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Chair's Corner...
By Dennis Patton
Executive Committee Chair
So far 2012 has been one of the most interesting years based on weather patterns. The very mild winter led right into an early and warm spring. Now as we transition into summer we are drier than normal. Nobody really knows for sure how this year will wind up in regard to the weather.
One constant that we do know is that the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens has always been a great place to plan an escape. Whether you enjoy taking a stroll through the miles of wooded trials, gazing upon the reclaimed prairie or visiting the gardens, there is something for everyone.
New this year is the Train Garden which officially opened in late May. Phase one is nearly complete and phase two is in the works, which includes a new gathering spot at the Arboretum. Phase two plans a train depot structure. The depot will be an open air shelter for "setting a spell" to avoid the summer sun, watching the kids, or just to soak up the beauty of nature.
The Friends of the Arboretum organization donated the funds to build the new depot structure at the garden. The FOTA Executive Committee felt strongly that this feature be a part of the garden, as many will be attracted to the trains running on the tracks in the new garden. Funds for this project, nearly $100,000, have been generated from events and activities such as the Plant Sale, Luminary Walk, Haake Celebration Terrace pavers and donations.
FOTA is holding a naming contest for the new depot structure (see details elsewhere in this newsletter). This is the membership's chance to help us leave a lasting legacy at the Arboretum by submitting the winning name.
In closing I want to thank you for your continued support of the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. It takes a dedicated crew of supporters and volunteers to help this continued growth.
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Although the Photo Contest has been supended, our intrepid shutterbugs are still submitting beautiful photos. This purple clematis in the Monet Garden was perfectly captured by Jackie Ferrell and submitted online.
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FOTA Chair Dennis Patton:
Dennis.Patton@jocogov.org
Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Merrick:
VolunteerCoordinator@opkansas.org
FOTA Coordinator Suzie Swyden:
fotacoordinator@yahoo.com
Send photos and news to:
judy@springvalleynursery.com
Commemorative Gift and
Donation opportunities can be accessed online. If you are interested in the Friends of the Arboretum "Planned Giving" program, please contact Teresa Stohs.
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The Arb / June 2012
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
1/2 mile west of Hwy. 69
at 179th & Antioch
913-685-3604
www.opabg.org
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Help Us Name the Depot
FOTA members will soon be invited to submit names for the depot that will be the Phase II centerpiece of the ongoing Train Garden project. The depot will be a picnic shelter-type structure modified to resemble an old-fashioned, small town train depot.
FOTA members will be sent a Constant Contact survey on which they can enter online. If entrants have more than one good idea, they may enter more than once. The FOTA Executive Committee will choose the winning name, and if there are duplicate entries a single winner will be chosen by drawing. The winner will receive a free one-year extension of their membership (individual level) and will be recognized in this eNewsletter.
The survey will contain rules and deadline information. Non-members: Join FOTA now to be eligible to enter!
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Enjoy Art at the Stems Soirée on June 23
 Stems ticket holders will have the opportunity to visit the Plein Air Paint sales tent at Stems...A Garden Soiree at the Overland Park Arboretum on Saturday, June 23rd, 7-11PM.
The Stems Soirée is an annual fund-raising event sponsored by the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. General admission tickets are $85 and patron tickets are $250. Click here for more information.
435 South Magazine is sponsoring a Park & Ride to Stems from the Bank of Blue Valley on 119th or First National Bank on College Boulevard. Skip check-in lines and avoid event parking stress for only $10 individually or $15 per couple. Bus leaves on the half hour from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Return trips run from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the half hour.
PHOTO BY HALEY PARSON
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Whistlestop...
The trains are up and running! Now we need to have volunteers in the train garden every day to help manage and monitor the train exhibit. We would like to have two volunteers each shift during the busy vacation season, since the train garden is expected to be a huge attraction all summer. You will be a train expert in no time!
 The trains will be running every day except Christmas unless the weather prohibits visitors (meaning heavy snow and ice). Knowing that in advance, we would like for you to think about being part of a regular schedule each week or every other week. Of course we won't turn down any help, as this exhibit will only get busier, especially once the Phase III trains are operational.
Volunteers are needed to fill the following schedule:
Monday through Friday - 9:00 am to noon and 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Saturday and Sunday - 9:00 am to noon, noon to 3:30 pm, and also 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
If you can help at the Train Garden, please contact Phyllis Merrick by email or call 913-685-3604.
PHOTO BY JIM VAN HOOSER
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Photo Contest Suspended for Now
The photo contest has been discontinued for now, but if you have a great picture you would like to submit for the online newsletter, website or Facebook page, they can still be sent to: arboretumphotocontest@gmail.com.
 We make every effort to give photographers a credit line, so your reward will be fame and glory. Photos taken by anyone under the age of 18 must be submitted by parent or legal guardian.
Second place adult winner in the most recent photo contest was Phyllis Luedke from Colony KS, with this colorful little frog she happened to spot on the Monet bridge.
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July Concert Series Also on Hold
The July music series has been suspended due to unusually high temperature forecasts. FOTA is looking forward to providing a future music series during more comfortable weather conditions and at a time that suits more families' needs....so stay tuned!
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Upcoming GeoCaching Activities
 There are three geo-caching opportunities coming up in the next few weeks. A GeoKids class for ages 7-12 is offered on June 27 and July 11, and a Geocaching Tour will be held on July 14.
Pre-registration is required. For more information on all upcoming classes and tours, go to www.opabg.org. |
Plans Underway for BioBlitz 2012
 Plans are being made for a very special nature event to be held September 29 at the Arboretum. Adults and children 13 and older will register online for an intensive one-day study of biodiversity. Participants will spend a fascinating day with a dozen experts in each field, identifying birds, insects, flowers, reptiles, trees, spiders and much more.
Our own snake expert Dan Johnson is organizing the event.
Watch for detailed information on the event and how to register.
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