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UW Botanic Gardens Newsletter, Vol 12 Issue 4, April 2016
April E-Flora: Urban Forest Symposium, Earth Day, BioBlitz and more!
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2016 Urban Forest Symposium: Sustaining the Urban Forest During Densification
Explosive population growth is underway in the Puget Sound Region. On Tuesday, May 17, the Urban Forest Symposium will explore approaches to sustaining the urban forest in the face of this rapid densification. Speakers will introduce the tenets of Smart Growth initiatives which have been widely adopted by policy makers, influencing land use decisions and the urban forest in Seattle and around the world. Case studies of successful approaches from Seattle and other cities will offer insights into ways to creatively address our local challenges. Read more and register.
Image credit: worldarchitecture.org
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Arboretum Loop Trail Construction is Underway
The Arboretum Loop Trail is a new 1.2-mile trail that will connect to Arboretum Drive, creating a 2.5-mile path through plants and trees from around the world - many of which are rare or threatened species. Once the trail is completed, visitors will have year-round access to once-hidden parts of the Arboretum and will be able to safely use the trail for a range of recreational activities. Learn more about the project, and sign up for e-mail updates at LoopTrail.seattle.gov.
Image credit: The Berger Partnership
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Celebrate Earth Day in the Washington Park Arboretum
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Join the Student Conservation Association and members of the Seattle community as we join together in service to give back to Washington Park Arboretum in celebration of Earth Day. Free lunch and t-shirts for the first 400 volunteers to register!
Saturday, April 23, 2016, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Washington Park Arboretum
Register to particiate: http://FindYourParkSCAseattle.eventbrite.com
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South Africa: Wildflowers & National Botanical Gardens Tour
Home to the world’s most diverse floristic kingdom, South Africa is a treat for garden enthusiasts. During
August and September, the Western and Southern Cape regions explode into a symphony of colors as abundant wildflowers blanket the landscape. From the scenic mountains of Springbok to exciting wildlife and some
of the country’s finest nature reserves, South Africa’s unique flora and natural habitats will take your breath away. Join UW Botanic Gardens Director, Dr. Sarah Reichard, for this exceptional tour.
Image credit: Chris Preen
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| Citizen Scientists and Families Unite at May 6-7 Bioblitz |
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A BioBlitz is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Groups of scientists, naturalists and community volunteers conduct an intensive field study over a continuous time period. Join us on May 6-7 as we look for bats, birds, insects, lichens, weeds, spiders, and mussels at the Washington Park Arboretum. Learn more and register.
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| April Plant Profile: Brassica oleracea |
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This time of year, you may notice your winter garden plants like kale, collards and cabbage start to elongate and produce new, small tender leaves and florets - soon-to-be flowers - also known as raab. Often green, yellow or purple, these clusters of flower buds emerge when the days get longer, and signify that your plants are preparing to go to seed. What you may not know is that those are edible, delicious and nutritious! Read on to find out about how the UW Farm is harvesting and using these greens and their tasty flower buds.
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| Glimpse into the Past - A Tale of Two Kames |
Almost no one is aware that the Washington Park Arboretum is the location of two kames. “Kames, what is that?” everyone asks. Wikipedia tells us that “a kame is a geomorphological feature, an irregularly shaped hill or mound composed of sand, gravel and till that accumulates in a depression on a retreating glacier.” Located just east of Lake Washington Boulevard E. and just north of the intersection with Boyer Avenue S., the two kames were given the names Honeysuckle Hill and Yew Hill. This month's "Glimpse" gives us an insight into the history of the two kames and the plant collections living there.
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We are delighted by the support of the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association's Scholarship & Research Charitable Fund, who recently awarded a grant to the Miller Library for reference materials, and scholarships to two of our students - Michael Bradshaw and Kelsey Taylor.
Ready for a family night hike? Park in the Dark Resumes in April. Check online for all the upcoming dates throughout the season.
Check out the latest personal profiles on our blog, and get to know our students, staff and volunteers!
While spring blooms are often big and bold, our horticulture staff celebrates the subtle side of spring.
Spaces are still available in spring family nature classes. Sign up today!
The programs of UW Botanic Gardens are supported in large part by private donations. Please consider supporting our work with a gift.
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