november 2013 volunteer and docent ... - tucson botanical
TRANSCRIPT
2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712 326-9686 www.tucsonbotanical.org
Volunteer and Docent Newsletter
November 2013
1
GARDEN TOURS (Included with Garden Admission)
—EXPLORING—
TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS
Fridays, 10AM (September through May)
9AM (June through August)
Take advantage of the delightful mornings at the
Gardens. This tour delivers some fascinating plant
trivia, offers history of the Gardens, and familiarizes
you with our native flora as well as the wide variety
of plants that grow in Tucson. Free with Garden Admission.
7—BIRDS AND GARDENING TOUR—
10AM, 1st & 4th Wednesday of each month
(September through May)
This 45-minute tour explores the plants and
gardening practices that will attract birds to your
backyard. We also look for and identify the birds that
visit the Gardens and urban Tucson. Free with Garden Admission.
—HISTORICAL TOUR OF THE GARDENS—
10AM, 3rd Thursday of each month
(September through May)
Want to learn more about the original gardeners of
the Gardens? Take a trip back in time with a tour that
focuses on the family life of Bernice and Rutger
Porter. Discover the historical significance of the
property; learn about some of Mrs. Porter’s favorite
plants, and see some special nooks and secret places.
Free with Garden Admission.
*ONGOING ACTIVITIES*
PLANT CLINIC
WITH DR. BESSEY
September to June Paul Bessey, retired University of Arizona
Plant Sciences Professor, will be available to
answer your questions on plant pests,
disease and nutrient deficiencies.
Free with Garden admission.
BACKYARD BUGS
1st Sunday of the month
10AM-3PM Join long-time Gardens volunteer and bug
enthusiast, David Jester, as he gets up close
and personal with local creepy crawlies.
Learn how bugs play important roles in our
gardens and the larger ecosystem, ask
questions you’ve always wondered about,
and look at specimens of insects you might
see in your own yard.
Free with Garden admission.
TUCSON ORGANIC GARDENERS
COMPOSTING EXHIBIT
AT THE GARDENS
1st & 3rd Saturday of the month
11AM-1PM
October-May Tucson Organic Gardeners staff will be on hand
to answer questions about compost in the
Gardens’ composting area.
Free with Garden admission.
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Check out page 2
for Signature Classes
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SIGNATURE CLASSES
$16, $8 members
Discounted four-class package
$48, $24 members
No preregistration required.
All classes are taught by trained docents and include Garden Admission.
XERISCAPE NOT ZEROSCAPE!
2nd Saturday, monthly ● 9:30AM–NOON Learn how to design a water-conserving landscape and leave with a plan and
tools to develop your own xeriscape design. This class covers the basic
principles of xeriscape, including garden design, plant selection, efficient
irrigation methods and appropriate garden maintenance. Class concludes
with a walking tour highlighting xeriscape features at the Gardens.
SUCCESSFUL PLANTS FOR TUCSON GARDENS
3rd Saturday, monthly ● 9:30AM–NOON An excellent follow-up to Gardening for Newcomers and Xeriscape, this
class identifies trees, shrubs, perennials and succulents that are smart
choices for Tucson. Characteristics that make plants successful locally will
be discussed, with a focus on proper selection, placement and planting so
that you can achieve a beautiful landscape that will thrive under local
conditions. Class concludes with a walking tour highlighting successful plants
at the Gardens.
RAINWATER HARVESTING
4th Saturday, monthly ● 9:30AM–NOON The class is a broad introductory discussion of rainwater harvesting
philosophy and techniques. Visual and technical descriptions illustrate the
various alternatives of rainwater harvesting in the Tucson desert. Living in
the desert is unique. We can show you how to make the most out of a little
rainfall, whether you are interested in a simple low cost project to keep the
rainwater on your land, or a more dynamic and sophisticated system to
store rainwater.
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—Winter 2013-2014 Seasonal Classes—
Register on line at http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/education/adult-classes-trips/ or call 520-326-9686, ext. 18. Payment
must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop or trip. No refunds will be given if cancellation is
made within seven business days of a class. For questions, or to register by phone with a credit card, call 520-326-9686, ext.
18. Don’t forget: Taking a relevant class at the Gardens counts as continuing education hours for volunteers!
DECEMBER
YOGA IN THE GARDENS Thursdays, Dec. 5, 19, 26 and Jan. 2nd, 8-9AM
Start your day off on the right foot with weekly sessions of invigorating and centering yoga practice overlooking our
beautiful garden setting. Led by Laura Greenlaw, a certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each
one-hour class will include centering hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will
learn to create both flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience necessary. After class, take time to wander the Gardens (class price includes admission on each
class day). $40, $30 members
EXOTIC BEAUTIES: BUTTERFLIES FROM INDIA
TO AUSTRALIA with Elizabeth Willott Thursday, Dec. 5, 10:30AM-Noon
Join us as we explore the delights of these exotic butterflies. Check out the flamboyantly green, yellow, and black
Priamus birdwing males and their dull, but only in comparison to the male, yellow, black and white female
companions. Delight in the flagrantly artistic-looking lacewings which truly deserve their name. See the Blue
Mountain Swallowtails, whose vibrant blue makes the Blue Morphos look almost drab. These, plus many more, are the
butterflies we receive from the region of Indo-Australasia, which encompasses India south of the Himalayas, the
western coast of the countries to the east of the Indian Ocean, Australia, and some of the adjacent islands influenced by the Indian Ocean. $12, $7 members
POETRY IN THE GARDENS Saturdays, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 14, 10-11:30AM
At its core, poetry asks of us, “Who am I and how do I see myself in the larger context of the world?” In the second
season of this monthly series, docents from Tucson Botanical Gardens and the University of Arizona Poetry
Center invite you to explore connections between art, nature and humanity through informal poetry discussions.
In October, explore “found poetry” amid the whimsy of found objects in the Barrio Garden. In November, celebrate
the bounty of the season with food poetry in the Kitchen Courtyard Garden. And in December, fly away to other
worlds with sci-fi poetry and a visit to the Gardens’ new exhibit Alien Invasion of the Plant Kind.
Docents leading the discussion will provide participants with
a packet of poems. No prior knowledge of poetry is needed, but a pen and notebook are recommended.
Free with Gardens admission
BUTTERFLY FARMS/COSTA RICA
BUTTERFLIES Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7-8PM
Butterfly Curator, Elizabeth Willott, had the opportunity to visit suppliers in Costa Rica during the summer of
2013. This talk covers what she learned about the butterfly farms that supply us with such beautiful
butterflies and the impact of the farming on conservation and reforestation efforts in Costa Rica. You’ll learn about
the farm operations, see some of the scenery, and see the steps from Costa Rica to our exhibit.
$12, $7 members
ARIZONA’S DUCKS AND GEESE Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-8PM
Most people don’t think about ducks when they think about desert birds. But did you know that southern
Arizona is the winter home for thousands of ducks? This class will discuss the classification and identification of the
ducks and geese that can be found in winter in the Tucson area. Ducks include some of our most
interesting and colorful birds. So join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours for a look at another type of ‘snowbird.’
$17, $12 members
JANUARY, 2014
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
Thursday, Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30, 8-9AM Start your new year off on the right foot with weekly
sessions of invigorating and centering yoga practice overlooking our beautiful garden setting. Led by Laura
Greenlaw, a certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each one-hour class will include
centering hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will learn to create both
flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience necessary. After class, take time to wander
the Gardens (class price includes admission on each class day). $40, $30 members
EXOTIC BEAUTIES: BUTTERFLIES OF AFRICA
Wednesday, Jan 8, 3:30-5PM The African butterflies we receive include several species
of charaxes with their strong bodies and often strong patterns-i.e., the flame-bordered charaxes has a flame-
colored border. The patterns on the swallowtails are also amazing. We’ll explore what causes the patterns as well
as other characteristics of these butterflies. $12, $7 members
(classes, continued next page)
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5 5
—Winter 2013-2014 Seasonal Classes (con’t)—
Register on line at http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/education/adult-classes-trips/ or call 520-326-9686, ext. 18.
Payment must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop or trip. No refunds will be given if
cancellation is made within seven business days of a class. For questions, or to register by phone with a credit card, call
520-326-9686, ext. 18. Don’t forget: Taking a relevant class at the Gardens counts as continuing education hours for
volunteers!
JANUARY, 2014
INTRODUCTION TO BIRDING Thursday, Jan. 9, 6-8PM
Birding is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country. Tens of millions of people consider themselves
birders and the number is growing every year. Join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours for this friendly introduction to
the world of birding, as we discuss binoculars, field guides, birding hotspots, simple techniques to improve your skills,
bird sounds, and much more. Sign up for the Sweetwater Wetlands field trip on Jan. 10 and put your new skills into action! $17, $12 members
BIRDING AT SWEETWATER WETLANDS Friday, Jan. 10, 8-10AM
Sweetwater Wetlands is one of the finest urban birding spots in the country, home to thousands of wintering ducks and shorebirds, as well, as raptors, songbirds, and much
more. Join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours as we explore the ponds and basins of a gem of a birding spot. This class
is the field portion of the Introduction to Birding class, but is open to all. Birders will meet at Sweetwater Wetlands
and should dress for the weather, bring water and bring binoculars if you have them. $20, $15 members
THE WEIRD WORLD OF CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
Friday, Jan. 17, 3-4:30PM Step right up folks, and dare to learn the ways of plants that bite back! Over 600 kinds of plants can catch and digest
prey and some live right here in Arizona. Join Michael Chamberland, the Gardens Director of Horticulture, for an
overview of the world of carnivorous plants. Michael has been growing carnivores for 20 years and has visited many
of them in their boggy lairs. We’ll look at how they can snatch flies from the air and consider why they need to
feed. Michael will also give you tips on how to keep them happy and satisfied in cultivation. $14, $10 members
BUTTERFLY BASICS
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 4:30-6PM Join Elizabeth Willott, Curator of Butterfly Magic, for this
basic introduction to butterflies. She’ll show some great shots of butterflies from the Gardens and Butterfly Magic,
introduce you to butterfly biology and explore the inner workings of our tropical butterfly exhibit. Includes an after-
hours visit in the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion. $12, $7 members
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Saturday, Jan. 25, 9AM-4PM Learn how to map the natural story of the place where
you live. With guidance from Dan Dorsey of the non-profit Sonoran Permaculture Guild, you will create an exciting long-term plan for your sustainable home and
landscape – one that takes care of the people and the environment at the same time. We’ll show you how to
put together all the sustainable living strategies you may have heard about – rainwater harvesting, gardening, low-
water native plants, greywater recycling, and more – into a holistic and sustainable design that will save you money
on utility bills and create beautiful natural habitat. We will also practice the skills and strategies needed for effective
design, such as mapping the natural and human-made forces that affect a site and using simple elevation-finding
tools. Bring a sketch of the site or yard you want to design. $75, $65 members
FEBRUARY
YOGA IN THE GARDENS
Thursday, Feb. 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 8-9AM Start your day off on the right foot with weekly sessions
of invigorating and centering yoga practice overlooking our beautiful garden setting. Led by Laura Greenlaw, a
certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each one-hour class will include centering
hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will learn to create both flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience
necessary. After class, take time to wander the Gardens (class price includes admission on each class day).
$40, $30 members LANDSCAPE DESIGN USING NATIVE
GRASSES Saturday, Feb. 8, 10-11:30AM Please join multi award-winning landscape designer and
master of landscape architecture, Shelly Ann Abbott, MLA, for Landscape Design Using Native Grasses.
Designing for sustainable desert landscapes is one of the best ways to enjoy our Sonoran Desert. These types of
landscapes are very low water and provide beautiful color and interest year round. An important component of
sustainability for our region is sharing our landscapes with native wildlife. This can be done up close in your outdoor
living space using native grasses. $17, $12 members
4
5
—Winter 2013-2014 Seasonal Classes (con’t)—
Register on line at http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/education/adult-classes-trips/ or call 520-326-9686, ext. 18.
Payment must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop or trip. No refunds will be given if
cancellation is made within seven business days of a class. For questions, or to register by phone with a credit card, call
520-326-9686, ext. 18. Don’t forget: Taking a relevant class at the Gardens counts as continuing education hours
for volunteers!
FEBRUARY
EXOTIC BEAUTIES: BUTTERFLIES OF THE
SOUTHEAST ASIA Wednesday, Feb. 14, 5:30-6:30PM
We showcase the oriental in February. Among the butterflies we’ll explore will be the Atlas Moths that
live such short adult lives, the Mormon butterflies with their great diversity, and the deadleaf butterflies that camouflage so well. We’ll also visit some butterflies
common to Southeast Asia and Indo-Australasia, including revising lacewings. We’ll explore different
habitat requirements for butterflies. $12, $7 members
EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES: BUTTERFLY ROMANTICISM (min. age 17)
Friday, Feb. 14, 5:30-6:30PM Looking to take your date or yourself out for a
distinctive Valentines’ rather than the usual night of staying home and watch romantic movies? Join us for
a fun-filled evening as we explore the courting and mating behavior of butterflies and moths. We dim the
lights and start the music as you experience an unforgettable night. This could be the start to your memorable evening, not too late for dinner plans.
Price includes light refreshments and entrance to Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion after hours.
$22, $18 members Call to receive special pricing for two:
$40, $32 members
BUTTERFLY BASICS
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 4:30-6PM Join Elizabeth Willott, Curator of Butterfly Magic, for
this basic introduction to butterflies. She’ll show some great shots of butterflies from the Gardens and
Butterfly Magic, introduce you to butterfly biology and explore the inner workings of our tropical butterfly
exhibit. Includes an after-hours visit in the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion.
$12, $7 members
OWLS: RULERS OF THE NIGHT SKIES Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-8PM
Owls have captivated the imagination of mankind for centuries, symbolizing everything from evil and death to
wisdom and protection. In this class we dive into the classification, biology, and conservation of these
nocturnal birds. Can’t tell a Whiskered Screech-Owl from a Western Screech-Owl? We also learn the
identification of owls by sight and sound. Join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours for an in depth look at
these remarkable birds. $17, $12 members
LANDSCAPE PAINTING IN THE MANNER
OF JOHN SIGNER SARGENT Monday, Feb. 24 through Thursday, Feb. 27
10AM-4PM Watercolor artist Kath Macaulay is back and ready to
explore the method and the manner of the landscapes of American icon, John Singer Sargent. Working
indoors from photographs and outdoors in the Botanical Gardens grounds, participants utilize pencil
and/or dilute watercolor beginning by drawing only the essence of the landscape subject. The next step
involves intensifying the subject and adding darks to emphasize the light passages and hide distractions, also
employing opaque white and wax resist. Supply list will be provided. Register early, enrollment limited.
$260, $240 members
Purchase your tickets in
the Grove Shop,
between
9:30am-3:00pm
Drawing to be held on
December 18th, 2013.
Thank you for supporting Tucson Botanical Gardens!
THIS BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY CHAIR COULD BE YOURS FOR ONLY $10.00
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Friday, November 29th only!
Black Friday
SALE 20 %
off merchandise
-Discount taken at register.
-Excludes books, clearance and
consignment.
-May not be combined with
Gardens member Discount.
11/29/2013 only.
2150 North Alvernon Way
Tucson, Arizona 85712