Chair's Corner...

By Dennis Patton      

Executive Committee Chair

Dennis Patton, Chair
    People often ask me why I choose to volunteer at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  I think there are always multiple reasons why someone volunteers-whether it is at church, school or one of the many community service organizations.  I would say my reasons would be typical of most people's responses to that question.  But if I had to nail it to down to one reason it would have to be the thought of helping to leave a legacy to the community that I have come to love.    
    As I travel I visit the local botanical gardens and I have learned to appreciate what a facility such as this can do for a community. An arboretum or botanical garden becomes a gathering place for the community.  It is a place where we stimulate all the senses, create memories and gather to celebrate.  It is my goal that many years from now when I am gone, local residents and out of town visitors will make the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens a destination to commune with nature, spend time with family or explore the arts and sciences.
    Many changes are happening at the Arboretum.  We are striving to continue to build the experience when you visit. Whether you enjoy the natural beauty of the prairie, the bluff along Wolf Creek, the graceful artwork or the cultivated gardens, we hope there is something for everyone young or old.
    Please continue to support the garden by becoming a FOTA member so that you will receive free admission.  Memberships start as low as $35 per year.  If you are already a member and would like to make a donation for a project, please contact us about gifting opportunities.  Oh, by the way, if you would like to volunteer like me, there are numerous opportunities.
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Woodpecker
While the trees are still bare, there is so much to see up above at the Arboretum. John Bosnak has provided an extensive slide show of bird species seen throughout the year at the Arboretum. See his presentation for yourself on the FOTA Foto Frame in the Visitors Center, near the greeters' desk and fireplace. The Red-bellied Woodpecker above is just one example of John's work. A brochure chock-full of his outstanding bird photos will soon be available in the Visitors Center.

Glad to Hear It!
"...visited the arboretum this morning and paid the $3.00 admission fee for the first time.  I must say that it was the best three bucks that I spent this weekend. Even though it was cloudy and dreary, the birds were fairly active. I ended up with 41 species including many  waxwings, both species of nuthatches, a Barred Owl, numerous creepers
and just hundreds of American Robins...the feeders were all filled and active. Picked
up a few Pine Siskins, a couple colorful Fox Sparrows, a dozen
Harris's Sparrows, and at least two dozen Purple Finches...an enjoyable trip even if it isn't free anymore."
--D.S., Retired Biology Teacher
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General Information

FOTA Chair Dennis Patton:

[email protected]  

 

Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Merrick:

[email protected] 

 

FOTA Coordinator Suzie Swyden:

[email protected] 

 

Send photos and news to:

[email protected]  

 

Commemorative Gift and 

Donation Opportunities

can be accessed online.

JoCo Home & Garden Show March 1-3 
   Look for FOTA behind the white picket fence at the Johnson County Home & Garden Show March 1-2-3. We'll be selling "Lady Lavender Garden Weasel" tools at half their retail price. Since the tools were donated to us, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Arboretum.
Kite Fest 2013  
Kite Fest: April Is 
National Kite Month
   We'll be celebrating National Kite Month every Sunday during April, from noon to 5 pm. Fly your own kite, buy and make a kite, learn about kites, and watch expert kite demonstrations.

Wine Tastings on the Terrace 
   Spend a lovely spring evening with friends, tasting local wines and light appetizers on the terrace. There will be a wine tasting Thursday, April 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and another on Thursday, May 16, from 6 to 8 pm. Register online at www.opabg.org

Spring Plant Sale May 2-4
Plant Sale 2012
   Preview Sale for FOTA members only will be held on Thursday evening, May 2, from 4 to 7 pm. Members receive a 10% discount, and attendees can join FOTA at any time during the sale. The public is invited to shop on Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. The sale features native plants, certified organic herbs, and a vast selection of hostas, and of course annuals, perennials, planters and hanging baskets for Mother's Day.  PHOTO BY CAROL FOWLER

Garden Containers Exhibit May 3-19 
   Stroll the Arboretum and enjoy the efforts of local garden clubs and other organizations. Vote for your favorite container among the many inspiring creations concocted by local garden enthusiasts.

Kickin' Back in an Adirondack June 8-30 
Kickin' Back    Check out the 25 beautiful Adirondack chairs painted by local artists and on display throughout the gardens. These are one-of-a-kind works of art, and if one of them strikes your fancy, you will have the opportunity to bid on your choice through an online auction. Be the envy of your friends! Or just enjoy the display.
   If you know an artist who may be interested in painting a chair, contact Tammy Laudan: [email protected]
 
Branch Out: Take an Arboretum Class
    Fight late winter cabin fever: Take a class at the Arboretum.
    On March 2, 10:00 to 11:30 am, enjoy Bird Chat: Spring Migration and Nesting Season with Doc and Diane Gover of Wild Birds Unlimited. Fee: $10.
    GeoKids (for kids 7-12) ramps up again during spring break. On Tuesday, March 19 and Thursday, March 21, 10:00 to 11:30 am, kids enjoy a treasure hunt using a compass and clues, followed by an introduction to GPS devices and geocaching. Adult presence/participation is required. $5 per person.
     Birding Adventure for Kids (for kids 9-12) takes place on Wednesday, March 20, 9:30 to 11:00 am. Kids will use binoculars in our Bird Yard and learn about native birds. Adult presence and participation required. $5 per person.

Sign Up Today!
    Click Here to register for classes, to find more information about free events, or to see more spring, summer and fall classes and attractions at the Overland Park Arboretum.
Membership Benefits: Did You Know....
   ...that you can get free or discounted admission to other Botanical Gardens with your Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA) membership card? If you are planning a spring getaway, take your FOTA membership card with you and save on admission to any of the hundreds of botanical gardens throughout the country. Find a list at the American Horticulture Society's website: www.ahs.org.

Volunteer Spotlight...
     Carroll and Virginia Toll were charter members of FOTA. Carroll was one of the first tour guides trained at the Arboretum in 1996-97. There were only six of them that year and tour guides were the only volunteers that had any formal training. Carroll later became the contact person for the golf cart tours and especially "tours for those less able."
The Tolls   Carroll also worked as a gardener and in the greenhouse during his active years. He has contributed more than 800 hours through 2010, when he slowed down due to some health issues.
    Virginia Toll has been one of our fabulous greeters, so pleasant to everyone and very helpful as well. Virginia began volunteering in 2003 and contributed more than 285 hours through 2011.
   Carroll and Virginia, in addition to their committee activities, always helped at the Plant Sales, Luminary Walk, Arts for Kids, Home & Garden show and other special events. We thank them for all they have added to the Arboretum.
PHOTO BY MARK HIGGINS

HELP WANTED!
    Enthusiastic, friendly, hardworking volunteers for the Education Committee. Current projects: information for Arboretum signs, Girl Scout badge work, background info sheets with talking points for people representing the Arboretum, handouts for field trips, and Great Arboretum Tree Hunt for adults. Call Bob Lane at 913-707-1485 or email him at [email protected]. Meetings are the third Monday of each month at 3 pm.
The Arb  / February 2013
Overland Park Arboretum
& Botanical Gardens
1/2 mile west of Hwy. 69
at 179th & Antioch
913-685-3604  
www.opabg.org