Dear Friends of the Arboretum,
Happy New Year! What a year it has been;
We had over four hundred thousand visitors in 2020, in spite of 50% parking restrictions in the spring and 75% capacity the balance of the year. The arboretum staff rose to the occasion, cleaning bathrooms every two hours, monitoring traffic at the gate, and practicing COVID protocols to keep visitors and staff safe. Amazingly, in addition to this, staff planted over three hundred trees and shrubs, maintained the gardens and walkways, and managed to restore the old kitchen in the Manor House. Of course, this would not be possible without our dedicated group of over one hundred thirty volunteers. We have been blessed that not a single arboretum staff member, or volunteer contracted the virus in 2020. I might add that our visitors by and large are very respectful, and appreciative of the arboretum, and this makes our job a little easier.
Recently, the arboretum suffered a very heavy loss when our volunteer archivist Maureen Burford passed away. Over the past four years Maureen and volunteer Christine Ayasse painstakingly organized, scanned and entered into a database thousands of documents and letters that never had been inventoried. Maureen seemingly memorized every record and was a virtual encyclopedia of every bit of Cutting history from the garden to the Manor House. Her uncanny ability to assimilate all of this information, and provide answers to all historical questions was truly amazing. We will miss her every day.
Looking forward to a better 2021 and lots of garden and house projects to share with you during the year. -Nelson Sterner, Executive Director
The Captivating Cones of Bayard Cutting Arboretum
The conifer cone is a perfect horticultural symbol for new beginnings and hope in the new year. Conifers are classified as angiosperms, not producing fruit or flowers. The female (pistallate) cones bear the seeds, which eventually develop into the next generation of trees. The male (staminate) cones produce the pollen that pollinates the female cones. These cones serve as the eggs that bear seed. Every genus of conifer is unique in the timing and specifics of this process. The cones differ greatly as well. Walking through the arboretum, you will find cones that differ in size , color, and shape. Pine cones hang downward, while fir cones stand straight up. Hemlock, arborvitae, and Cryptomeria all have tiny cones with distinctively different shapes.
Sciadopitys verticillata Picea torana Picea abies 'Pusch' (U-OP42) (U-0221) (2018-0087)
Most conifers are monoecious, possessing male and female cones on the same tree. Junipers and yews are an exception. They are dioecious having male and female cones on separate trees. These cones have evolved over many years to resemble berries that attract animals, which assist in pollination. The majority of conifers are primarily pollinated by wind. Have you ever accidentally bumped into a white pine during pollination? The cloud of yellow dust may have caused you to sneeze, but you also had the good fortune to witness this curious process first hand. Many wind pollinated conifers have evolved to have female cones at the top and male cones at the bottom of the tree. This increases the likelihood of cross pollination with other trees. . Picea abies 'Acrocona' Abies koreana (2016-0034) (2006-0001)
The female cones are the larger ornamental cones that we normally take notice of. They have become a staple of holiday decorating. My favorite cone at the arboretum is Picea abies 'Acrocona' (Acrocona Norway spruce) in the Conifer Garden. Nelson Sterner, Executive Director of the arboretum, has a special place in his heart for the cones of Abies homolepis (Nikko fir) and Abies koreana (Korean fir).
The botany of conifers is fascinating. Every part of the cone serves a purpose and every step of its evolution was for a reason. Please take a moment to observe this beauty and science on your next trip to Bayard Cutting Arboretum.
Have a coniferous New Year! -Kevin Wiecks, Landscape Curator (Photos by Heather Coste)
Looking Back at 2020
One of my favorite parts of December is creating and analyzing our annual statistics. Using mapping data, I can formulate all types of stats to help us understand the landscape, trends and our growing collection. Looking back at our 2020 figures, we have been busy! Our planting totals are comparative to the past 4 years despite the difficult challenges faced.
During 2020, we have planted 376 trees and shrubs. Diversity has grown significantly with 32 new species and 145 new cultivars. Picea, or spruce, was the most abundant genus with 33 additions. We also introduced 9 new types of trees, including a Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki, 2020-0353).
Understanding our diverse collection allows us to prepare for future plant selections. Our landscape curator has been consistently expanding our oak collection and this year has been no exception. Five new oak species can be found in Oak Park for a total of 32. Similarly, our Royce Rhododendron Collection gained 5 new species sourced from the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Washington.
The plant material added in 2020 came from all over the country. We purchased 45% from local, Long Island nurseries. Twenty percent of our plant material came from Iseli Nursery in Oregon in contribution with the American Conifer Society Grant. We also have been fortunate to receive plant material from Washington, Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut, California, Washington DC, and South Carolina.
Looking back at 2020, we all have moments we appreciate despite the hardships. It has been a joy to reflect on the past year and share our successes with others. The stats and figures are a reminder of everything we have accomplished. With pride in our work, we can look forward to the new year and sharing our love of nature with you.
-Joy Arden, GIS Specialist Check out our Interactive Tree Explorer
Winter Wonderland
Looking for something new and exciting to do this winter? Resist the urge to live like a hermit and get yourself outside. You will feel better for doing it. Why, we would even say it’s the perfect time to visit the Arboretum... far less crowded and full of new discoveries at every turn:
Turn your next walk into an opportunity to practice tranquility in nature. Think about the people, places and experiences that you’re grateful for as you explore the Arboretum grounds on a walk. The paths lead through woods, wetlands and the river as it meanders through a variety of the Arboretum’s gardens and collections.
Our Holly Walk, with the sun beating down from behind you, is a magnificent sight to witness. The berries glimmer and you have the feeling of being in an Ilex cornuta 'Burford Sport' enchanted garden. (1975-HC77)
Walk down to the farm and laugh at the chickens as they scurry about for their “treats”. Don’t forget to stop by the Hidden Oak café for that hot cup of cocoa.
A walk at the Arboretum is a perfect antidote to stress and distracted thinking while enjoying the gardens and the trickling of water in our streams. No matter how tightly scheduled you may be, take the time to enjoy life with your family in a beautiful outdoor setting.
-Lee Kennedy
Staff Photo of the Month
Patrick Hein, Grounds Supervisor
A stunning view during winter pruning, high up in a bucket truck. He captured a rare sight of the Manor House, Great Lawn, European Beech, and Connetquot River together.
Upcoming Event
Wild Heart Nature Connection Walk Date: Saturday, January 30th at 10:30 am Cost per person: $40 (50% going to BCA Natural Heritage Trust Fund) For more info and to sign up: Wild Heart Nature Connection Attendance is capped at 10. Masks required.
A Wellness Walk is a unique immersion in nature; a connection with the natural world and ourselves. Unlike a hike or a naturalist walk, it’s a time to slow down and get grounded in nature; bringing some peace and quiet to our otherwise busy lives.
The wellness benefits of Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing include: A boosted immune system Lower blood pressure Better sleep/Better mood Improved cognitive function and more!
Linda Lombardo is a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), and a certified Master Naturalist through Quality Parks on Long Island, NY. Helping Bayard Cutting Arboretum
DONATE HERE
Tax deductible donations can also be made by check payable to Natural Heritage Trust and mailed to Bayard Cutting Arboretum, PO Box 907, Great River, NY 11739