
Education and Visitors Center,
Pavilion or Garden Areas, call
Leisure Services at 913-895-6390
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Celebrate Spring!
Order spring bulbs now through June 15
 Spring is here folks (never mind this past weekend) and along with the flowering trees there will soon be stunning displays of hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and alliums for you to enjoy as you stroll through the Arboretum.
Choose your favorites and order your own online or from the order form available in the Visitors Center. We are offering the 16 varieties voted most successful by our Arboretum staff.
The calendar of events and class schedule below list classes and activities through early May. Mark your calendar now for the popular Spring Plant Sale. Members-only preview night is Thursday evening, May 6 from 4 to 7 pm. The sale is open to the public on Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8, from 9 to 5. The plant list is available online.
Photo by Carly Hudson
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Celebrate Spring with a Class!
Classes are held in the Visitors Center at the Aboretum. Proceeds go to support FOTA. There is a 10% discount on class fees for FOTA members. Cash or checks only. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
 To confirm reservations contact Phyllis Merrick at 913-685-3604 or at volunteercoordinator@opkansas.org. Complete class schedule at opagb.org.
Celebrate Spring Guided Tours
Tuesday, March 23, 1:00 pm
FREE, registration required
Take a guided stroll through our gardens celebrating the spring blooming bulbs-hyacinths, tulips, narcissus and alliums. If any of the "staff pick" bulbs catch your eye, they may be ordered from the Arboretum during our "Celebrate Spring" months. Bulb order forms will be available in the Visitors Center.
Learn, Listen & Identify the Birds
Saturday, March 27, 7:00 am - 9:00 am
FREE, limited to 10 adults
Basic Flower Arranging
Tuesday, March 30, 1:30 to 2:30 pm
$10 per person
Join us for a session with our talented floral designer who will demonstrate floral arranging techniques that you can use when creating your own floral arrangements at home. Class includes refreshments.
Tree Care 101
Wednesday, April 7, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$10.00 per person
We know trees provide us with oxygen, store carbon dioxide, shade our homes, and reduce storm water runoff. So why aren't we all planting trees? If only it were that easy! With our urban conditions, planting a tree and seeing it reach maturity is a rare thing. In this session OP City Forester Sarah Patterson will cover general topics such as species selection, planting and pruning to ensure you are providing all that you can for your new investment.
Basic Landscape Photography
Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
$10.00 per person
If you've ever wanted to know how to take your landscape and scenic photographs to the next level, this is the class for you. When you are finished with your class you can move outside to the gardens and test your newly acquired knowledge. Instruction will be done by members of the Photo Committee at the Arboretum.
 Celebrate Spring
Guided Tours
Tuesday, April 13,
1:00 pm
FREE, registration required
Hands on Flower Photography
Saturday, April 17, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
$20.00 per person
Enrollment limited to 8 for each session.
Want to improve your camera skills shooting beautiful flowers or floral scenes, as well as enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum? Each season's session will focus on hands-on photography instruction by members of the Arboretum's Photography Committee. Bring your camera (film or digital-and camera manual), lenses, tripod, memory cards, spare batteries and knee-pads (if desired). This class will primarily be outside, so dress for the weather. Photo by Carly Hudson
Woodland Wildflower Walk
Friday, April 23, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
FREE, SPACE LIMITED
 Join our two experts as they take you on a walk through the woodlands at the Arboretum to see the vast selection of native wildflowers in bloom. Ken O'Dell specializes in growing native woodland wildflowers and prairie plants. Lynda Ochs has taught at JCCC, developing courses such as Environmental Science & Natural History of Kansas. Please wear sturdy shoes as you will be walking on wood-chipped trails that can be uneven and sometimes slippery, depending on weather. Don't miss out on this wonderful experience. Wild geranium photo by Dave Shackleford
Learn, Listen & Identify the Birds
Saturday, April 24, 7:00 am - 9:00 am
FREE, limited to 10 adults
Woodland Wildflower Class & Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 24, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
$10.00 per person
Beginning in the classroom you will learn how to identify the varieties of native woodland wildflowers we have in this area. You will then take a two-hour woodland wildflower walk with our two native plant specialists to see our vast selection of native woodland wildflowers in bloom. Please wear sturdy shoes as you will be walking on wood-chipped trails that can be uneven and sometimes slippery, depending on weather.
Woodland Wildflower Walk
Tuesday, April 27, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
FREE, SPACE LIMITED
See April 23 listing
Aromatherapy: The Fragrance of Calm, Beauty, and Health
Wednesday, April 28, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
$20.00 per person
What is Aromatherapy? This class will cover what it is and the basics of using scent for balance. Don't miss this extraordinary topic. Come be inspired by the warmth, knowledge and humor of instructor Lenora Wuattoux-Ray. Class will include herbal refreshments, recipes and handouts of the topics covered.
 Making Faerie Terrariums
Saturday, May 1,
10:00 am to 11:30 am
$25 per terrarium
Parental supervision required
Enjoy this magical Faerie Terrarium event where kids can make a great Mother's Day gift! A terrarium is a miniature landscape with living plants. These tiny terrariums have become very popular recently. Kids will learn what it's like to be a real fairy with wings and they get to take home their terrarium to keep -- or give to Mom or Grandma! Photo by Margaret Kalal
Herbs with Lenora at the Spring Plant Sale
Friday, May 7 & Saturday, May 8, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm FREE
Learn with Lenora Wuattoux-Ray as she talks about and demonstrates herbs during the Spring Plant Sale under the big tent. You won't want to miss this demonstration-and then you can purchase your herbs at the plant sale.
Learn, Listen & Identify the Birds
Saturday, May 22, 7:00 am - 9:00 am
FREE, limited to 10 adults
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Arbor Day Special Event
On Saturday, April 3, The Overland Park Legacy of Greenery Committee is sponsoring an Arbor Day free tree give-away at the Arboretum starting at 9:00 a.m. and running as long as supplies last. These trees are for residents of Overland Park, in conjunction with the Tree City USA program.
All species of trees and shrubs will be bare root and come with instructions on planting and maintenance. There is a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees and a few shrubs for those without space for a new tree.
Varieties this year include: baldcypress, lacebark elm, Northern red oak, redbud, Kousa dogwood, sawtooth oak, Southwestern white pine and river birch. Shrub varieties include: golden currant, fragrant sumac, oriental arborvitae, lilac, and highbush cranberry.
 Overland Park is being recognized this year by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for the 31st consecutive year.
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Something New: Pre-Planned Children's Birthday Parties
Looking for a new, fun place to have your child's birthday party? Better yet, a pre-planned, unforgettably fun birthday party? Friends of the Arboretum is offering 2-hour birthday parties beginning May 1st. Themed/Outdoor Birthday parties are offered for children ages 5-10 on Saturdays May through October. Up to 12 children per party.
Two time slots are available each Saturday: 10:00 - 12:00 or 1:00 - 3:00. All the planning has been done for your party already and we have P-3's (Personal Party Providers) ready to lead your party guests through fun crafts, games, adventures, and stories, along with a themed take-home favor.
All parties are priced at $180 with an optional refreshment package consisting of cupcakes, juice boxes and ice cream cups. Select from the following themes: (1) "La Tea Da" -- enchanted tea party, (2) "Lets Get Bugged"-- nature party, (3) "Happy Camper" -- authentic camping party or (4) "All Aboard" -- train themed party.
Book your child's party now!
Or contact the Friends of the Arboretum Coordinator at 816-820-7499 for more info.
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Iris Society Events
The peak season of iris bloom is just around the corner and the Greater Kansas City Iris Society is providing two opportunities for you to learn about iris that bloom more again later in the season.
 On Saturday, March 27, Mike Lockatell, Reblooming Iris Chairman for American Iris Society Region 4, will provide a wealth of information about reblooming iris for the home gardener at the Trailside Center at 9901 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. The cost is $5 and includes lunch at noon for registered attendees followed by the program at 1:30 p.m. This program qualifies for 2 credit hours of training for AIS judges. Please send registration fee to Andrea Foster, Treasurer, 10620 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri 64153 by March 24.
On Sunday, March 28 from 1:45 - 4:00 p.m. join the GKCIS at the multipurpose room at Powell Gardens for an afternoon discussion of the care and culture of reblooming iris, their triggers and improvements on the horizon. This program is free with admission to Powell Gardens at 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061. Contact Debbie Hughes, membership at 913-406-2709 for more information or visit kciris.org.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH
23 Celebrate Spring! Guided Tours, 1 pm (registration required)
27 Learn, Listen & Identify the Birds, 7-9 am
30 Basics of Flower Arranging, 1:30-2:30 pm*
APRIL
3 Arbor Day Tree Give-away, 9 am-noon
7 Tree Care 10, 10-noon*
10 Basic Landscape Photography, 10-11:30 am*
13 Celebrate Spring! Guided Tours, 1 pm (free, but registration required)
17 Hands-On Flower Photography, 9-noon*
23 Woodland Wildflower Walk, 9-11 am
24 Learn, Listen & Identify the Birds, 7-9 am
Woodland Wildflower Class & Walk, 9-noon*
27 Woodland Wildflower Walk, 9-11 am
28 Aromatherapy: Fragrance, Calm, Beauty & Health, 10-1 pm*
MAY
1 Faerie Terrariums, 10-11:30 am*
6 Spring Plant Sale Members-Only Preview, 4-7 pm
7 & 8 Spring Plant Sale Open to the Public, 9-5 pm
Herbs with Lenora at the Spring Plant Sale, 12:30-1:30 pm
* There is a fee for these events/classes. Friends of the Arboretum receive a 10% discount on educational programs.
Learn more about upcoming events at the Arboretum website.
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